LADIES BOW OUT OF TOP CLUB

As anticipated, Oakley's Ladies found it hard work today as they took on the Appleyard Galacticos in the quarter final of the National Top Club Competition. With 5 internationals and at least one junior international in their side, Appleyard were formidable opponents but in the early stages Oakley held their own, leading for a short time in three of the four disciplines. Gradually, however, the experience and skill of our opponents began to show and by half way victory looked unlikely even though Alice had a narrow lead in the singles and the Triples was close. At 19-19 Alice held shot only for her opponent, England international Emily Ferguson, to remove the shot and claim the first point. To win, Oakley needed to win the remaining three disciplines and as Oakley trailed in all three this was improbable so the match was conceded to Appleyard. It had been a great experience, for the Oakley players, only three of whom had previously played on the hallowed greens at Leamington and they can be very proud of their performance.

Oakley Scores: Alice Lovett lost 19-21, Laura Butler and Val Ryan lost 10-26, Lesley Dumelow, Lorna Devonish and Janie Vickers lost 17-18, Diane Yarrall, Christine Williams, Sue Dixon and Ruth Bown lost 6-13