MIXED FORTUNES IN AREA FINALS

There were mixed fortunes for Oakley teams in tonight's Area FInals. The Men's rink of Steve Devonish, Spencer Kerley, Sean Lassman and Fred Norris were at Farnborough engaged in a high quality match against Alton where, with all 8 players playing well, the ends were fiercely contested with the scores level 9-9 at 9 ends and 12-12 at 14 ends. Oakley momentatily moved ahead at 15 ends but by the last end Alton held a three shot lead and the game seemed over with Alton holding a front toucher. A fine bowl by Fred Norris, one of many he bowled, created a position where, if he could with his last bowl remove the nearest Alton bowl, Oakley would have the four to win and as David Sims, the Alton skip delivered his first bowl he was heavy and on line to take out his own bowl. Fortune favoured him and as he flew through he had an edge on the bowl pushing it behind the jack and making it impossible for Fred to score the three needed so Oakley lost 18-20. Fine Margins indeed but best wishes to Alton when they play in the County Last Eights on Sunday.

There were no such late dramas in the Women's Triples Area Finals played at Alton Social. Three of the Oakley juniors Nicole Rogers, Heather Statham and Alice Lovett were up against a highly experienced Cove triple containing three Johns Trophy badged players and skipped by Sarah Bowen. Cove undoubtedly began as favourites. The scores were tied at 3-3 after 5 ends and although Oakley led 9-5 at 10 ends it looked as if it would be a tight finish. A purple patch on the next 5 ends saw Oakley score 8 shots to their opponents one and the game was finally conceded by Cove after 17 ends. Congratulations to the Oakley team and good luck in the County quarter finals.