TWO Oakley Bowling Club bowlers made the final four of the National Under-18 Championship at Royal Leamington Spa.

The two day event saw 128 of England’s top youngsters take part, with four from north Hampshire and three making their debut.

There was mixed fortunes for the youngsters on the first day of competition. Basingstoke Town’s Alice Lovett had a very tough introduction to bowls at this level as she drew England International Ruby Hill in the singles first round, then drew England International Rebecca Moorbey and her partner in the Plate pairs.

Oakley’s Heather Statham also lost a first round singles, but won her first round pairs when teamed with Northants’ Emma Muir.

Things were better for Oakley pair Nicole Rogers and Ashley Nethercliffe who cruised through their first two rounds.

The following day saw Statham and Muir went close to a second victory only to lose on the last bowl.

Meanwhile, Rogers and Nethercliffe won their third and fourth round games, but both managed to put their supporters through agonies as all their games went to the extra ends.

A particularly nail biting victory was Rogers' fourth round comeback from two sets down to beat reigning champion and British Isles Under 18 champion Tom Holmes.

Both players won their quarter-final games and then met in the semi-final, where Rogers produced her best performance of the tournament.

Starting well in the final the Oakley and Hampshire supporters briefly dreamed of a Rogers victory, but as the game progressed she struggled with weight and went down to a 3-1 sets defeat to England under-18 international Liam Harris, a beaten semi-finalists last year.

Former Hampshire president and Oakley general secretary Spencer Kerley said: “Both players may be disappointed to get so close to winning the title, but it’s a fantastic achievement that from a field of 128 one club provided both a semi-finalist and the runner up.

“When you consider that both players are only in their second season outdoors it’s a massive achievement, especially for Ashley (Nethercliffe) who was playing in his first major championship, whereas Nicole (Rogers) confirmed her stature at this level.

Interest now turns to see if either or both players will be selected to represent England in the under-18 test match against Wales in September.