ONE GAME FROM LEAMINGTON

Congratulations to the Oakley Senior Four of Ric Newson, Spencer Kerley, Bob Goodyear and Fred Norris who, today, at Banister Park Southampton reached the County Final of the new Bowls England competition - the Senior Fours. The morning session began badly as they struggled to find line and length on a windy and heavy green and soon Oakley were 1-9 down. The team, however, stayed positive and by half way they were back in contention and by 13 ends had moved into a 15-10 lead. A great take out from Fred Norris on the 16th end saw Oakley surge into a 21-11 lead but the game was not over as Fordingbridge scored three successive twos to move back into contention. A two on the 20th end settled Oakley's nerves and eventually they won 23-19.

The afternoon was a different story . Because of catering delays, the Oakley rink went onto a much faster green for the semi final having to eat as they played. This was no handicap. Ric Newson at lead was in inspired form ( perhaps because by now he had had a Fosters!) and, with the rest of the rink backing him up well, Oakley after 7 ends led 16-0 against the Portsmouth Alexandra rink of Steve Fielder . Bowling well, such rubs as there were went Oakley's way and with Oakley with a lead of 25-5 at 17 ends Alexandra conceded the game.

The County Final will be played at Banister Park on the 12th July at 6 pm against a star studded Fleming Park rink. Sadly, unlike the other Championships where two sides qualify for the National Championships at Leamington, only one side goes through in the Senior Fours. We naturally wish the Four good luck in the Final.