OAKLEY'S NEW SEASON STARTS WITH NEW SHIRTS

The work for the preparation of the green and surrounds was completed by the green team and other volunteers on Friday and the green cut on Saturday morning. All was ready for the Opening Spoon Drive at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

As might have been expected, especially after such a glorious week of weather and with the bowls season starting, light rain began to fall at 2pm. However, by the time everything was ready to start at a slightly late 3.15pm, the rain had stopped and the 46 that had turned up to play, were able to get on the green.

Everything looked rather different this year with the majority of the players wearing the new club shirt. These looked very smart. The green itself was still quite heavy and so short jacks were played but some very competitive bowls ensued. In total 12 ends were played with a very welcome cup of tea being provided at the interval.

A further 19 members came up to the green during the afternoon, making a total attendance of 65 – one of the best attended opening days for a number of years.

The spoon drive was won by Ted Trantum for the men and there was a draw for the women between Pat Goodall and Sue Dixon.