OAKLEY BECOME COUNTY MIXED TOP CLUB CHAMPIONS

Today's semi- finals and final of the County Mixed Top Club saw Oakley taking on Fareham in a repeat of the 2022 semi final whilst previous winners Boscombe Cliff took on Follands who had reached this stage for the first time. Oakley made a good start with Martin Vickers and Mary Varndell having comfortable wins in the singles disciplines but the triple of Sue Dixon, Spencer Kerley and Steve Devonish and the pairs of Janie Vickers and Sean Lassman both went down to defeat, so the scores were tied at 2-2. Fortunately, however, for Oakley the four of Christine Williams, Angie Rowe, Rolf Denny and Ric Newson had an 8 shot lead going into the final end leading to Oakley winning overall by 3 disciplines to 2. In the Final against Boscombe Cliff, Oakley again took both singles disciplines but, for most of the match, Boscome Cliff were leading in the other 3 disciplines. Boscome Cliff won comfortably both the triple and fours and leading 16-13 in the pairs they looked on course to take the title. Somehow, however, Janie and Sean conjured up a score and went into the last end two shots up. Could they hold on? Both sides and the spectators held their breath, it went to the wire. As the last bowl was delivered Boscome needed it to count to take the match to an extra end. It was just short. Oakley are the 2026 County Mixed Top Club Champions.

The club's congratulations go to all 11 players, our reserves and to Laura Butler, Bob Goodyear and Graham Tompkins who made important contributions in earlier rounds in what has been a fine team effort. Our commiserations and thanks go to our opponents. Both games were played in a sporting manner and both could have gone either way. Thank you also to President Diane and our supporters. It was an enjoyable day we shall not forget.