IT’s been a hectic, but successful period for Alton Social Bowling Club, with members securing places at the National Championships being held at Royal Leamington Spa this month.

Following a successful indoor campaign last winter, Dick Holden, Mark Fyfield and Adam White reached the last eight of the Hampshire Championships at Atherley BC.

The Social trio began with a hard-fought match against a triple from Argyll (Bournemouth). The Argyll skip, in particular, saved many shots until Social gained a late six to secure a semi-final berth against Alexander (Portsmouth).

This time, Social outplayed their opponents in every department to take their place in both the County and National finals.

Hazel Marke and Brenda Plumpton reached the area final of the National Senior Pairs by comfortably beating Julie Hudson and Viv Mansell (Swanmore BC).

Margaret Holden came up against Kath Patrick (Milton Park) in her bid to reach the County Singles final and a trip to the Nationals. Patrick built a five-shot lead, but Holden adjusted to the pace of the green and eventually the Social player drew ahead 19-14.

Back came Patrick to within a shot at 19-20. In what would be the last end, Patrick held a match-winning two, but Holden’s third wood trailed the jack into a winning position and she gained the one shot required.

Margaret Holden had further success in the Hampshire Champion of Champions, defeating Muriel Sadler at Hook BC.

Social Ladies, the holders, won their way through to the Thornbury Trophy county finals with a close win over Oakley BC.

The ladies also won at Hook BC in the Gazette Cup and then joined up with Social’s men to defeat Hook again in the county mixed Top Club.

Social men, after a run of wins in the Basingstoke Fours League, will now contest the Hants & Berks Cup final against Basingstoke Town.