OAKLEY vs GOSPORT IN NATIONAL TWO RINK
Oakley Bowling Club
It was, this morning, a long early journey to Gosport for Oakley's men as they looked to make further progress in the National Two Rink Competition. From the previous game, skip Fred Norris and Terry Heath were unavailable, so a reshuffling of the side was necessary with the final playing positions only being decided just before the game began. Oakley made a good start and, with Ashley Nethercliffe's rink going well, a 4 shot lead had been established by 5 ends. This, however, soon disappeared and after 10 ends Gosport were ahead by 5. The pattern of the game was now clear. Both teams had a rink winning well and when Ashley Nethercliffe played a fine take out shot to score 6 it looked as if Oakley were overall in the ascendancy. Ashley's "younger" rink (not sure how Mr Kerley kept up) were playing much faster than Ted Brown's and, when they finished 15 shots up, Ted had three ends still to play and Oakley's overall lead was down to just 2 shots. A nerve racking ending saw Oakley score 3 on the next two ends and Ted successfully guided his team through the last end, dropping 3 shots but ensuring an overall Oakley win by 2 shots. In the next round Oakley will be at home to Leigh Park or Southsea Waverley.
Oakley scores: Steve Devonish, Malcolm Grime, Sean Lassman and Ted Brown lost 12-25; Ric Newson, Darren Hyde, Spencer Kerley and Ashley Nethercliffe won 27-12
Find Oakley Bowling Club
Oakley Bowling Club, Malshanger, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7EY