PLAYING in the Northern Area Final of the County Club Championship, Basingstoke Town’s Men came so close to dethroning Cove, the Northern Area champions for the last 11 years.  With time running out for Cove, Town had an 11 shot lead but as they did against Oakley in the previous round, Cove stormed back and with the scores tied at the end of  the regulation 72 ends, the match was decided by an extra end which was won by Cove.

There was also no joy for local clubs in the North Hants Women’s Gazette Cup. Hopes of a Town versus Oakley final were dashed, in the semi finals held at Old Basing. Town lost to a strong Alton Social team and the holders Oakley were comprehensively beaten by Cove.  

Oakley Ladies had further disappointment in the Ladies County Club championship losing to Alton Social who will play the Town Ladies in the Northern Area final.

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In the Basingstoke and District Men’s League matches the Division 1 leaders and reigning champions Alton Social went down to a  3-1 home defeat against Basingstoke Town “A”  allowing Kingsclere, who gained maximum points against, already relegated, Whitchurch to draw level at the top. 

With Kingsclere having a game in hand they have become favourites to take the title. In Division 2 Basingstoke Town “B”, are already promoted but the other spot will go to either Hook or Alton Social “B”.  In the mixed Triples League there are still six matches to play.

Currently Town top both Divisions though St Mary Bourne’s hopes of promotion to Division 1 were dented by a 4-0 home defeat by Marnell. 

In the Whitchurch Mixed Triples League Division 1, Basingstoke Spades and Littleton Leopards continue their scrap at the top with just 2.5 points separating them.  

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Oakley Woodpeckers, after one season in the top flight are relegated. Alton Social remain top of Division 2 but a 5-0 defeat by Basingstoke Jesters means that both Jesters and Howard Park Kestrels could snatch the promotion places.  

Kingsclere Partridges have given up their long-time lead of Division 3 to Aldermaston Oaks.

In Division 4, long time leaders Marnell Jades look to have guaranteed promotion, but only one point now separates Basingstoke Hearts, Friary and Aldermaston Elms in the battle for the second promotion spot.

The regular season for the Stan Hardman Thursday afternoon Triples League has concluded. In the play offs for the Shield, Basingstoke Town will play Pyestock, Hook Diamonds play Old Basing Gold and Aldermaston play Fleet United Cygnets.

The Plate sees Whitchurch take on Farnborough, Oakley Monarchs play Fleet United Swans and Howard Park Saints take on Aldershot Underwood.