NICOLE PIPS HEATHER IN COUNTY JUNIOR FINAL

On Saturday, at Banister Park, it was an all Oakley Final in the County Women's Junior Singles as Nicole Rogers took on Heather Statham. Nicole stormed out of the blocks and for a long period it looked as if she would have a comfortable win as Heather struggled to find both line and length. With Nicole on 18 shots and Heather yet to get to double figures the game seemed done and dusted but a stirring fightback from Heather saw her claw her way into a 20-19 lead and as they played what was to be the last end it was anyone's game. With 2 bowls to play Nicole held one shot but for Heather she agonisingly ran through with her last bowl leaving Nicole needing to add another to win the game. This Nicole did with a toucher so retaining the Junior title for another year.

Shortly afterwards Nicole returned to the green endeavouring to win the Two Wood Singles title and return it to Oakley, Heather having lifted the title in 2017. Again Nicole made a quick start but neither player found any consistency and although Nicole led 13-9 she was never comfortable and when her opponent Sue Dadson from Southbourne lengthened the jack neither player got very close. Sue, however, as Nicole faded, got closer and won all the remaining ends to triumph 21-13.