NEW EXPERIENCE FOR FOUR OAKLEY LADIES

Today was a new experience for Sue Dixon, Angie Rowe, Shirley Ball and Janie Vickers as they stepped onto the hallowed greens at Leamington Spa to compete for the first time in the National Championship Finals. Representing Hampshire in the Fours, always the event that attracts the largest crowds, Oakley were up against the Frampton on Severn Club representing Gloucestershire. Prior to play, they were presented with their qualfying badges by Bowls England Chairman David Tucker and when play began there were almost inevitably early signs of nerves. For the first half of the game, Oakley struggled to come to terms with the pace of the green and when, at 9 ends, they trailed 3-13 a heavy defeat looked on the cards. However, Oakley then showed the spirit that had got them to the Nationals and shortening the jack length they closed to 12-13. Sadly losing an end and consequently control of the jack length saw Frampton take back control of the match with Oakley finally going down to a 12-22 defeat. The result was disapponting for our team but they did the Club proud. Importantly they enjoyed the experience and were delighted to have so much support at the game.