CLOSE RUN IN COUNTY MIXED TOP CLUB

After first round exits in the National team events, Oakley finally managed a win in the County Mixed Top Club but it was so so close. Because there are only four rinks at Petersfield, the men's singles could not begin until one of the other 4 disciplines had completed their match and with the triples having a disastrous start and with the fours and the ladies singles both losing, it looked, for a long time, as if Petersfield would collect the necessary 3 points to win the match without the men's singles having to be played. However, the first point went to Oakley as Laura Butler came from behind to win her singles. The triples lost and with the points now shared at 1-1, Petersfied snatched the fours point leaving our pairs needing to win an extra end to keep Oakley in the match. The pairs did what was needed, so all eyes were now on the men's singles. This was a tight fought match but with the scores tied at 17-17 Martin Vickers picked up 4 shots to give Oakley the point needed for a 3-2 win. Congratulations to everyone but a special mention for Laura, who, on a very hot morning, not only played the singles but stood in a marker for the men's event.

Oakley scores: Laura Butler won 21-16; Martin Vickers won 21-17; Janie Vickers and Sean Lassman won 19-16; Mary Varndell, Steve Devonish and Spencer Kerley lost 22-15; Christine Williams, Angie Rowe, Ric Newson and Graham Tompkins lost 16-15