AT LAST, A WIN AGAINST COVE

Tonight at the neutral green of Alton Social, Oakley Ladies took on Cove in the Hampshire semi-final of the National Top Club. Over recent years Cove have been very much Oakley's nemesis and having already lost this year to Cove in the Thornbery Trophy hopes were not high that Oakley could overturn a team, 7 of whose players have Johns Trophy experience. Oakley began well with Heather Statham taking an early lead in the singles and at 5 ends Oakley led 4-1 in the Pairs, 6-2 in the Triples and 5-4 in the Fours. In the Thornbery, Oakley had a disastrous period between 5 and 10 ends but on this occasion they held their own and at 10 ends Oakley still led in all four disciplines. Heather claimed the first point with a win over Jan Allen in the Singles but in the other games Cove were closing the gap. In the Pairs Cove recovered from 11-3 down to tie the score at 12-12 in just 4 ends. In the Triples Cove had moved 3 shots ahead with 2 ends to play and in the Fours the Oakley lead was just 3 shots with 2 ends to play. It was essential that Oakley picked up a further point from one of these games. Heather's convincing win in the Singles gave Oakley confidence that if the match was tied 2-2 they would snatch the game on the aggregate score but in the event the aggregate score did not come into play. The triples were next to finish and with the scores tied it was 0.5 points each and when the Fours also came home with a point the match was conceded by Cove with Oakley winning by 3.5 points to 0.5 points. Oakley scores: Heather Statham won 21-11; Laura Butler and Val Ryan won 18-12; Janie Vickers, Angie Rowe and Alice Lovett drew 14-14; Mary Varndell, Christine Williams, Sue Dixon and Ruth Bown won 16-12.

Well done Ladies and good luck in the County Final against Southbourne.