A DISAPPOINTING DAY FOR OAKLEY PLAYERS

Oakley's hopes of qualifying for the semi-final of the County Mixed Top Club competition were dashed this morning as we failed to overcome an under strength Cove team. Cove had three players representing Hampshire in the Balcomb Trophy at Leamington whilst Oakley had one and were also missing Ashley Nethercliffe. Oakley, however, did not take advantage as our players struggled to cope with the tricky Howard Park rinks. When both singles players went down to defeat and with the Fours being well beaten, it was only a matter of time before we had to concede and eventually Oakley went down to a 4-1 defeat. Victory would have given us a major problem with many players unavailable for the next round but we had to try and our best wishes go to Cove for the next game. Our thanks go to the 15 or so members who came along to support. Oakley scores: Alice Lovett lost 14-21; Ric Newson lost 15-21; Mary Varndell and Sean Lassman won 14-11; Leigh Allen, Ruth Bown and Nick Hardy lost 10-13; Steve Devonish, Sue Dixon, Janie Vickers and Bob Goodyear lost 14-24.

Meanwhile at Leamington (see pictures), Jason Rogers was representing Hampshire in the Balcomb Trophy, the inter county men's double rink championshp. Leading for Cove's Leo May, Jason made a big contribution as both Hampshire rinks overcame Somerset in the semi-final. The afternoon final against Northamptonshire was a closely fought match with Hampshire losing on the final end. It was a disappointing result for Hampshire and for Jason but, having joined the Club, only in April, he should be proud of what he has achieved in a short time.