THE DROUGHT CONTINUES

Oakley's disappointments in competitions continued this evening when Janie Vickers and Ruth Bown took on Cove in the Area Finals of the County Pairs played at Whitchurch. The first four ends were shared but by 11 ends Cove had built a 7 shot lead. Oakley rallied and by 14 ends the deficit was only one shot. Despite then dropping a four Oakley came again and as the last end commenced Oakley trailled by just one shot. Holding the two necessary for a win, hopes were raised but a fortunate rub for their opponents meant that, once again, Oakley bowed out to Cove in an Area Final.

Things went no better for the Men in the Hants and Berks Cup playing against Alton Social at Alton Social. The game was close throughout and at 5 ends Oakley trailed by 4 shots, though by 10 ends the deficit had increased to 10 shots. By 15 ends there were only 3 shots separating the teams. The final ends were not, however, good news as Spencer Kerley's rink dropped a net 7 shots and, try as they did, the other two rinks were unable to compensate with Oakley finally losing 49-58. Scores: Ashley Nethercliffe, Brian Nethercliffe, Sean Lassman and Ted Brown won 20-18; Martin Smith, Malcolm Grime, Trevor Wearn and Fred Norris lost 17-21 and Ric Newson, Barry Lee, Dave Harrison and Spencer Kerley lost 12-19