GOOD DAY FOR OAKLEY BOWLERS

Oakley players were today representing Hampshire in both the Men's double rink (The Balcomb Trophy) and the Women's Under 31 double rink (The Amy Rose Trophy). The morning results were excellent. At Bromley, Jason Rogers, leading for Cove's Leo May helped Hampshire to a 44-32 win over Surrey. Meantime, at Ilminster, Lorna Devonish, Heather Statham and Alice Lovett were playing together with Molly Firth of Milton Park Ladies and their victory helped Hampshire to victory over Wiltshire for their first win in the event for many years. The afternoon saw Jason again on a winning rink as Hampshire beat Oxfordshire 44-21 to qualify for the National semi-finals to be held at Royal Leamington Spa. At Ilmister, Hampshire found themselves up against Somerset, the 2019 runners up and four times Amy Rose finalists in the last five years. It was always going to be a tough task and even though Somerset were missing a couple of stars they still had England international Kirsty Hembrow skipping against the rink containing the three Oakley girls. Hampshire's cause was not helped by one of the players being taken ill and having to be replaced during the match. Even so Somerset proved much the stronger side and team manager Maxeen Fletcher, in searing heat conceded the game at 15 ends. At that stage Alice's rink was leading 16-10 so they can be well pleased with their performance. Congratulations go to all our players and thanks go to the supporters. It was particularly pleasing to see former Oakley player Nicole Rogers there watching her former Oakley team mates.