BASINGSTOKE Town's men's team were just short of reaching the County semi-finals of the National Top Club competition, following a narrow defeat against Oakley.

Despite a shared 2-2 score in other disciplines, Town failed to maintain their five shot lead in the Pairs and fell short during what was projected to be the last session.

The Oakley duo of Steve Devonish and Sean Lassman secured five points in the 18th session, which induced an additional session.

Winning this session, they secured Oakley's 3-2 triumph, marking the first time the village club has advanced to the semi-finals.

Returning to individual national contests, local clubs will be represented by Anita Christian, Rachel Powell both from the Town and Gerald Norris, Graham Tompkins from Oakley at the quarter-final level.

Christian will compete in the Champion of Champions, Powell in the Senior Singles, and the Oakley pair in the Senior Pairs.

Oakley, marking a first for local clubs, will have representatives in the County individual competitions during the County Last Eights session held in Southampton.

Janie Vickers, Sue Dixon, and Alice Lovett achieved this status by defeating another Oakley team.

Notably, the Town's Rachel Powell is one match from Southampton in the Ladies Pairs, and Oakley's Martin Vickers and Alice Lovett are in the Singles.

Local matches faced disruptions due to weather conditions, with only one match reaching completion.

However, the Basingstoke Mixed Triples League reported a significant victory from Basingstoke Town A against Kingsclere B, holding a six and a half lead at the top of Division1.

Town B retains its lead in Division 2, with a single point above St Mary Bourne.

The Whitchurch Mixed Triples League witnessed Basingstoke Spades earning maximum points, providing them with a seven and a half point lead at Division 1's top.

Nevertheless, both Oakley teams suffered heavy losses, potentially facing relegation.

Division 2 saw a 4-1 win from Howard Park Kestrels over the leading Alton Social, lessening Alton's lead to two points.

Finally, Kingsclere Pheasants and Marnell Jades are maintaining top positions in Divisions 3 and 4.