FRIENDS OF ENGLISH BOWLING AT OAKLEY
Oakley Bowling Club
The brilliant hot weather of recent weeks decided to disappear today as Oakley Bowling Club hosted the Friends of English Bowling as part of the Club's 40th Anniversary Celebrations. Nonetheless it was still warm and dry as we welcomed, through our brand new gates installed the previous day, a team drawn from 10 counties which included both the Senior and Junior Vice President of Bowls England. We tried to soften up the visitors by giving them tea and coffee and pastries on arrival and this was followed by a Buffet Lunch. Once on the green, however, the experienced Friends team showed little signs of having over indulged and soon they were comfortably ahead on 5 of the 6 rinks. Somewhat surprisingly, Oakley came back into the game and, with 5 rinks finished, Oakley trailed overall by just 4 shots, thanks largely to a big win by the four of Sue Dixon, Angi Smith (in her first season of bowls), Jim Fitzgerald and Ric Newon. The last bowl of the final end of the game was Duncan Wilkins to deliver and 2 down on the end he trailled the jack to score a 4 and tie the game at 117-117
Following the game we were treated to an excellent three course meal, after which Vice President Lesley Allard welcomed the guests and paid tribute to all those who, over the years had contributed so much to making Oakley the excellent club it is. Responding the Friends Captain of the Day, Graham Annetts, also paid tribute to the club and, as had Lesley, he thanked the Greens Team, the Catering Team, led by Sandra Lee, and barman Martin for all their efforts which had contributed to a highly enjoyable afternoon.
Find Oakley Bowling Club
Oakley Bowling Club, Malshanger, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7EY