WINNING EVENING FOR SOME

Last evening 29 members travelled to Newbury for a night at the races, superbly organised by Di Yarrall. Leaving Oakley in two minibuses at 4.15 pm we arrived in plenty of time for the first of eight races and even with the last one not starting until 9 pm most of us were back home soon after 10 pm, although one member, who had left his keys in the house, got in rather later after having difficulties in locating a holder of his replacement key. Still he did have the consolation of some big wins on the horses.

Also celebrating were the 8 ladies from Oakley who travelled to Fleet United for the Club's first match in the 2023 Thornbery Trophy (the County Double Rink competition). On Fleet's short green, Oakley made a slow start. After 10 ends Oakley were trailing 14-20 and when Fleet extended their lead to 11 shots a convincing defeat seemed likely. Ends 14 to 16 were however to prove critical as Janie Vickers rink, which was struggling, picked up 8 unanswered shots and the match began to swing Oakley's way. The aggregate scores were tied at 18 ends and Oakley dominated the closing ends, winning eventually by 42 shots to 33. Oakley scores: Jo Holland, Sandra Lee, Angie Rowe and Janie Vickers lost 19-20; Shirley Ball, Laura Butler, Val Ryan and Claire Flannigan won 23-13.