BAD MORNING AT MALSHANGER

On a bright sunny morning, Oakley's men had a disappointing result in their game against Old Basing in the National Top Club competition, even the presence of a Bowls England Director failing to ignite them. In the Two Wood Singles Sean Lassman after leading 8-7 at 12 ends against Roger Banister succumbed to defeat and in the 4 Wood Terry Heath struggled against Matthew Rixson and found himself 11-20 down. Taking the mat up the green Terry came back into the game but he had left himself too much to do so both Singles points went to the visitors. In the 3 Bowl Pairs, played over 18 ends, Leigh Allen and Nick Hardy were always in control and in the 2 Bowl Triples, after a shaky start, the Bob Goodyear trio also won. The crucial game, however, was the Fours where the rink skipped by Fred Norris trailed 2-9 after 7 of the 15 ends. Oakley recovered well to lead 12-10 and with one Old Basing bowl to come on the penultimate end it looked as if the match would be decided on a shoot out on the 15th and last end. Martin Cullis, the Basing skip had other ideas and taking out the Oakley shot to score a 4, he made it almost impossible for Oakley to win the match. Oakley were unable to pick up the necessary 5 on the last end and the spoils went to Old Basing by 3 points to 2.

Oakley scores: Sean Lassman lost 9-15, Terry Heath lost 17-21, Leigh Allen and Nick Hardy won 16-8, Steve Devonish, Malcolm Grime and Bob Goodyear won 14-10, Jim Dixon,Ted brown, Spencer Kerley and Fred Norris lost 14-20.