ALICE LIFTS COUNTY TITLE IN GOOD DAY FOR OAKLEY JUNIORS

This afternoon at Banister Park, Alice Lovett ensured Oakley, for the sixth successive year, would have representation at the National Championships at Leamington when she lifted the County Women's Junior title. Having recordrd two comfortable 21-5 wins in earlier rounds, Alice found herself in a repeat of last year's final as she came up against Molly Firth of Milton Park Ladies, the winner of the 2021 title. In the semi final, Molly had bowled superbly to defeat, comprehensively, Heather Statham 21-4. Alice made a steady start leading 3-1 but dropped a 4 on the 4th end and after 12 ends trailled 8-12. Scores of 2 and 3 helped Alice to a 14-13 lead but 7 shots for Molly in the next 4 ends left Alice 15-20 down and her supporters fearing she was destined to finish runner up for the second successive year. Alice, however, dug deep, winning the next 4 ends to secure a 21-20 victory. Congratulations to both players on giving the spectators a thrilling final.

Whilst all this was going on Ashley Nethercliffe was striving to qualify for Leamington in the Men's Junior event. With a much larger field, Ashley, unfortunately for him, drew the only game in the preliminary round so he faced a long day. Two victories in close games saw Ashley into the quarter final where, after a long and high standard game, he overcame Basingstoke Town's Zac Miller to ensure he is now only a win away from Leamington. Because Ashley had already played three matches and had not had a proper break or time for food it was agreed that both semi finals will be played at a later date.