EVEN SOUTH WEST TRAINS FAIL TO DERAIL OAKLEY
Oakley Bowling Club
With Nicole Rogers having to travel from Swindon to Southampton for this evening's County Triples Semi-Final there was concern when South West Trains cancelled services from Reading to Basingstoke which meant it would be very tight for her to arrive in time at Pirrie Park, Southampton. Kay Kerley was present as a possible substitute but her playing would have meant doubling the average age of the team!! Fortunately Nicole arrived in time and, against Romsey, Oakley stormed into an 8-1 lead after 5 ends. The next 5 ends were shared evenly with Oakley retaining their lead at 14-6. By 15 ends Oakley still had a 6 shot advantage but their supporters, remembering Oakley had led all the way in the Fours semi-final and then lost at the end, were concerned that, with the dew coming up and the green becoming slower, a similar situation might arise. A shot on the 16th end saw Oakley 7 up with 2 ends to play and although Romsey scored on the final two ends it was not enough to stop Oakley winning 17-15 and qualifying to represent Hampshire in the National Championships at Royal Leamington Spa. The Club's congratulations go to all three players who, with an average age of 18, must be one of the youngest teams to reach this stage in a National Championship.
Find Oakley Bowling Club
Oakley Bowling Club, Malshanger, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7EY