MIXED TOP CLUB AND ROYAL HOUSEHOLD

The day began at 9.30 am with a party of 35 members departing by coach for our visit to the Royal Household. At the same time our Mixed Top Club Team was preparing itself for the expected close match against local rivals Howard Park to secure a place in the County Quarter Finals. Close it was. Park secured the first point with a win in the Ladies Singles, but Oakley hit back to win the Men's event. By now it was clear the match would go to the wire. Early leads for Park in the remaining three disciplines had disappeared and it was too close to call. Oakley picked up the next point, having come back from a 10-3 deficit to win the Triples and in an exciting finale the match was won for Oakley when, on the last end of the Fours, Graham Tompkins turned the game in Oakley's favour to give us a 3-2 victory. Congratulations Oakley and well played both teams.

Oakley scores: Martin Vickers won 21-16; Laura Butler lost 21-12; Janie Vickers and Sean Lassman lost 13-14; Mary Varndell, Bob Goodyear and Steve Devonish won 14-11; Sue Dixon, Angie Rowe, Ric Newson and Graham Tompkins won 15-13-.

News of the win soon reached us as we wandered around Windsor before entering the Great Park for our match. It did not, however, seem to inspire us. The quality of the bowling and its closeness did not quite match what had gone before. We lost by 114 shots to 85 but we thoroughly enjoyed the game and it was good to see our coach driver Joseph turning out, once again in Oakley colours.

As usual the bowlers of the Royal Household were excellent hosts and the after match buffet was of the high standard we have come to expect when visiting the Household. A good day was had by all and thanks to President Di and acting Captain John for their organisation.