THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR OAKLEY

After two defeats in three days in team competitions, Oakley began the Area semi-final of the County Mixed Top Club competition with some concerns, despite their team being much more experienced than their opponents from Howard Park. Initially these concerns seem unfounded as, after 7 ends, Oakley led 10-1 and 8-4 in the two Singles events, 14-4 in the Pairs and 13-6 in the Triples with the Fours trailing just 4-7. The first of the five points went to Oakley with Ashley Nethercliffe having a comfortable Men's Singles win but, the Ladies event was much closer with Alice Lovett, struggling to overcome a dogged opponent, trailing 12-16 and dropping a 3 on the 21st end to go behind again 19-20. However, Alice held her nerve to run out a 21-20 victor. This second point virtually guarenteed Oakley victory as by now the Triples had established a commanding lead and, although Howard Park had come back well in the Pairs and had a commanding lead in the Fours, it was unlikely they could pick up 3 points from the remaining disciplines. So it proved as, despite dropping a 4 on the 17th end, the Triples went on to win and the match was conceded. A good comeback by the Howard Park Pairs was all in vain but, had the Ladies Singles gone the other way, it might have been a nervy ending. Oakley will now play Cove in the Area Final at Alton Social at 10 am next Sunday. Oakley scores: Ashley Nethercliffe won 21-7; Alice Lovett won 21-20; Leigh Allen, Ruth Bown and Nick Hardy won 27-18; Mary Varndell and Ric Newson were leading 15-14 (after 16 ends) and Steve Devonish, Sue Dixon, Janie Vickers and Graham Tompkins were losing 8 -25 (after 17 ends) when Howard Park conceded.