HISTORY MADE BY OAKLEY LADIES

This morning at Banister Park, Sue Dixon and Janie Vickers became the first Oakley players to compete in the semi final of the County's Golden Girls event - a competition for those over the age of 70. They made a good start against Barbara Roles and Jenny Hurrell of Moordown leading 5-2 after 5 ends. A score of 5 helped them out to a 12-2 lead at 8 ends and by 14 ends the lead had been extended to 17-8. A dropped 4 on the next end caused some concern but Oakley went into the last end with a 6 shot cushion and eventually won 19-15.

After a short lunch break, Oakley took to the green again, against Joan Dawkins and Elaine Bennett of Lee-on-the-Solent. Again Oakley made a solid start and led 8-2 after 5 ends and 12-7 at 10. The game was, however, tighter than the scoreline suggested with the Lee skip having misfortune on a couple of occasions. Oakley led 15-9 but the momentum seemed to have changed as Lee picked up a 2 and a 4 to tie the match at 15-15 with 2 ends to play. The 17th end was close and decided only when, with the last bowl, Janie trailed the jack to pick up a 4. This should have settled the Oakley supporters nerves but the game was far from won and with Oakley getting only one bowl in the head, the Lee skip, with her last bowl, went for a take out to give her 5 shots and the win. She was on line and as her bowl reached the head it looked as if Oakley had let the title slip from the grasp. She connected with the Oakley bowl but fortunately with not quite enough pace and Oakley had won.

The Club's congratulations go to Sue and Janie not only for bringing the title to Oakley for the first time but by ensuring that over the years Oakley has now lifted every one of the women's trophies played for under the auspices of Bowls Hampshire. It is understood no other Club has achieved this.