SO CLOSE IN THORNBERY TROPHY

Earlier in the season, Oakley Ladies had a convincing victory away against Fleet United in the Top Club competition so, with home advantage, were the favourites to make progress in the Thornbery Trophy - the Hampshire Ladies Club Trophy comprising two rinks. Switching to Oakley's much longer green seemed, however, not to faze the Fleet players and, after 6 ends, Oakley led by just 3 shots. By half way, Fleet had moved into a 2 shot lead. The lead changed frequently over the following ends but with two ends to play Oakley had sneaked into a 3 shot overall lead. Single scores on the penultimate end seemed to have got Oakley home but Fleet took the game to the wire scoring 4 shots on the final end leaving Oakley thankful for a 1 shot victory. Oakley Scores: Sue Dixon, Shirley Ball, Angie Rowe and Janie Vickers won 15-13; Mary Varndell, Laura Butler, Heather Statham and Ruth Bown lost 15-16.

Tomorrow night Oakley ladies play away to Yateley in the North Hants Gazette Cup.