JUNIORS DO CLUB PROUD
Oakley Bowling Club
Today at Banister Park, the Oakley rink of Nicole Rogers, Lorna Devonish, Heather Statham and Alice Lovett came so so close to qualifying for the National Championships at Leamington. Oakley took an early 4-3 lead against the Waterside rink skipped by current Johns Trophy skip Janet Ballard and although by 8 ends they trailed 4-7, they had by 15 ends crept into a 12-11 lead. Then a fine four on the 17th end saw them take a six shot lead which they still held with 2 ends to play. A dropped three on the 20th end did not, however, faze the girls and they moved serenely into the County semi final.
The afternoon session was equally difficult, playing against a Swanmore rink who between them had played almost 100 times for Hampshire in the Johns Trophy. Again the girls raised their game and when they shot into a 11-2 lead, hopes were high that they might hold on to the lead and make it through. Swanmore, however, on winning the next end took the mat up the green and end by end pulled back the deficit. Over the next seven ends, Oakley conceded just eight shots but regaining control of the jack Oakley were 14-10 up and still led 16-14 with just 2 ends to go. Sadly a Swanmore four on the penultimate end left Oakley with a need to score three on the last end and although Alice came desparately close with the last bowl it was not to be. It will be no consolation to the team that everyone present and particularly their opponents were full of praise for their performance and the attitude they displayed. What hopefully will, however, please them is the news that in this event Hampshire is allowed three qualifiers for the Nationals. They will, therefore have another chance in the 3rd place play-off.
Find Oakley Bowling Club
Oakley Bowling Club, Malshanger, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7EY