SO CLOSE IN TOP CLUB

Just as last year, Thursday'ss Top Club match against Basingstoke Town went to the wire, but this time it was the Town that sneaked the victory. Oakley picked up the first point with Ric Newson winning the two bowls singles against Dave Goddard 14-7 but Town struck back as Adam White pipped Martin Vickers 21-20 in the four bowls singles. Our triple of Hugh Aherne, Malcolm Grime and Rolf Denny lost their match but with the Oakley four of Jamie Fewtrell, Jim Dixon, John Ryan and Bob Goodyear securing their point, the match result was, as in 2024, determined by the Pairs. Last year Steve Devonish and Sean Lassman won on the final end but this time the tables were turned, so Town came out on top winning 3 disciplines to 2.