NICOLE WINS COUNTY JUNIOR SINGLES TITLE

Today at Banister Park there was some excellent bowling as the Hampshire juniors of both genders competed for the two prized places at the National Championships at Leamington. In the Men's event Ashley Nethercliffe was involved in a high class quarter final against current England Junior International and Middleton Cup lead Louis McCubbin but in a close fought game Ashley lost narrowly by 18-21. Meanwhile Heather Statham and Nicole Rogers were having a titanic struggle in the Ladies' semi. The scores were locked at 4-4, 8-8 and 12-12 and when Nicole picked up 5 straight shots it looked as if she would then ease home. Heather, however, is made of stern stuff and fought back to trail 17-19 before Nicole picked up the two shots necessary to make the Final. In the Final itself Nicole roared into a 10-0 lead against Anna Redman and, although Anna hit back with a two, Nicole was, by now, in complete control and took the County crown by 21 shots to 4. Shortly afterwards the heavens opened and play in the remaining Men's semi-final had to be abandoned. Let us hope Nicole and Anna will have better weather when they represent Bowls Hampshire at Royal Leamington Spa on Monday 8th August.