DOUBLE DELIGHT

This evening at Banister Park, Oakley's Nicole Rogers and Heather Statham took on Basingstoke Town's Lorna Devonish and Alice Lovett in the County Final of the Women's Junior Pairs. The more exprerienced Oakley pair probably began as favourites but it was the Town that shot out of the blocks running up a 7-2 lead. Oakley fought back to tie the game at 10-10 but when Town, in the space of 2 ends, moved into a 15-10 lead Oakley's supporters feared the worst. A five saw Oakley back in contention but Town won the next end to take a one shot lead. Oakley bowled exceptionally well next end but a brilliant bowl from 13 year old Alice, one of many she bowled, retrieved the situation and with 3 ends to go Oakley trailed by 2. A single and a critical three saw Oakley take the lead for the first time in the game and when on the last end Nicole clustered three bowls around the jack it looked all over. Yet again, however, Alice responded but although she cut down the score she was unable to turn around the game and Oakley won 20-17. The Club's congratulations go to Heather and Nicole, who have both qualified for Leamington in two events but it was the game of bowls that won tonight. All 4 players produced a game of an exceptional quality, that enthralled the spectators. On this occasion it was unfortunate that any player had to be on the losing side.

From an Oakley perspective the day had also begun brightly. Mary Varndell, Nicole, Ashley Nethercliffe and Fred Norris travelled to Moneyfields in Portsmouth to play the Hampshire and Isle of Wight semi-final of the National Mixed Fours. The opposition comprised two ladies from Moneytfields and two men from Southsea Waverley but, although the game was registered to Moneyfields, no one thought to inform the team the match was being played on the short green at Waverley. Oakley were, therefore, late in arriving but the confusion seemed to have little effect on Oakley who led throughout the game and, with the occasional piece of good fortune, won 23-14 with an end to spare. Oakley will now play away to Banister Park or Boscombe Cliff for a place at Leamington.