TWO DISTRICT TITLES FOR OAKLEY MEN

This weekend saw the Basingstoke and District Finals taking place at Alton Social. On Saturday morning three times former winner Terry Heath having found a new younger model skip in Ashley Nethercliffe took on A Fisher and Martin Cooper of Kingsclere. Oakley probably began as favourites and when they led 12-4 after 11 ends it looked as if they might cruise home. Kingsclere, however, had other ideas and after 19 ends the Oakley lead was just 16-12. A five on the 20th end was good enough to see Oakley home as the pair clinched the Club's eighth win in this event. Saturday afternoon was not so successful. For Richard Startin and Keith Bringes it was their first District Final and joined by Jim Dixon, they faced a difficult task against the experienced Alton Triple of Bernard Abate, Paul Schofield and John Blair in the District Two Wood Triples. Oakley were not overawed and took an early two shot lead but Alton gradually eased ahead and though Oakley stayed in contention throughout the game they eventually lost 12-18. The final event was the Champion of Champions where Ric Newson took on Paul Schofield. The game was close throughout with the lead changing hands on 9 occasions and never more than three shots between the players. When Paul scored a three to lead 20-18 it looked as if Ric was in trouble but three successive singles saw him home to a 21-20 victory as he became only the third Oakley player to lift the title.