OAKLEY REACH AREA FINAL

As the 2022 semi-finalists, Oakley, despite having available only 5 of last year's team, started as favourites in this morning's County Mixed Top Club event at Howard Park. The green was expected to be heavy, following considerable rain the previous day, and with strong winds and more heavy rain forecast there was a feeling, at the start, that it might not be possible to complete the match. However, the rain stayed away (but not the wind) and the spectators were treated to an absorbing match.

Howard Park made a dream start in the Pairs, picking up 6 shots on the first end and after 6 ends they led in three of the five disciplines. At 12 ends there was still little between the teams. Both singles games were close, Oakley led comfortably in the Fours, the Pairs had a small lead and the Triples were level. The first point went to Oakley as Bob Goodyear won the Men's Singles and when Claire Flannigan added the second point in the Women's Singles and with the Oakley Four leading by 20-11 it looked as if the match might finish early. There then came a great fightback by the Howard Park rink to tie their game, after 21 ends, at 21-21. A decision has to be reached in all disciplines, but the need for an extra end was averted when the Oakley Triple picked up the necessary point to clinch the match and Howard Park conceded the remaining matches. Oakley scores: Claire Flannigan won 21-16; Bob Goodyear won 21-16; Mary Varndell, Gerald Norris and Spencer Kerley won 20-16; Janie Vickers and Sean Lassman were leading 24-13 after 19 ends and the Fours of Sue Dixon, Shirley Ball, Steve Devonish and Graham Tompkins were tied at 21-21.