SECOND BEST IN THORNBERY

Oakley Ladies were, yesterday, second best when, at Hook, they played Cove in the Area Final of the Thornbery Trophy - the Women's County Club Championship. A win would have seen the Club into the semi-final for the first time in 25 years but, on the night, Cove were the superior side racing out to a lead of 16 shots after 9 ends. A 6 for Oakley sparked some hope and, for a short while the deficit was reduced to 8 shots, but gaining two scores of 4 in just three ends saw Cove back in the driving seat and they ran out comfortable 45-27 winners. Oakley scores: Mary Varndell, Shirley Ball, Ruth Bown and Alice Lovett lost 13-23; Diane Yarrall, Sue Dixon, Angie Rowe and Janie Vickers lost 14-22.