JUNIOR JAMBOREE
Oakley Bowling Club
This morning four Oakley juniors struggled through the gridlock in Southampon (caused by the M27 closure) to participate in the Bowls Hampshire Junior Singles Championships. In the Women's event, Alice Lovett had a comfortable win in her first game and as she was due to play Nicole Rogers in one semi-final this ensured at least one Oakley player would make the Final and thus represent Hampshire at the Nationals. Their game was tight for a long time but with Alice leading 11-9, the more experienced Nicole moved up a gear and moved into the Final where shortly afterwards she was joined by Heather Statham who had a comfortable win over her less experienced opponent from Milton Park Ladies. The Final in September will, therefore, be an all Oakley affair as it was in 2018.
Meantime Ashley Nethercliffe, having won his first game, was involved in a titanic struggle with the 2017 Champion and regular Middleton Cup player Cove's Daniel Taylor. For much of the game there was little to choose between the players but gradually Ashley took control and eventually with a three he clinched his place in the semi final. By now, even in the hot and humid conditions, Ashley was on fire and he moved into the Final with a comfortable win over his 11 year old opponent Liam May who had played so well to reach this stage. In the September Final Ashley will play Danny Smith, the reigning champion who also won against a much less experienced opponent in Alton Social's Reece Graham (with competitors ranging in age from 10-24 it can be difficult for the younger players but they all acquitted themselves well and showed great promise).
So three of the four County Finalists will be from Oakley. We wish all three and Danny good luck when they represent Hampshire in August at the National Championships.
Find Oakley Bowling Club
Oakley Bowling Club, Malshanger, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7EY