Latest News from Oakley BC
15th August 2010 GIRLS GO OUT
Georgina and Claire took part in an exciting game today at Leamington in the National Quarter Final of the Under 25 Pairs. In a match where throughout the game neither team held a lead of more than 2 shots Oakley went into the last end 1 shot up and were holding three until the Hertfordshire skips last bowl moved the jack to set up a 2 shot win
14th August 2010 CHAMPION TERRYCongratulations to Terry Heath who this morning at Old Basing won the Whitchurch League Singles by 21-16
14th August 2010 GOOD START AT LEAMINGTON
Success for Hampshire today at Leamington as the Oakley pair of Georgina Heath and Claire Spreadbury beat Bedfordshire 15 - 10 and then Hertfordshire 19 - 10 to reach the quarter-final of the Under 25 Championship which will be played tomorrow morning.
11th August 2010 SHAUN REACHES WHITCHURCH NOVICE FINAL
Congratulations to Shaun Lassman who this week gave Oakley a hat trick of Whitchurch competition finalists by qualifying for the Whitchurch Novice Singles Final
9th August 2010 - AMY ROSE TEAM WIN ONE LOSE ONE
On Friday at Leamington, Georgina Heath was a member in the Hampshire Under 31s team that defeated Wiltshire in the first game in the Amy Rose Trophy. Hampshire were however much less successful on the Saturday morning. After a promising start which saw them leading by 2 at halfway they fell away in he second half and were eventually well beaten
4th August 2010 - GEORGINA LOSES IN THRILLER
At Leamington this morning Georgina Heath, playing her first game for nearly 6 weeks, had a calamitous start in her National Under 25 Singles dropping fours on the first two ends to her opponent from Huntingdonshire. However she gradually began to find line and length but was unable to make any dent in the score as her opponent moved out to a 18 -7 advantage. For most players this would have been a huge deficit but Georgina is made of stern stuff and raising her game still more she entered what was to be the last end 20 19 down. Her supporters had hopes of a great victory as Georgina placed her first 2 bowls within inches. A slightly fortuitous rub by her opponent then altered the head slightly and with the remaining bowls not changing anything the Umpire had to be called onto the green to determine shot Sadly the measure did not go Georgina's way but, despite her defeat, she impressed all the spectators with her skill and determination
3rd August 2010 - WHITCHURCH LEAGUE FINALS
Congratulations to Ric Newson and Terry Heath who emerged triumphant from their all Oakley semi final against Colin and Olive Carrier to reach the final of the Whitchurch Pairs for the third successive year. Good luck too to Shaun Lassman who will shortly play the Novice Singles semi final
30th July 2010 - WHITCHURCH LEAGUE FINALISTS
Congratulations to Terry Heath who has qualified for the Final of the Whitchurch League Singles where he may meet Barry Allard if the latter is successful in the other semi final. Oakley are also guaranteed a finalist in the Whitchurch League Pairs as Terry and Ric Newson, the current holders, meet Colin and Olive Carrier tomorrow in the semis
27th JULY 2010 - BARRY LEE GETS COUNTY BADGE
Congratulations to Barry Lee, who today at Farnham become the third Oakley player this season to be presented with his County Blazer Badge by President Michael Young. Playing against Surrey Barry was on a losing rink but so too were all the Hampshire players as the County crashed to a massive defeat which perhaps was some scant consolation for Surrey who two weeks ago lost to Hampshire in The Middleton Cup.
22nd July 2010 - GAZETTE WIPE OUT
Oakley Ladies Hopes of lifting the NHWBA Gazette Cup, for the third successive year, were cruelly dashed this evening at Hook as the home side comprehensively outplayed Oakley winning by 59 shots to 30. With Oakley fielding the three triples who had reached the Area semi finals of the county triples the match was expected to be close but, Betty Hill, Carolyn Ford and Nancy Goosey lost 21-12, Mary Taylor, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley lost 21-12 and Janie Vickers, Rita Meakin and Olive Carrier lost 17-9
16th July 2010 - TRIPLE SO CLOSE
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This morning at Banister Park, Oakley's Triple of Betty Hill, Carolyn Ford and Nancy Goosey took on the Atherley's Ella Dibble, Jean Terrell and Chris Doig in the Quarter Final of the County Triples. In what was to be a very low scoring affair, Atherley took command in the early stages and by 5 ends had a narrow 6-2 advantage although they failed to increase this lead over the next 5 ends and indeed by 12 ends Oakley were back level at 9-9. Two singles and a double saw Atherley again move into a 4 shot lead at 15 ends and although Oakley won the remaining three ends they were restricted on each occasion to a single shot. Atherley, therefore, emerged triumphant by 13-12 in a game characterised by the fact that, of the eighteen ends, eleven were decided by one shot and all the others by two shots .It was disappointing for another Oakley team to lose by only one shot in the County Finals but all our representatives at Banister (and we had more than any other club in the Area) have done the club proud by coming through a competitive Area to reach such an advanced stage of the competitions. Oakley's hopes of success at the Nationals now depend on our juniors Georgina and Claire who in August will represent Hampshire in the Under 25 Singles and Pairs
16th July 2010 - CALAMITY AT COVE
Any hopes Oakley had of a good run in the County Club Championship evaporated at Cove yesterday evening as the strength in depth of the home side became more evident as the evening wore on. At 5 ends Oakley were down on three rinks although Ted Brown's rink's 10-1 lead meant we were trailing by only 12 shots. Through the next five ends the difference was reduced to 8 and at 13 ends with Oakley only 2 down there were glimmers of hope that there might be an upset. That hope soon disappeared as by 15 ends Cove had managed to move out to a 10 shot lead which by the end they had ruthlessly extended to 23 shots. Oakley scores: David Clewer, John Wilson, Barry Lee and John Ford lost 27-13, Chris Heath, Paul Cresswell, Ric Newson and Trevor Wearn lost 30-7, Sean Lassman, Derek Easton, John Lassman and Ted Brown won 25-16, Martin Smith, John Green, Colin Taylor and Spencer Kerley won 19-14
14th July 2010 - MORE WOE AT BANISTER
The start of play in todays quarter finals of the County Pairs was delayed because of heavy rain but once the players were able to get on the green our pair of Nancy Goosey and Janie Vickers began brightly and initally the game was close. Gradually however their opponents from Waterside moved away and eventually Oakley were beaten by 11 shots
14th July 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING AWARDED COUNTY BADGES
At Illminster on Tuesday Terry Heath played in a winning rink as Hampshire defeated Somerset by 3 shots in an inter county match and after the game he was presented with his County Blazer badge by President Michael Young. The following day at Ryde Marina Trevor Wearn was less successful as Hampshire slumped to a 27 shot defeat by the Isle of Wight but for Trevor too it was his fourth game for the County and he also received his badge from the President. Congratulations to both players
13th July 2010 - JOHNS DISASTER
Any hopes that Mary Taylor and Kay Kerley had of it being third time lucky in their quest to reach Leamington in 2010 were soon dispelled at Banister Park this afternoon as Hampshire crashed out of the Johns Trophy to Sussex. Altough the rink skipped by Allyson Flint and with Mary at 2 had Hampshire's only good win, Kay was in early trouble being 18-0 down after only 7 ends, as a rink with 3 players who had performed so well the previous day failed totally to master the heavier conditions and eventually lost comprehensively by 32-8. Final Score Sussex 132 Hampshire 106
12th July 2010 - NO VISIT IN FOURS EITHER
This morning at Banister Park, Mary Taylor, Carolyn Ford, Ruth Bown had a comfortable passage into the semi final of the County Fours taking an early lead against Lymington and by 11 ends they were 9 shots up, a lead which they held to the end of the game. Their afternoon semi final opponents were a much tougher nut. With Johns Trophy players Jean Arnaud and Ann Pearce at lead and 2 (the position they occupy in Kay's Johns rink) another Johns player Margaret Darkin at 3 and the redoubtable 3 times England singles winner Wendy Line at skip, Atherley started as favourites. The early exchanges were close and at 8 ends the scores were tied only for Atherley to move out to a 13-7 lead at 13 ends. By 16 ends, Oakley, in what was a high class contest, had tied the scores at 13-13 and as the final end commenced Oakley had moved into a 2 shot lead. By now hopes were high but somehow Atherley fashioned a 2 shot position and with both skips having one bowl remaining Kay with her last bowl was narrow and pushed in another Atherley bowl so losing an enthralling game by 1 shot. For most supporters and indeed some of the Atherley support Oakley were the better team but in bowls the best team does not always win on the day. Mary and Kay now have to lift themselves for tomorrows Johns Trophy match and for Oakley let us hope our Pair on Wednesday and our Triple on Friday can go one better and reach Leamington
12th July 2010 - NO REPEAT VIST TO LEAMINGTON
Following their heroics last year in finishing runners up in the National 55s and Over Pairs there were high hopes that Mary Taylor and Kay Kerley could reach Leamington in this event for the second successive year. Sadly however these hopes wer not fulfilled as last night in the County Final (only one team qualiies in this event ) they were outgunned by a Cowplain pair skipped by Pam Lambshead.
10th July 2010 - HANTS AND BERKS HEARTACHE
It was a disappointing morning for Oakley playing in the semi finals of The Hants and Berks Cup on a bone hard, dry and dusty green at Alton Social. Both the Oakley and Hook teams found the quick game with its unreliable runs difficult to handle but play was of a high standard as both teams struggled for control. In the early stages Hook had a slender lead with their two winning rinks being almost covered by the rink of Spencer Kerley but as the game progressed the rinks of Colin Taylor and John Ford came back strongly and with only two ends to play Oakley had a 5 shot lead. With Colin's rink finished we were only 1 shot down on Spencer's rink's last end but the final bowl from the Hook skip flipped the jack sideways for a count of 3 leaving John's rink needing to hold their opponents to 1 shot for the win or 2 for the draw which would have meant an extra end. Sadly a 3 was dropped and Oakley exited the competition. Oakley scores; Paul Cresswell, Sean Lassman. Barry Allard and Colin Taylor lost by 3, Ric Newson, Eric Lamkin,Barry Lee and John Ford lost by 5, Martin Smith, John Wilson, Trevor Wearn and Spencer Kerley won by 7
8th July 2010 - MENS COUNTY CLUB
At Malshanger this evening Oakley Men took on Pyestock in the County Club Championship played over 4 rinks.The early stages saw Oakley establish a good lead but by 5 ends we led by just 5 shots and when Spencer Kerley's rink dropped a four and a five things did not look good. Fortunately however Ted Brown's rink was covering these losses and at 10 ends Oakley were still in front. A determined push through the next 5 ends saw Oakley move out to a a 26 shot lead and eventually Pyestock conceded the game when Oakley were leading 85-62. Oakley scores: Dominic Flannigan, Sean Lassman, Eric Lamkin and Ted Brown won 30-9, Ric Newson ,Barry Lee, John Wilson and John Ford won 22-11, Chris Heath, Paul Cresswell, Barry Allard and Trevor Wearn lost 24-15, Martin Smith, John Lassman, Colin Taylor and Spencer Kerley drew 18-18
In the next round Oakley are away to Cove
7th July 2010 - AREA FINAL HAT TRICK
Today at Alton Socia,l Oakley Ladies achieved their third success in this year's Area Finals when Nancy Goosey and Janie Vickers qualified for the County Finals in the Pairs. In the afternoon session our pair took revenge on Hook's Kath Woodgate who had put out two Oakley Pairs in earlier rounds by coming back from a substantial deficit to win 18-13. The evening was always going to be difficult as opponents Alton Social were playing on their own green which, given its size and the fact that they only ever play one way, was a significant advantage and at 5 ends Oakley trailed by 5-4, at 10 ends by 9-8 and at 15 ends by 13-11. Oakley pulled level 15-15 at 18 ends and took a narrow 2 shot lead into the 21st and final end. It was a tense few minutes but, despite opposing skip Shelia Goodwin's efforts, Oakley scrambled the shot to win 18-15 and ensure 7 Oakley Ladies will be competing in next weeks County Last Eights
The other qualifiers were Alton Social ( Margaret Holden) who beat Hook.
6th July 2010 - MORE OAKLEY LADIES REACH COUNTY FINALS
With three triples in the Northern Division's Area Finals Oakley were hopeful that at least one of the triples would today qualify to join our Fours in the County Last 8s to be held at Banister Park. It was always going to be a difficult task for Janie Vickers, Rita Meakin and Olive Carrier against the Cove Triple skipped by Allyson Flint and Cove emerged triumphant. Mary Taylor, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley had a horrendous start against Kingsclere and were at half way trailing by 12 shots against the Kingsclere team of Pauline Tilley, Joan Walker and Hannah Burden (who have qualified in the Fours) and although they reduced the deficit to 4 shots with 2 ends to play they too came second. Meantime Betty Hill, Carolyn Ford and Nancy Goosey were beating the triple of Freda Green of Pyestock. The Area final saw Nancy's rink playing the Kingsclere team, that had beaten Kay's triple, and, after trailing by 6 shots to 4, at 5 ends Oakley moved out to a 17 -8 lead at 10 ends and eventually emerged victorious by 23 to 14. Congratulations to all three but it will have been a special night for Betty as this is the first time she has qualified for the County Finals
The other qualifiers are Hook who beat Cove
3rd July 2010 - GOOD WIN AT COVE
At Cove this evening Mary Taylor and Kay Kerley took on the Cove pair of Irene Galpin and Allyson Flint in the County semi final of the National 55s and Over Pairs and after 5 ends they held a narrow one shot lead. By 10 ends this lead had increased to 10 shots, an advantage Oakley maintained until the the 14th end, at which point the Cove pair rallied strongly and by 19 ends Cove had reduced the deficit to only 6 shots. A two on the 20th end was, however, enough to see Oakley through to the Final and should they be successful in that game they will represent Hampshire at Leamington for the second successive year
2nd July 2010 - OAKLEY LADIES RINK REACHES COUNTY FINALS
After a barren 2009, Oakley Ladies today reached the County Finals of the Hampshire Rinks. Playing on a very difficult green at Whitchurch, the Oakley rink of Mary Taylor, Carolyn Ford, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley had a relatively easy passage into the Area Final, after playing Hook, but then faced a potential banana skin against Fleet Social, skipped by Margaret Hankin, who had beaten the star studded Cove Rink skipped by Johns Trophy star Allyson Flint .Throughout the game the score was always close but eventually Oakley emerged triumpant by 5 shots and so go on to to represent the North at the County Finals. They will be joined at Southampton by Kingsclere who caused a big upset by defeating Alton Social's Johns stars Margaret Holden and Brenda Plumpton
In the next few days Oakley representatives will also be trying to qualify in the Triples, where we have 3 teams in the Last Eights and in the Pairs where Nancy Goosey and Janie Vickers are still going. We wish them all good luck
30th June 2010 - MEN REACH SEMI FINAL OF HANTS AND BERKS CUP
Yesterday evening Oakley Men took on Marnell in the Quarter Final of the Hants and Berks Cup. Oakley initially found it difficult to come to terms with a heavy green. Ted Brown's rink was in trouble from the start and at half way Oakley were well down and our prospects did not look good.
The team however kept plugging away and with Ted's rink pulling back some of their large deficit and John Ford pulling well away from Geoff Riddy we went into the closing ends in front and managed to hold on for a 4 shot overall win. Oakley scores; Dominic Flannigan, Sean Lassman, Colin Taylor and Ted Brown lost 16-28, Barry Allard, Paul Cresswell, Terry Heath and Trevor Wearn won 18-16, Ric Newson, Eric Lamkin, Barry Lee and John Ford won 25-11
In the semi final Oakley will play Hook at Alton Social on 10th July
29th June 2010 - HAMPSHIRE LADIES GREAT WIN
Today in the Johns Trophy, at Worthing Pavilion, Hampshire produced a great performance to overturn the star studded Kent team by 10 shots to reach the Quarter Finals of the Johns Trophy. Our two Oakley players Mary Taylor and Kay Kerley must have wondered who they had upset as Mary, playing 2 to Allyson Flint was drawn against England Skip Sandy Hazell and Kay found herself skipping against the 2008 World Pairs Runner Up Wendy King who had Sian Gordon, England's 2010 Commonwealth Games skip as her number 3. Both lost narrowly but their performance in holding illustrious opponents meant that overall Hampshire emerged triumphant. Hampshire now play Sussex for a place in the semi finals at Royal Leamington Spa
21st June 2010 - CLUB FOURS
The Club Drawn Fours were held in good weather on Saturday and in the semi finals Carolyn Ford, George Hurst, Coral Wearn and Ruth Bown were beaten by Frank Tuffs, Sandra Lee, Sean Lassman and John Wilson with the other game resulting in a win for Lesley Allard, Irene Worsfold, Gladys Fowles and John Ford against Ric Newson, Christine Williams, Barry Lee and John Ramshaw. The final itself was a close fought encounter but eventually John Wilson's rink emerged triumphant by 10 shots to 8 against John Ford's.
20th June 2010 - HEARTBREAK HAT TRICK
Oakley's hopes of picking up National And County team trophies nose dived in the space of three days as the club experienced defeat in three competitions.. On Thursday, at Kingsclere, the Ladies played the Thornbery Trophy and at the end of the normal 21 ends the scores were tied with Mary Taylor, Carolyn Ford, Ruth Bowm and Kay Kerley's 5 shot defeat being offset by a 5 shot win for Janie Vickers, Coral Wearn, Rita Meakin and Claire Spreadbury. Sadly however the extra end was lost and Oakley bowed out early from the competition. Then on Sunday morning Oakley Men took on a strong Fareham team in the National Two Rink Competition. Oakley were forced to make four changes from the side that played in the previous round and with positional changes as well we were never in the game as Fareham emerged comfortable winners by 43 shots to 19 .Oakley Ladies did however emerge with credit from their defeat by Cove in the County Top Club Competition. As when we met the same team in the National competition Oakley were forced to play without some experienced players but as before their replacements shone and we lost by 2.5 to 1.5 disciplines. Oakley scores: Mary Taylor lost 21-17, June Harvie and Coral Wearn drew 17-17, Janie Vickers, Rita Meakin and Olive Carrier lost 22-10, Betty Hill, Christine Williams, Carolyn Ford and Ruth Bown won 19-16
15th June 2010 - COUNTY LADIES WIN IN JOHNS
At Pyestock this afternoon, Mary Taylor and Kay Kerley both played for Hampshire as the County Ladies, followed up their win over Berkshire by storming to victory over Middlesex, winning on all six rinks. Hampshire now play the winners of Kent and Surrey
15th June 2010 - STRONG OAKLEY REPRESENTATION IN AREA LAST EIGHTS
With the Northern Area competitions moving towards the closing stages Oakley still has players going in a number of events. Already through to the Area Last Eights are: Mens Singles - Colin Taylor; Mens Fours - Terry Heath, Dominic Flannigan, Colin Taylor and Ted Brown; Ladies Triples - Betty Hill, Carolyn Ford and Nancy Goosey and Janie Vickers, Rita Meakin and Olive Carrier and Mary Taylor, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley; Ladies Fours - Mary Taylor, Carolyn Ford, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley. We wish them all well and hope they reach the County Finals at Southampton.
14th June 2010 - CHARITY BOOST FOR GRANFERS
The annual game against the Berkshire Granfers was played yesterday at Malshanger and resulted in a victory for the visitors. More importantly, however four members played for the first time in a club game. The afternoon raised a splendid £275 towards the Granfers charities
13th June 2010 - SECOND WIN IN COUNTY TOP CLUB
An Oakley team, showing three changes from the previous round, travelled yesterday morning to Old Basing to take on their Ladies and in the early stages with Mary Taylor 8-1 down in the Singles and with both the Triples and Fours losing things did not look promising. Mary however then scored 14 shots in 6 ends and with Georgina Heath and Claire Spreadbury well in front in the Pairs Oakley gradually took control and eventually won by 3 disciplines to 1. Oakley scores; Mary Taylor won 21-13, Georgina Heath and Claire Spreadbury won 29-9, Vera Rhodes, Janie Vickers and Olive Carrier lost 19-13, Betty Hill, Gladys Fowles, Coral Wearn and Ruth Bown won 23-18
6th June 2010- LADIES WIN IN COUNTY TOP CLUB
Yesterday morning a strong Oakley team travelled to Yateley to play their first round game in the County Top Club Competition. After a win there, a week earlier, in the Gazette Cup hopes were high of a repeat performance and so it proved with Oakley winning all four disciplines in a comfortable victory. Oakley scores: Mary Taylor won 21-6, Georgina Heath and Claire Spreadbury won 28-13, Janie Vickers,Rite Meakin and Olive Carrier won 18-16, Coral Wearn, Carolyn Ford, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley won 22-10. Oakley play Old Basing in the next round.
1st June 2010 - DOUBLE RINK WIN
Oakley men tonight played Pembroke Gardens from Portsmouth in the National Double Rink competition. Conditions at Oakley were not good as the game commenced and in the early stages it seemed the home team would have a comfortable win. At 5 ends Oakley led by 10 shots and despite Spencer Kerley's rink dropping a 5 and a wrong bias from a former President the lead at 10 ends was still 9 shots. At 15 ends Spencer had a narrow 2 shot lead but Ted Browns rink were well in control 19 -8. Gradually however Pembroke Gardens whittled down the lead and with Ted's rink dropping 8 shots over the last four ends we went into the last end with an overall lead of only 3 shots. At this stage however our former President redeemed himself for his earlier wrong bias by placing two bowls on the jack leading to a three for Oakley and progress into the next round where we play either Cowplain or Fareham. Oakley rinks; Colin Carrier, Dominic Flannigan, Colin Taylor and Ted Brown won by 3, Terry Heath, Trevor Wearn, Barry Allard and Spencer Kerley won by 2.
1st June 2010 - HAMPSHIRE LADIES WIN
Both Mary Taylor and Kay Kerley featured in today's Johns Trophy match where Hampshire's top 24 players took on Berkshire. Played at Hawley both our players were on winning rinks as Hampshire emerged triumphant, losing on only one rink, by 118 shots to 101. In the next round Hampshire will play Middlesex
29th May 2010- BRAVE PERFORMANCE ENDS IN NARROW DEFEAT
Oakley Ladies went to Cove this morning to play the National Top Club as massive underdogs but almost pulled off a surprise victory as a side missing 5 regular players and with 4 playing for the first time at this level stunned Cove with their tenacity. Mary Taylor gave Oakley a fine start with a 21-18 win to take the first discipline- the Singles. Cove then drew level as Avril Adams, Lesley Allard and Janie Vickers went down in the Triples to a powerful combination skipped by John's Trophy Skip Allyson Flint. The match remained level as Betty Hill and Coral Wearn battled to a 19-19 draw in the Pairs so with the Rinks still to finish the teams were tied on 1.5 points each and a win for either rink would ensure their team a passage into the next round. Sadly for Oakley our rink of Vera Rhodes, Nancy Goosey, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley dropped a six on the penultimate end and ultimately lost by 26 shots to 23. Cove therefore went through by 2.5 points to 1.5 points. Speaking after the game Captain Ruth said she was disappointed at the result but enormously proud of the spirit shown by the team and grateful to all those who came into the team for the first time and had played so well.
27th May 2010-SUCCESSFUL START TO DEFENCE OF GAZETTE CUP
At Yateley this evening Oakley Ladies made a successful start in their efforts to win the NHWBA Gazette Cup, a trophy that the Club won in both 2008 and 2009, by winning 52 shots to 43. Oakley scores: Coral Wearn, Rita Meakin and Claire Spreadbury won 15-9, Carolyn Ford, Janie Vickers and Olive Carrier lost 13-24, Mary Taylor, Ruth Bown and Kay Kerley won 24-10
26th May 2010 - TWO SELECTED FOR THE JOHNS
Following the trials to select the Hampshire team for the 2010 Johns Trophy, congratulations go to both Mary Taylor and Kay Kerley who have have been informed that they have been selected to play in the match v Berkshire at Hawley on Tuesday 1st June
23rd May 2010 - DOUBLE RINK WIN
Yesterday morning Oakley eventually emerged triumphant from a very close game at home in the National Double Rink competition. Playing Aldershot Traction "B", Oakley took an early lead at 5 ends of 11-4 but a strong Traco team hit back and by 10 ends the scores were tied at 18-18 with Ted Brown's rink going well and Spencer Kerley's struggling to contain their opponents. This was to be the pattern of the match as Spencer's rink went 11 ends without scoring but Ted's was picking up shots. At 15 ends the scores were still level at 27-27 and at 18 ends Traco led by 32 to 31. THe last three ends, however, saw Oakley do just enough to triumph by 39 to 34. Oakley scores: Ric Newson, Trevor Wearn, Barry Allard and Spencer Kerley lost 25-13, Colin Carrier, Dominic Flannigan, Colin Taylor and Ted Brown won 26-9. In the next round to be played on 1st June Oakley are at home to Pembroke Gardens from Portsmouth
17th May 2010 - TOP CLUB DEFEAT
On a lovely Saturday morning at Cove, Oakley's Top Club team lost 4-1. The team showed 5 changes from the previous round and only one player, John Ford, played in the same discipline as against Odiham. Again Oakley gave themselves a mountain to climb by losing both singles disciplines and, although the rink skipped by Ted Brown won and the pairs of Colin Carrier and Trevor Wearn only lost on the last bowl, the triples were well beaten, thus ensuring an early exit from the competition. In the next round Cove will play Alton Social.
2nd May 2010 - TOP CLUB RESULT
This morning in heavy rain and what felt liked freezing wind Oakley Men played their first competitive game of the season in the National Top Club against Odiham and North Warnborough. Initally things did not go well as Martin Smith, who over the years has been so successful in the 2 wood singles discipline, lost to Ray Rodgers. This was followed by a defeat for Eric Lamkin in the 4 wood singles and although Terry Heath and Ric Newson were winning well in the pairs, the rink of Peter Stewart, Chris Heath, Colin Taylor and Spencer Kerley were 5 shots down and the triple of Colin Carrier, Barry Allard and John Ford were tied at 11-11, having let go an 11 shot lead. Odiham therefore seemed set for a 3.5 -1.5 or 4-0 win. To their credit however Oakley stuck to their task, difficult as it was in the prevailing conditions, and eventually the pair, triple and rink emerged triumphant (and very wet) to give the club a 3-2 victory. Some brave souls then threw their gear into the car and headed off for the club friendly at Devizes, whilst praying the afternoon would be dry.
1st May 2010 - SUCCESSFUL FUND RAISING EVENING
Last night's Race Night held at the Malshanger Club was a great success with almost £1200 being raised towards the new pavilion and this figure takes no account of the bar profit from the evening. Some 90 people attended the event, approximately half of whom were members, and judging by the noise and jollity a great time was had by all. The Fund Raising Sub Committee had done a great deal of preparatory work and we are indebted to those people and organisations who sponsored races and indeed to those members who found the race sponsors. Six races were run with everyone having the opportunity to become an owner (bidding became very competitive for the last race!) and the chance to choose who should be their jockey and dress up in their racing outfits. Throughout the evening Dell Boy Ric and Honest John were extracting money from the punters and at half way an excellent buffet was provided by the Ladies led by our President Rita. Thanks go to all who helped to create a very enjoyable evening.
28th March 2010 - OAKLEY LOSE NAIL BITER
Oakley's hopes of winning the Cusheon Trophy suffered a big blow last night when in the clash of the two previously unbeaten teams they suffered a heartbreaking last end defeat to Camberley. The match was expected to be tight and so it proved. Camberley opened up an early 4 shot lead but by ten ends the scores were tied with Ted Brown's rink covering the rink of Kay Kerley, which struggled throughout the game to hold opponenents who were in fine form. At 15 ends Oakley had opened up a 5 shot lead but Camberley came back to lead by 3 at 18 ends Again Oakley fought back and at 20 ends the scores were tied at 33-33 .Sadly, however, Kay's rink dropped a 5 on the last end and with Ted picking up 1 the match, to the disappointment of our many supporters, was lost by 38-34. Scores: Ric Newson, Dominic Flannigan,Colin Taylor and Ted Brown won 23-10, Mary Taylor, Peter Stewart, Georgina Heath and Kay Kerley lost 11-28.
This result means that Oakley are now guaranteed the runners up spot but for the club to win the trophy we have to rely on Loddon Vale "A" beating Camberley in the final game in three weeks time. A one shot win should do as Oakley's shot difference is vastly superior to Camberley but a betting man would favour a Camberley win.
4th March 2010 - NATIONAL INDOOR SINGLES
Yesterday, at the Kempston Indoor Bowling Club In Bedford, Claire Spreadbury represented Loddon Vale in the National Finals of the Ladies Indoor Singles. In her first game, against Anne Hawkins of Mid Suffolk, the runner up in 2006/7 in the National Champion of Champions, Claire emerged triumphant by 21 shots to 13. Then in the Quarter Final she met Annette Hallett of Dorchester. In a game that began at 8.30 in the evening both players scored heavily on the early ends before Annette moved away to a four shot lead. Claire fought back to level the scores at 13-13 but then her opponent showed just why she is the reigning Champion of Champions by drawing four bowls inside of Claire's nearest bowl (which was no more than 9 inches from the jack) to score a maximum 4. This boosted the Dorset players confidence sky high and from then on, even though Claire continued to play excellent bowls, Annette was in control running out the winner by 21 shots to 14.
28th February 2010 - THE RUN GOES ON
Last night at Loddon Vale an excellent turn out of supporters saw Oakley play their fifth match in this year's competition for the Cusheon Trophy. The team, showing one change from the previous game, started slowly against Loddon Vale "A" and in the early stages were 5 shots adrift but by 5 ends the scores were tied and by 10 ends Oakley had nudged into a narrow, but certainly not comfortable, lead of 5. Between the 10th and 15th ends Oakley increased that lead to 11 shots but just as it looked as if Oakley might be taking complete control Loddon Vale surged back and with only 3 of the 42 ends left to play Oakley's entusiastic supporters were biting their nails as Loddon's recovery reduced the lead to just 3 shots. Fortunately at this stage both Oakley rinks picked up three shots and eventually we ran out winners by 38 shots to 30. Oakley scores:Mary Taylor, Dominic Flannigan, Colin Taylor and Terry Heath won 20-11, Ric Newson, Chris Heath, Georgina Heath and Ted Browm lost 18-19
Oakley have now won 5 games out of 5 in this competition and are guaranteed at least the runners up spot. Camberley are also unbeaten but have played 2 games less. It looks as if the title will be decided on the 27th March when the two teams meet so please make a note of the date and come and support
19th February 2010 - OAKLEY MEMBER BECOMES ENGLAND SELECTOR
Bowls England has announced that Kay Kerley has been appointed as a National Selector. In an election to decide who should be the selector to represent the Southern Group of counties Kay won more votes than her opponent Surrey's Secretary Bobbie Pothecary. Kay will hold this post which involves the selection of all Women's Senior and Junior teams as well as Commonwealth Games and World Bowls Squads, for 4 years.
7th February 2010 - ANOTHER WIN IN CUSHEON
Last night at Loddon Vale,in front of the President and the Oakley supporters, a changed team, with 2 different skips from the last round, took on Andover in our fourth game in this year's Cusheon Trophy. Andover were our nemisis last year but Oakley began strongly with Terry Heath's rink picking up a seven on the first end.and at 5 ends Oakley led by 14 shots to 6. Steady scoring over the next 5 ends saw Oakley move out to a comfortable 18 shot lead at halfway and when Kay Kerley's rink picked up a six on the 13th end the game was almost all over for Andover. Oakley won eventually by 49 shots to 28. Oakley Scores: Mary Taylor, Dominic Flannigan, Colin Taylor and Terry Heath won 22-15, Ric Newson, Chris Heath, Georgina Heath and Kay Kerley won 27-13. Oakley, who have to date used 12 different players in this competition, remain top of the League with 4 wins from 4. Camberley are also unbeaten.
6th February 2010 - SUCCESSFUL CLUB DINNER
A very successful 32nd Annual Dinner, attended by just under 80 members and guests, was held last night at the Test Valley Golf Club. The toast of "The Guests" was ably made by President Rita Meakin, who provided some fascinating history on the history of the Dinner, and County President Michael Young responded. Sadly the HCWBA President Beth Roberts was indisposed but her "stand in" Sir Michael Colman in a witty speech proposed the toast of "The Club" congratulating prizewinners, drawing attention to the tremendous support the Club gives the County Associations and wishing it well with its plans for a new pavilion. During his speech Sir Michael, in recognition of the long connection between the club and his family, presented the Club with a new trophy " The Malshanger Bowl" which has been engraved by Philip Lawson Smith who holds the appointment of Hand Engraver of Glass to Her Majesty The Queen. The Club Vice President Derek Easton responded. Sir Michael then presented the trophies after which our four youngest members presented flowers to the Ladies on the Top Table and this was followed by dancing to our usual Disco. A raffle held during the evening raised £271 for club funds. Thanks go to all who contributed prizes and bought tickets
24th January 2010 - THIRD TIME LUCKY
After last week's disappointments when Oakley Men were well beaten in the Moreton Cup by Littleton and the Ladies succumbed to Tilehurst in the Waverley Trophy the Club was looking to record its first victory of 2010 as we took on Loddon Vale "B" in the Cusheon Trophy at Loddon Vale. With this year's competition being played on a league basis, Oakley went into the game sitting on top of the table, having won comprehensively in both their previous matches, but this game proved to be the hardest yet. Although Oakley were never behind the gap between the teams,during the first 10 ends, was only between 3 and 6 shots and it was not until the 14th end that the lead went into double figures. Even then the Loddon Vale team kept plugging away reducing the deficit at one stage to 8 shots. Eventually, however, Oakley triumphed by 50 shots to 39. Scores: Georgina Heath, Ric Newson, Peter Stewart and Ted Brown won 29-16, Mary Taylor, Gladys Fowles, Terry Heath and Colin Taylor lost 21-23. The next game is on Feb 6th against Andover.
24th January 2010 - PRE SEASON MEETING
At Mondays meeting the usual business was conducted of electing selectors and filling out competition forms ( Mens County entries are up 10% and the highest since 2004) but the main issue was an update on the proposed pavilion project. John Ford was able to report that after taking account of the £12k that had been agreed could be taken from Reserves and promised donations and loans from members we had now identified thay we should be able to find some £50k (half the project cost) to which could be added monies raised from special find raising activities and any further promises still in the pipeline. In the circumstances the Committee had agreed that we now needed to establish what funds could be obtained from Grant Bodies and Derek Easton was leading on this matter and a further report would be made to members once Derek's research had been completed. Funds loaned or donated by members would not be accessed until it was clear the project was feasible and affordable - any funds needed for pump priming the project would be taken from Reserves.
20th December 2009 - MORETON CUP SUCCESS
In the first round of the Moreton Cup at Longmeadow this morning, the Oakley Men's double rink team brushed aside the local challengers, Whitchurch, 47 - 28. Ted Brown with Eric Lamkin, John Wilson and Ric Newson came out comfortable winners 24 - 10 having led from the first end. The other Oakley rink of Trevor Wearn, Barry Allard, Peter Stewart and Dave Huyton started well but struggled with the Whitchurch shorter jacks and were trailing 7 - 14 at 13 ends after gifting their opponents 8 shots in 2 ends. Winning the next end, however, gave them the chance to get back on longer jacks and they took a 7, giving them the confidence to run on to win 23 - 18. Oakley's bid to regain the Cup they won two years ago continues on Sunday 17th January when they take on Littleton.
5th December 2009 - OAKLEY WIN IN CUSHEON
At Loddon Vale this evening Oakley cruised to a comfortable win against local rivals Old Basing in what was the club's second game in the competition. The early stages were closely fought but by around 8 ends Oakley, showing three changes from the previous game, had moved out to a 16 shot lead. This lead fluctuated over the next four ends between 16 and 12 shots but over the latter stages Oakley dominated and eventually won by 62 shots to 22.. Scores: Dominic Flannigan, Gladys Fowles, Terry Heath and Claire Spreadbury beat Vic Girle, Wilf Lacock, Shelia Stone and Mick Cullis 41-10; Georgina Heath, Peter Stewart, Kay Kerley and Ted Brown beat Brian Moon, Ron Ellis, Shelia Girle and Maurice Bates 21-12. Oakley will play their next game on 9th January. In other games tonight Camberley beat Basingstoke Town and Andover beat Loddon Vale
29th November 2009 - CLARK WHITEHILL DEFEAT
On Saturday morning at West Berks, Oakley were defeated in the first round of the Clark Whitehill Trophy. Scores were Dominic Flannigan, David Huyton,Ric Newson and Eric Lamkin lost 18-19, Colin Carrier, Frank Tuffs, Barry Lee and Trevor Wearn lost 10-34
24th November 2009 - AGM NEWS
At last night's AGM Rita Meakin was elected as President for 2010 with Derek Easton as her Vice President. Barry Lee became Men's Captain with Ric Newson as Vice. All other officers remain in post but there is one new committee member Terry Heath.
There was one major issue to discuss, namely whether the club should be looking to build a new pavilion on the side of the green opposite the car park. Following a presentation by Messrs Ford, Stewart, Lee and Easton the meeting agreed that a new building is highly desirable and that the committeee should set up a project but should avoid committing any significant monies until there is a better appreciation of the funding that might be available
8th November 2009 - CUSHEON TROPHY
Yesterday evening, at Loddon Vale IBC, Oakley began this year's challenge for the Cusheon Trophy. For 2009/10 the competition is being played in 2 Leagues with each team playing 7 games and then the two league winners meet to decide the champions
Our first game was against local rivals Basingstoke Town and for the early part of the game there was never much in it with Oakley holding the lead by 5/6 shots. At that stage the rink of Ric Newson, Georgina Heath, Kay Kerley and Ted Brown were leading by about 8 shots with Terry Heath, Dominic Flannigan, Claire Spreadbury and Colin Taylor trailling by a couple. At 10 ends however the game changed dramatically as Colin nosed in front and Ted picked up a 7 to ease out to a 15 shot overall lead. From there on the result was never in doubt and Oakley, to the delight of their supporters, eventually ran out 27 shot winners with Ted's rink up by 12 and Colin's by 15
Currently the next game is sheduled for the 5th December
7th September 2009 - CLUB FINALS
Finals Day on Saturday was well supported and saw some excellent bowling. In the morning session Trevor Wearn looked to be well in control in the Men's Singles as he raced to a 13-3 lead against Terry Heath but Terry had other ideas and taking the mat up the green he clawed his way back into the game to emerge triumphant by 21-18. The 2 wood singles between Eric Lamkin and Peter Stewart was less exciting as Eric led throughout to claim a 15-6 victory with 4 ends still to play. Eric's victory means he has now won all three major singles titles in the club. The final game of the morning, the Pairs Final between Carolyn Ford and Barry Lee and Mary and Colin Taylor, was expected to be a tight affair but in the event 10 times champions Mary and Colin were comfortable 28-6 winners..
The afternoon session saw Coral Wearn endeavouring to go one better than Trevor by attempting to win the Ladies Singles against Ruth Bown and as she came back from12-3 down to square the game at 12-12 her first singles title looked possible. Ruth, however, moved up a gear and emerged triumphant by 21-12. The Open Singles saw Terry Heath looking to do the coveted double by adding this title to his Men's crown and against Spencer Kerley he soon stormed into a 10-2 lead. Moving to long jacks Spencer pulled level at 10-10 only for Terry to move away to a 17-11 lead before somehow Spencer sneaked the title with a 21-18 victory. A big come back was also the order of the day in the Acorn Singles where Arthur Meakin established a 16-9 lead against Georgina Heath and looked set for victory. Rather like her father in the morning, Georgina then moved the mat up the green and sadly for Artur he was less successful at this length and Georgina eventually triumphed 21-16 to lift her first individual title outdoors.
3rd Setember 2009 - SUCCESSFUL CLUB TOUR
On Tuesday evening 57 weary but happy tourists returned from a highly successful club tour to Eastbourne, excellently organised by Club President John Ford. Having travelled down by coach on Friday morning the first game was a 6 rink encounter against the Parade BC on the sea front and despite fierce winds and a quick green Oakley managed to eke out a win by 108 shots to 107. Saturday saw 11 rinks play at Gildredge Park.and again, and helped by a big win from Phil Spreadbury's rink, Oakley managed a win, this time by 234 shots to 194.
Sunday was a rest day and most of the party went off on a trip to Sheffield Gardens which was followed by a trip on the Bluebell Railway and much nostalgia about the days of steam. Monday's game was against Eastbourne BC and on the fastest and best green many members had played on this season we went down by 190 shots to 177 in a 10 rink match
Monday evening saw the now traditional end of tour dinner. festivities and disco so next day some tired and some bleary eyed bowlers made their way along the coast to Bognor Regis where after a splendid buffet lunch we took on the combined might of the Bognor Regis and Bognor RAFA Clubs. For much of the game it looked as if a third win would be recorded but the exertions of the weekend took their toll and we fell away losing, in a 10 rink game by 202 shots to 174.
So the tour concluded with 2 games won and 2 lost and the overall scores tied at 693-693. The Tour Trophy for the player with the best results was won by Spencer Kerley whilst the more coveted Black Mark trophy ( for the individual who misbehaved most ) was won for a second time by Ric Newson. Following the Tour President John was pleased to announce that as a result of the Black Marks and other fund raising activities we had raised the wonderful sum of £710 for the Hospice