Oakley Bowling Club

JOIN THE FUN AT OAKLEY BOWLING CLUB
As can be seen in the report below there is much going on at the Club so why not come up and see all we have to offer. Our next Open Day is on 23rd May. All equipment provided. All you need bring is flat soled shoes/trainers. If that date is not convenient, give us a call and we will arrange a separate visit, and you can try your hand at our wonderful sport.
The opening week of the season had more lows than highs. On Wednesday, in the first Whitchurch league matches, only one of our four league teams managed a win although we bounced back on Friday, in the Basingstoke Men’s league, with maximum 5-point victories for the “A” team at Kingsclere and for the “B” team at home to Marnell. However, the bounce was short lived. Over the weekend, in national team competitions, we were trounced 40-15, at home, by Fleet United in the Tony Allcock trophy (for Over 60s) – the match being conceded at 14 ends. This was followed by a further defeat in the National Double Rink competition where Alton came and conquered, pulling away over the last few ends, to run out 33-29 winners.
Away from the competitive events Sunday saw us play our first friendly of the season against our friends from Longmeadow Indoor Club. They came looking for revenge as we had won earlier in the season on their indoor green. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, but it was Longmeadow that emerged as comfortable winners.
This week promises to be even busier and will end with a Barn Dance in the Malshanger Clubhouse.

GOOD TO BE BACK
There was a good turnout yesterday as President Diane welcomed members back to the green for the Spoon Drive, our opening event of the summer season. The green and surroundings looked beautiful thanks to an enormous amount of hard work by our willing volunteers who recently, in addition to the normal pre-season work, had power washed and repointed all the paving slabs around the green. What would we do without our volunteers who contribute so much to the smooth running of the Club.
The afternoon was a fun time and a great start to what we hope will be another thorougly enjoyable season.

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
Oakley's hopes of adding the Ambler/Fuller Trophy to the Moreton Cup, won recently at Longmeadow, were dashed last evening. The final at Loddon Vale, against the trophy holders Aldermaston, was a competitive and tense match with the lead changing hands five times and only one shot separating the teams as the last end began. Sadly, for Oakley, the last end went Aldermaston's way as they emerged 18-14 winners. There was also no joy for our B team as, in the 3rd/4th place play off, they went down to a 27-10 defeat to Old Basing Kites.
With our indoor matches completed, all thoughts turn now to the outdoor season. The green opens on Saturday 18th and the usual busy season lies ahead. We look forward and hope for a good one.

EASTER DRAW

We were not sure how many to expect for the Club's first Easter Draw being held in the clubhouse on Good Friday evening.. Turnout was, however, very good and a fun evening was had by all. Thanks go to Kay who organised the Raffle and to Wendy, assisted by Hugh, who ensured there was sufficient lubrication!

WILL THE 19 YEAR WAIT END?

2007 was the last and only time that Oakley have lifted the Moreton Cup trophy, the double rink team competition open to outdoor clubs and played for at Longmeadow Indoor. This morning was an opportunity to end the long wait.
Having beaten Andover in the earlier round robin group, Oakley, despite making changes from the semi final started as favourites and they surged out of the blocks leading 12-0 after 3 ends and by half way they had established a commanding 21 shot lead. Try as they did, Andover were unable to get any momentum and, although they almost held their own in the second half it was Oakley that emerged as comfortable winners. Well done Mary Varndell, Hugh Aherne, Sean Lassman and Malcolm Grime, and Peter Pearce, Rolf Denny, Steve Devonish and Martin Vickers.

FUN NIGHT AT CLUB
No one knew what to expect as yesterday we turned up for an Alternative Raffle night organised by Janie and Kevin. We need not have been concerned. Once they understood the rules, everyone enjoyed "stealing" prizes off friends and a fun evening was had by all. It was also a special evening for birthday girl Laura Butler. Next Friday is the Easter Draw.

BACK IN THE FINAL
After eight successive finals in the Ambler/Fuller Trophy at Loddon Vale, the last two years have been lean ones for Oakley but this evening our A team of Maritn Vickers, Sean Lassman, Steve Devonish and Malcolm Grime took on our B team of Diane Yarrall, Hugh Aherne, Rolf Denny and Peter Pearce with the winners guaranteed a Final spot. The more experienced A team shot out to a 9-2 lead but a score of 5 on the 7th end brought the B team back to within 2 shots and a surprise result seemed briefly to be possible. There was, however no surprise as the A team took control and eventually emerged comfortable winners. Well done to both teams on reaching this stage ang good luck when they play in the FInal and the 3rd/4th play off match.

MORETON CUP FINALISTS DECIDED
This morning Oakley bowlers travelled to Longmeadow Indoor Club hoping to secure a place in the final of the Moreton Cup - a two rink team competition for which entry is limited to outdoor clubs. Up against the 2025 champions Cove, it was expected to be a tough task. Despite Cove missing some familiar names, the early stages were close with Oakley holding a narrow 4 shot lead at 8 ends. From thereon, however, Oakley were in charge and the match was conceded by Cove after 14 ends. In the Final, Oakley will meet Andover - who beat Eastleigh Red Devils.

DISASTER TURNS TO DELIGHT
With our A team having already qualified for the semi final of the Ambler/Fuller trophy, attention turned tonight to whether our B team players could, at Loddon Vale IBC earn, in their final group match, the draw that would also take them through to the semi final. It looked to be a disasterous evening as the team after being level at 8 ends slumped to a heavy 32-10 defeat to Basingstoke Town Corvettes. This meant that a win for third placed Basingstoke Town Stingrays over bottom team Old Basing Buzzards could see the Stingrays leap frog Oakley. However, in a surprise result Basing won 25-19 and in doing so guaranteed an Oakley team will contest the Final as the semi final draw sees the two Oakley teams playing each other.

SEMI FINAL SECURED
It was a comfortable morning for Oakley as our two rinks cruised through the Moreton Cup quarter final at Whitchurch. Against an Old Basing team, missing many familiar names. Oakley, after 3 ends, were already 22 shots up, with Ric Newson's rink having scored a maximum eight. Try as they did, little went right for Basing
and the match was conceded at 16 ends. Oakley will now play either the holders Cove or Aldermaston in the semi on March 15th Mothers Day.