YOUNG FOUR REACH NATIONAL FINALS

After the disappointment of missing out on a place at Leamington by losing narrowly in the semi finals of the County Fours, the Oakley rink of Nicole Rogers, Lorna Devonish, Heather Statham and Alice Lovett had this evening a second chance to qualify in this event where Hampshire, because of the numbers of their entries, are allowed three representatives at the Nationals. Playing at Banister Park against the Cove rink of Jan Allen, Karen Cranham, Donna Taylor and Sarah Bowen it was expected to be a close game. After 5 ends Cove led 4-3 and at 10 ends Oakley led 10-8 increasing the lead slightly to 4 shots by 15 ends. The next three ends were all singles with Oakley gaining two of them. For the Oakley supporters it was now a nervous time ,as a four on the 19th end had been the team's undoing in the semi final. This evening, however, there were no mistakes and going into the last end Oakley led by 6 running out eventually 20-15 winners. The Club's congratulations go to all four players who, with an average age of 18 must surely be one of the youngest rinks to reach the National Finals.