IT WAS a successful week for bowlers from Basingstoke Town in the County Pairs, a Bowls England “Blue Riband “ event. 

Zac Millar, on the day he became 18, and Adam White beat Ringwood 19-10 and Denmead 21-13 to reach the County Final and go forward to represent Hampshire at the Aviva National Finals to be held at Leamington Spa in August. 

Also travelling to Leamington will be Town’s Rachel Powell who defeated Janet Ballard of Waterside to book her place in the Senior Singles. If Anita Christian is successful in her last match in the Champion of Champions, bowlers from local clubs will be represented in six events at the National Finals.

READ MORE: Duo set to shine at Aviva National Bowls Championships

Rachel Powell defeated Janet Ballard to book her place in the Senior Singles (Image: Colin Statham) The County team championships were also held last week. In the Men’s event Old Basing and Basingstoke Town have qualified for the last 16 but Oakley squandered a 19 shot lead as they went down to Cove by three shots. There was some consolation for Oakley in the Ladies event as they comfortably beat Yateley.    

In the Basingstoke and District Men’s League matches Division 1, Alton Social went back to the top with a 3-1 win over Oakley but reigning champions Kingsclere are only four points behind with two games in hand. In Division 2, Basingstoke Town B's 4-0 win over second place Hook  has almost guaranteed them promotion. After another win over Hook, Town are also well placed at the top of Division 1 of  the Mixed Triples League.

In the Whitchurch Mixed Triples League Division 1, leaders Basingstoke Spades had no game and, with Littleton Leopards being gifted a 5-0 win by Whitchurch Yellows, Town’s lead at the top has been reduced to 2.5 points.

Alton Social remain top of Division 2, pursued by Howard Park Kestrels and Town Jesters, whilst Kingsclere Partridges increased their lead in Division three to seven points. 

In Division 4, Marnell Jades continue to dominate but a 4-1 home defeat by Oakley Wagtails has, at least temporarily, put a dent in the promotion hopes of Aldermaston Elms.