2017 WEEKLY REPORTS & UPDATES

WEEK 26 - 20th OCTOBER - FINALS NIGHT

WINNERS: THREE HORSESHOES

MATCH REPORT:

WINNERS: QUEENS HEAD A

MATCH REPORT:

WINNERS: MASONS ARMS

MATCH REPORT:

WINNER: L.THOMPSON

RUNNER UP: B.TOWNSEND

MATCH REPORT:

WINNERS: J.TOWNSEND & C.BUCKINGHAM

MATCH REPORTS:

WINNERS: MASONS ARMS A

MATCH REPORT:

WINNERS: D.GRANT & R.BRADFORD

MATCH REPORT:

WINNER: C.BUCKINGHAM

MATCH REPORT:

WEEK 25 - 12th OCTOBER - SIXERS PLAYOFF

WEEK 24 - 5th OCTOBER  

SIXER

LEE THOMPSON (QUEENS HEAD A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

Cup action this week, with the Semi Finals of the Knockout & Supplementary Cups taking place.

Starting off with the Knockout Cup, where there was one straight forward victory, whilst the other was far from straight forward! In the opening match, it was the OXFORD YEOMAN B v the COCK INN. The COCK set an impressive 22 in the first leg, which the YEOMAN fell well short of. The YEOMAN then set 16 in the second leg, and were thankful for anchor man EDDIE LACEY, who knocked off the 3 required to take the leg. The third leg saw the YEOMAN set 15, and again it was EDDIE that had the honor of hitting the match winning doll to secure the win. As for the second match, well, where do I start! It was the QUEENS HEAD A v the MASONS ARMS A, and there was not the width of a fag paper between the two sides. The first two legs were tied, 17-17, 18-18, with both anchor men JEFF GLENISTER & CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM having to hit a 4 to tie. The MASONS then took the advantage in the third leg by setting 20, with the QUEENS falling just short on 17. It was then the QUEENS turn to set 20 in the fourth leg, but CHARLIE again held his nerve to hit a 3 to tie that leg. So, going into the final leg, the score was 5-3 to the MASONS. It was the QUEENS that set in this deciding leg, and put 20 on the board, which proved more than enough as the MASONS could only hit 12. So, a 3 stick playoff was required. The QUEENS again set, but could only post a score of 7, which they thought wouldn't be enough. However, with the MASONS middle order having a wobble, it needed that man CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM to save the day and hit the winning doll to secure victory. What a match! Every now and again I receive a scorecard which makes me think wow, I wish I was there to watch that, and this was certainly one of those! To add to that, one of the players involved in the match (who I won't name so don't ask), has said to me that this was the best match that he has ever been involved in while playing in the Wychwood League. I also must mention a fantastic individual performance by LEE THOMPSON. His scores on the night were 6,4.5,5,5, and then a 3 in the 3 sticker. He came up just 1 doll short of equalling the individual Wychwood record, which still stands at 26, hit by PAUL BENNETT a few years ago, and joins the club of players including JEFF GLENISTER & ROGER GOODALL that have hit 25. Fantastic throwing LEE, and well done to all four sides that did so well to make it through to the Semi Finals. Good luck to the COCK INN & the MASONS ARMS, and better luck next year to the OXFORD YEOMAN B & the QUEENS HEAD. 

Moving onto the Supplementary Cup Semi Finals, which also opened up with a 5 leg thriller between STONESFIELD SSC and the OXFORD YEOMAN A. There was noting between the two sides after three legs, with both teams having a won, drawn & lost leg, meaning the score was tied at 3-3. The YEOMAN then set in the fourth leg, and produced their lowest score of the evening, being 8, which they almost escaped with but for  STONESFIELD anchor man ROB TUDGE, who knocked off the 2 required to take the leg and give his side a massive advantage going into the final leg. STONESFIELD set in this last leg knowing that a draw would be good enough to see them win, and posted the highest score of the match with 13. The YEOMAN had a great effort at chasing this down, but in proved in vain as they came up just short, meaning STONESFIELD made it through to the final. In the second Semi Final, it was Division Three side the RED LION taking on Division Two side the THREE HORSESHOES. I can't tell you who set in what leg as the card wasn't filled in correctly, but I can tell you that it was the RED LION that took the first leg, winning it by just a single doll. It was a reversal in the second leg, with the THREE HORSESHOES taking it again by a single doll. It must of been the LION that set in the third, as they posted a score of 14, which the SHOES chased down with ease with a man spare. 4-2 up and throwing first, the SHOES then hit a fine score of 15, which proved more than enough as the LION failed to chase it down, meaning it was the THREE HORSESHOES that go onto play at finals night.

So, it was yet another good night of entertainment, and there will be a new name on the Supplementary Cup this year as STONESFIELD SSC and the THREE HORSESHOES battle it out to get their name on the trophy. Well done to the OXFORD YEOMAN A & the RED LION in making it through to the Semi Final stage, and thanks to ROB TUDGE & WAYNE TOWNSEND for helping out on the night.

WEEK 23 - 28th SEPTEMBER - FOURS COMPETITION  

SIXERS

DARREN GRANT (BLACK PRINCE A)

DEAN HARRIS (MASONS ARMS A)

LEE THOMPSON (QUEENS HEAD A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

Sorry for the massive delay with this! Busy, busy, busy!

Starting off at Venue One, the Black Prince, where the chiminea was in full flow as all 8 teams turned up in the hope of claiming one of the few remaining spots at this year's finals night. The First round saw home favourites the BLACK PRINCE A cruise past the WOODMAN, and joint favouites the MASONS ARMS A also comfortably defeated CHADLINGTON SSC, which included the evenings first 6 when DEAN HARRIS expertly hit a maximum. The third match was much closer, with the COCK INN being taken all the way by Division Three side STONESFIELD SSC. The COCK took the opening leg, but then tied legs two & three, meaning that they just squeezed through to the Semi Finals. The last match of the First round saw the second 6 of the evening as LEE THOMPSON continued his recent fine form to help his QUEENS HEAD A side to a 2-0 win over the RED LION. The first Semi Final was a battle of the big guns, with the BLACK PRINCE A taking on the MASONS ARMS A. It was the PRINCE that took leg 1, only for the MASONS to hit back and level things up by taking leg 2. The PRINCE won the all important coin toss for the deciding leg and managed to set 13, which proved too many for the MASONS to chase down. The second Semi Final saw the QUEENS HEAD continue their steady form on the night to ease past the COCK INN. So, the venue final was between the BLACK PRINCE A and the QUEENS HEAD A. It was the QUEENS that set first, posting an impressive score of 16, with all four players (LEE, SUPER 'G', JEFF & ROB) all hitting important dolls. That set looked in danger after DARREN GRANT continued his good throwing on the night to open up with a 6, but it proved in vain as the PRINCE failed to chase the big total down. The PRINCE then set in the second leg, and posted a steady 12, which looked like it might be enough before the QUEENS anchor man ROB BROWN stepped up to hit the 3 required to win the match and take his team to finals night. It was a good night of throwing and 'banter' which I believe everyone enjoyed. Special thanks to MARCUS COPELIN from the RED LION for his help on the scoreboard.

At Venue Two, the George & Dragon, there were also 8 teams, all ready to do battle. The opening match saw the COCK INN defeat ENSTONE SSC 2-0, although both legs were won by just a single doll, so it could of gone either way. The BLACK PRINCE B then eased past the WOODMAN INN in the second match. The third match was the battle of the biggies, with the BLACK PRINCE A facing off against old rivals the MASONS ARMS A. It was the MASONS that flexed thier muscles, hitting 14 dolls in leg 1 and then setting 16 dolls in leg 2 to comfortably win 2-0, helped by an all important 5 scored by TIM NEWBOLD in the second leg. The final match of the first round was the only match of the night to required a 3 stick playoff, which saw Division Three side STONESFIELD knockout Division One winners CHADLINGTON SSC. After tying the match 1 & 1/2 each, STONESFIELD set 5 in the 3 sticker, which CHADLINGTON failed to chase after finishing on 4 dolls. The first Semi Final was a strange affair between the COCK INN & the BLACK PRINCE B. The COCK easily won the first leg, then the PRINCE easily won the second, before the COCK secured a place in the venue's final by easily winning the deciding leg. The second Semi Final saw the MASONS ARMS A's form take a bizarre dip, although they still proved too strong and defeated underdogs STONESFIELD SSC 2-0. So, the Final was between the COCK INN and the MASONS ARMS A, which looked like it would be a tightly contested match. The MASONS set first and posted 11, which the COCK managed to chase down and hit 12, helped by a pair of 4's hit by DAVE & KEVIN GARDINER. The MASONS then set 11 again in the second leg, which the COCK again managed to chase down and hit 12, with all four players scoring the required 3 per man. Special thanks to PAT GRANT, who was this week's 'DICK WALSH HELPER' by looking after the scoresheet. Thanks PAT!

So, the Fours Cup Final will be played between the QUEENS HEAD A (L THOMPSON, SUPER G KITCHEN, J GLENISTER & R BROWN) and the COCK INN (D GARDINER, K GARDINER, M LACEY & E LACEY). It yet again shows that anyone or any team can win our wonderful competitions, it's just about who performs the best on the night. Good luck to all eight players and well done to all players that took part. 

WEEK 22 - 21st SEPTEMBER - TRIPLES COMPETITION  

SIXERS

ROB BRADFORD (BLACK PRINCE A)

PHIL AUSTIN (BLACK PRINCE A)

PAUL TOWNSEND (MASONS ARMS A)

BARRY TOWNSEND (BLACK PRINCE A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

This week was the turn of the Triples Competition, which was played in perfect throwing conditions, which made up for the cold of the previous week.

Starting things of at Venue One, The Cock Inn, all 11 teams turned up with high hopes of causing an upset and making it through to finals night. There were three Preliminary matches, which saw the Triple's from the BLACK PRINCE B, GEORGE & DRAGON and the COCK INN make it through to the main part of the draw after knocking out the other COCK INN side, STONESFIELD SSC and the THREE HORSESHOES respectively. The Quarter Finals were fairly straight forward, if somewhat uninspiring affairs, with all four matches being won 2-0 and only a single leg reaching double figures.Things then started to hot up in the Semi Finals! The first Semi was between the BLACK PRINCE B & the OXFORD YEOMAN B. The PRINCE B set 9 in the opening leg, which the YEOMAN chased down, and then the roles were reversed in the second leg as the PRINCE B chased down the YEOMAN'S set of 9. It was the YEOMAN who won the toss and chose to set in the decider, but could only muster a set of 6, which the PRINCE B went past with only two players needing to throw as BOB HALL hit a 4 to win the tie. In the second Semi, the BLACK PRINCE A side came up against home favourites the COCK INN. The COCK set first and posted a solid target of 10, which looked odds on to be enough after the PRINCE were stuck on 5 after two players, leaving the anchor mans dream of 6 to draw to ROB BRADFORD. But the brilliant ROB BRADFORD (B.R.B) did indeed produce some magic to hit the full house to tie the leg. The PRINCE then set in the second leg, and posted a score of 10, which proved just out of reach for the COCK. The deciding leg went the same as the second, with the PRINCE setting 10 which again proved to be just enough to win the tie. So the final was a PRINCELY battle, with the A team facing off against the B team. It was the PRINCE A that won the toss and set in the opening leg, and produced a mighty effort to put up 15 on the board, which included a 6 from PHIL AUSTIN. This proved more than enough to take the leg. The PRINCE B obviously decided to set themselves in the second leg, and posted a score of 10. This was nearly enough, but not quite as the B.R.B nailed his last stick to take the leg and take the PRINCE A through to finals night. Special thanks on the night to LUCY DAVIES for her excellent scoreboard skills (If there was an award for neatest handwriting the Lucy would win it with ease), and also to PETE KING for giving up his time to call in lots of the matches. Thanks very much.

At Venue Two, Enstone Social Club, there were a a couple of teams that didn't make it, but it still left 8 sides to battle it out. Home side and dark horses ENSTONE SSC A were the first team to fall after being easily beaten by the MASONS ARMS A, which was the first, but not the last shock of the evening. The second match was an all CHADLINGTON affair, with both teams facing off against eachother in a true luck of the draw fixture. It was the predicted tight match, which went into a third and deciding leg, before CHADLINGTON managed to hold on and defeat CHADLINGTON :-) The third Quarter Final was between the MASONS ARMS & the other home side from ENSTONE SSC. This match went one way and then the other, with the MASONS taking the first leg before ENSTONE hit back to take the second. ENSTONE then set 9 in the decider, which the MASONS managed to successfully chased down to progress into the Semi's. The final match of the round saw favourites the BLACK PRINCE A take on the lowest ranked team at the venue, STONESFIELD SSC, which the PRINCE side managed to cruise through 2-0. Moving into the Semi Finals, and the opening match saw the MASONS ARMS A easily defeat the remaining CHADLINGTON side, who were obviously still racked with guilt after beating their teammates in the previous round. The second Semi looked like it would be a classic even before a stick had been thrown in anger, as it pitched the MASONS ARMS against the BLACK PRINCE A. It was the MASONS that set in the opener, and they posted the solid score of 10, which proved enough after the PRINCE failed to get close. The PRINCE then posted an impressive set of 13 in the second leg, which started of with a 6 from lead off man BARRY TOWNSEND. But 13 proved to be not enough, as the MASONS came up with a great chase to tie the leg on 13 each and take the advantage into the deciding leg. The MASONS set in this decider, and posted a score of 10 again, which looked like it wouldn't be enough after the PRINCE anchor man DICK WALSH was left just 2 to win. But, after hitting his first stick, DICK was unable to find the target again, meaning the leg was tied and the MASONS advanced to the final. This resulted in the Final being the same as the other venue, with the two teams being from the same pub as the MASONS ARMS A played the MASONS ARMS. The match started with a strangely low scoring opening leg, which was tied on 6 each. The match then came alive, as the A team posted an impressive score of 13, which included a perfect 6 by PAUL TOWNSEND. But, for the second time on the night, the MASONS ARMS superbly managed to chase down 13 to tie the leg. The third and deciding leg also ended in a tie, this time on 8 each, meaning a 3 stick playoff was required to seperate the teams. It was the MASONS ARMS that went first, and set a solid score of 5, which finally proved enough to seperate the two sides as the MASONS A came up just short. Special thanks to DICK WALSH for running to venue, and also to FIONA TOWNSEND for helping out with the scoresheet.

So, the Triples Cup Final will be played between the BLACK PRINCE A (D GRANT, P AUSTIN & R BRADFORD) and the MASONS ARMS (R GRANT, N PRATLEY & A KERPACHE). Good luck to all six players, and well done to all players that supported the competiton yet again.Without your support we are nothing, so we can't thank you enough.

And finally, a big thanks to both venues, The COCK INN and ENSTONE SSC, for hosting duties. Thank you both for your support.

WEEK 21 - 14th SEPTEMBER - PAIRS COMPETITION  

SIXERS

ROB BRADFORD (BLACK PRINCE A)

ALAN MAJOR (OXFORD YEOMAN B)

RICHARD JOHNSON (CHADLINGTON SSC)

WEEKLY REPORT:

BRRRRRRR!!!!! I've only just warmed up after a very cold night in North Leigh! But to quickly answer any grumbling that is going on, please remember that September is normally a very mild month, so it's not our fault that it was so cold! And also don't forget that the reason we hold the competitions late in the season is because people didn't want to play on a Sunday night. You can't have it both ways I'm afraid!

Anyway, onto the report. The cold conditions obviously proved to be a leveller, as there was two surprise pairs that have made it through to play at finals night. Starting off at the Woodman, there was an excellent turn out of 17 pairs, which ment a busy night of throwing & scoring. The Prelim and First Round matches were mainly close, with pretty much all of the favoured pairs making it throw to the Second Round. But this was when things started to get interesting, with the highlight being the evenings top score of 10 from the OXFORD YEOMAN B'S ALAN MAJOR & DAVE BEHAN, which was almost chased down by the ENSTONE pair of MARTIN BLAKE & STEVE DUCKER, who fell just one doll short.The Semi Finals saw ALAN MAJOR/DAVE BEHAN win a last leg decider against RAY GRANT/BOB GOODWIN, whilst DARREN GRANT/ROB BRADFORD also secured the win in the last leg against NIGEL KING/MARK POULTER. The Final was a tight affair, with MAJOR/BEHAN taking the first leg, before GRANT/BRADFORD hit back to tie the second leg and win the third leg, taking the match to 3 sticks. With the YEOMAN chaps only setting 1, it was left to GRANT & BRADFORD TO hit 1 each to win the venue. There were a couple of 6's to report from the venue, with ALAN MAJOR and the brilliant ROB BRADFORD both hitting a maximums, and they were both the outstanding players of the night. Special thanks to CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM & IAN GRANT for helping out with doing the pegs and scoring all evening. Cheers chaps.

Moving down the road to the Masons, where the numbers were slightly down, with 13 pairs turning up, meaning that there were 3 Bye's in the draw. The highlight of the First Round was the match between ALEX & GARY CHAMBERLAIN of the THREE HORSESHOES, who played RICHARD JOHNSON & RON HINCHCLIFFE from CHADLINGTON. The match went the full distance, which required a 1 stick shootout before the boys from CHAD squeezed through to the next round. All the matches in the Second Round were very tight, with only a single leg out of the 10 played reaching a total of 7. The Semi Finals started off with MARK & EDDIE LACEY getting past KEVIN & DAVE GARDINER after winning the last leg, whilst RICHIE & RON from CHAD continued their good form to easily dispatch favourites JON TOWNSEND & DICK WALSH. The final was surprisingly one sided, with big match player RICHARD JOHNSON hitting a 6 in the opening leg to help set the venue's hightest total of 10, and then finishing the match off with the winning doll after good work from his buddy RON HINCHCLIFFE to take the final 2-0. Special thanks to DICK WALSH & LUCY DAVIES for helping to run this venue, and to DEAN HARRIS for helping to fix a problem with the lighting at the start of the night. 

So, there will be some new names on the Pairs Cup this year, with the final being between DARREN GRANT & ROB BRADFORD from the BLACK PRINCE and RICHARD JOHNSON & RON HINCHCLIFFE from CHADLINGTON SSC. It also goes to show that anything can happen on the night, so I can't stress enough that it's well worth entering our great competitions!

WEEK 20 - 7th SEPTEMBER  

SIXERS

ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B)

DAVE GARDINER (COCK INN)

WEEKLY REPORT:

Cup action this week, with the Quarter Finals of the Knockout & Supplementary Cups taking place.

Starting off with the Knockout Cup, and there was a titanic battle between ENSTONE SSC and the OXFORD YEOMAN B. It was the YEOMAN that held the advantage, leading 5-3 going into the last leg decider. But ENSTONE hit back to post their best leg of the match to tie things up at 5-5, meaning a three stick shootout was required. The YEOMAN got off to a perfect start with lead off man ALAN MAJOR hitting all 3 of his sticks as his team set 7, which proved to be just enough after ENSTONE fell just one doll short. There was another close match between HANBOROUGH SSC & the COCK INN, which went the distance to find a winner. The match went one way and then another, with HANBOROUGH taking the opening leg, then the COCK INN taking legs two & three, before HANBOROUGH hit back to take the fourth leg. It was the COCK INN that set in the deciding leg, posting a score of 18, which proved to be enough to win the match. There was yet another last leg decider required in the match between the BLACK PRINCE B & the QUEENS HEAD A. The QUEENS were leading 5-3 going into the final leg, and set a fine score of 18, which proved to be too much for the PRINCE to chase down.

Moving into the Supplementary Cup, there is only one remaining team left in the competition from Division Two, which is the THREE HORSESHOES. They progressed to the Semi Final stage after a good 7-1 win at home over the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE, with ALEX CHAMBERLAIN in fine form after hitting 13 dolls in the 3 legs that he needed to throw in. The RED LION picked up a good 6-2 win over the MASONS ARMS B, even though it was the Mason's ASHLEY KEENAN that hit a 6. STONESFIELD SSC made home advantage tell with a tight 6-1 win over YE OLDE CROSS KEYS. It was certainly a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, with the CROSS KEYS anchor man RAY BARSON unlucky not to salvage more points. The final side to make it to the Semi Finals is the OXFORD YEOMAN A, who squeezed past the GEORGE & DRAGON 6-2. It was a strangely below-par performance by the GEORGE, which enabled the YEOMAN A to hit back after losing the opening leg to take the following three legs and the match.

Please see the note on the home page for information on the Semi Final venues and start times. 

WEEK 19 - 31st AUGUST  

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 23 DOLLS - BARRY TOWNSEND (BLACK PRINCE A)

DIVISION ONE - 21 DOLLS - LEE THOMPSON (QUEENS HEAD A) 

DIVISION TWO - 15 DOLLS - PETE KING (WOODMAN INN) & ALEX CHAMBERLAIN (THREE HORSESHOES) 

DIVISION THREE - 18 DOLLS - MICK PHIPPS Jnr (GEORGE & DRAGON)

SIXERS

LEE THOMPSON (QUEENS HEAD A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

So, my final league related weekly report is here! 

The only title yet to be decided going into this week was for Division One, with CHADLINGTON SSC & the COCK INN both in with a chance of claiming the trophy. It was CHADLINGTON that held their nerve to pick up the required points after a 8-2 away win over ENSTONE SSC to again get thier hands on the cup. Captain & anchor man RICHARD JOHNSON showed his team the way, hitting the needed 4 in the opening leg to win it on the way to a solid score of 17 dolls. This result ment that the COCK INN had to settle for second spot (again!), even though they impressed with a fine 7-3 away win over the BLACK PRINCE B. NIGEL KING top scored for the PRINCE with 17 dolls, whilst EDDIE LACEY completed a great season with 15 dolls for the COCK INN. The QUEENS HEAD A finished their season by continuing their recent good run of form with another away win, this time 8-2 at the OXFORD YEOMAN B. It was almost a clean sweep for the QUEENS, but the YEOMAN produced a fine final leg chase to pick up 2 points. ROBBIE WATSON saved his best week of the season for the final match, coming in with a solid 14 dolls, whilst LEE THOMPSON finished in style, hitting a 6 in the opening leg on route to a great 21 doll score. The final match in the top sections, it was the MASONS ARMS A that produced a a dominant display to record a 8-2 home win over the BLACK PRINCE A. The PRINCE actually managed to take the first leg, but that only seem to inspire the MASONS on and although the remaining legs were tight, the MASONS were always just that bit better. CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM again impressed with 22 dolls and was unlucky not to add a couple more to that total, but it was BARRY TOWNSEND that was the top scorer on the night and the week with a mighty 23 dolls.

Moving into the lower sections, the MASONS ARMS B finished off their season in style with a 6-4 away win over the RED LION and can now start planning for life in Division One. The MASONS were actually losing 2-4 at one point, but produced two solid legs to end with to take the points. There must of been an appearance related bonus scheme in place for the MASONS, as ASHLEY KEENAN as dropped for the final leg of the match, which was the only leg of the season that he didn't take part in! That's proper commitment for you! Well done ASHLEY!. The KILLINGWORTH CASTLE also finished in style after a clean sweep 10-0 home win over the THREE HORSESHOES, with ALEX CHAMBERLAIN completing a great season with 15 dolls for the SHOES. The WOODMAN INN went from 3-1 behind to record a fine 7-3 home win over the OXFORD YEOMAN A, with PETE KING impressing with 15 dolls. The GEORGE & DRAGON secured second spot in Division Three after winning a last leg shootout to beat STONESFIELD SSC 6-4 away. MIKE PHIPPS Jnr had the best night of the season by a player in the division, claiming a mighty 18 dolls. In the final match of the week, and the final league match of the season, the QUEENS HEAD B managed to finish well with a 7-3 home win over YE OLDE CROSS KEYS, proving that if they can find enough players they can beat anyone.

So, that's the league all done and dusted. A massive well done to everyone who has taken part this season, and good luck to everyone in the up coming competitions.

WEEK 18 - 24th AUGUST 

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 20 DOLLS - DICK WALSH & PHIL AUSTIN (BOTH BLACK PRINCE A)

DIVISION ONE - 18 DOLLS - EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN) & FRED MORETON (CHADLINGTON SSC) 

DIVISION TWO - 19 DOLLS - MARK BENNETT (MASONS ARMS B) 

DIVISION THREE - 13 DOLLS - JAMES BATEMAN (KILLINGWORTH CASTLE) & JOE LANGFORD (OXFORD YEOMAN A) 

SIXERS

LEE THOMPSON (QUEENS HEAD A)

ADOLFO KERPACHE (MASONS ARMS B)

WEEKLY REPORT:

The penultimate round of league fixtures saw two more champions crowned as the action reaches the final stages.

The MASONS ARMS B completed what has been a very impressive season to claim the Division Two title after a comprehensive 10-0 home win over STONESFIELD SSC. The MASONS have battled for many years in this Division and never quite managed to claim the crown, but this year they have found another gear and more than deserve to pick up the title. Captain MARK BENNETT showed the way this week with a great 19 dolls, and was well supported by ADLOFO KERPACHE, who hit 16 dolls including a 6 in the third leg. The other title winners were the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE, who claimed the Division Three crown. It's been a tough battle in this Division, with four teams all looking good bets to win it at various times of the season. But it was the KILLY that have got over the line first after securing a 6-4 away win over YE OLDE CROSS KEYS. The match looked to going the way of the CROSS KEYS, as in the last leg shootout they were left needing anchor man RAY BARSON to hit 2 dolls to win. But, proving that in Aunt Sally anything is possible, RAY returned with a blob meaning that the KILLY gained the required points to take the title. Staying in Division Three, the GEORGE & DRAGON secured second place after picking up a good 7-3 home win over the WOODMAN INN. It was the WOODMAN'S PETE KING who was the top scorer on the night with a season's best 17 dolls.The race for third place will go down to the final match, with the RED LION and the OXFORD YEOMAN A both tied on the same points. It was the OXFORD YEOMAN that gained ground this week after winning 8-2 at home against the QUEENS HEAD B, with JOE LANGFORD the top scorer with 13 dolls, whilst the RED LION slipped to a 9-1 away defeat at the THREE HORSESHOES, where ALEX CHAMBERLAIN was in fine form with 17 dolls. 

The remaining Division title yet to be decided is Division One, where CHADLINGTON SSC & the COCK INN will take things down to the final round of fixtures. CHADLINGTON have the advantage at the moment, and claimed a very important 10-0 home win over HANBOROUGH SSC to be favourites to take the title. FRED MORETON was impressive for CHAD this week after coming in with 18 dolls. The COCK INN kept up the chase for the title after securing a 6-4 home win over the OXFORD YEOMAN B. It could of been more points but after a poor set in the final leg, the COCK INN had to watch the YEOMAN take two more vital points from them. EDDIE LACEY had yet another good night with 18 dolls, which has now taken him to the top of the Division One top doll scorer table. There was a very good game between the QUEENS HEAD A and ENSTONE SSC, which the QUEENS managed to take 7-3. The match went the distance, and with the QUEENS setting in the final leg, they got off to the perfect start with lead off man LEE THOMPSON hitting a 6 which helped his team set an impressive total of 25 dolls. Altough ENSTONE battled hard, they fell just short of this total and suffered the unlucky defeat.The final match of the evening was the battle of the Prince, with the A team 'hosting' the B team. It was the B team that took the opening leg, but the A team hit back to take the remaining legs to pick up the 8-2 win, with PHIL AUSTIN & DICK WALSH both impressing with 20 dolls each.

So, the fat lady is doing her vocal warm up exercises as she prepares to bring the curtain down on the league format of the 2017 season. Good luck to everyone, lets all finish in style!

WEEK 17 - 17th AUGUST

Rearranged Fixtures

(From Week 2) GEORGE & DRAGON 5 - KILLINGWORTH CASTLE 5

(From Week 8) OXFORD YEOMAN B 2 - COCK INN 8

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 22 DOLLS - DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)

DIVISION ONE - 16 DOLLS - JEFF GLENISTER (QUEENS HEAD A) & DREW DUNCAN (CHADLINGTON SSC) 

DIVISION TWO - 18 DOLLS - MARK BENNETT (MASONS ARMS B) 

DIVISION THREE - 16  DOLLS - GRAHAM EMPSON (KILLINGWORTH CASTLE) 

SIXERS

SPENCER BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A)

DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

The first piece of silverware was won this week, with the MASONS ARMS A reclaiming the Premier Division title after a 7-3 home win over CHADLINGTON SSC. The MASONS last won the title in 2011, so will be delighted to get their hands on the trophy once again. They have been by far the most consistant team in the Premier this season and are well deserved winners. Congratulations guys! CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM was again the top scorer for the MASONS this week with 20 dolls, assisted well by SPENCER BUCKINGHAM, who hit a 6 on the way to 19 dolls. DREW DUNCAN was CHADLINGTONS top scorer with a good 16 dolls. The only other Premier side in action were the BLACK PRINCE A, who had a tough match away at the OXFORD YEOMAN B. Anchor man DICK WALSH carried on with his recent good form to hit 22 dolls to help the PRINCE record a 7-3 win and stay in the hunt for the runners up spot. The race for the Division One title is certain to go down to the final match, with just 3 points seperating leaders CHADLINGTON SSC and second placed COCK INN. It was a mixed week for the COCK INN, who played two matches. Firstly, they suffered a 6-4 away defeated at the QUEENS HEAD A, with anchor man JEFF GLENISTER hitting the winning dolls in the deciding leg to give the QUEENS the victory. However, the COCK INN hit back in their rearranged match, where they produced a superb performance to record a 8-2 away win over the OXFORD YEOMAN B to keep the pressure firmly on CHAD.

Moving into Division Two, the MASONS ARMS B have moved to within touching distance of the title after a qualitity 8-2 away win over the GEORGE & DRAGON. They should be able to wrap up the title this week, but you never know in the crazy world of Aunt Sally! MARK BENNETT set a great Captains example for the MASONS, hitting a great 18 dolls from his lead off position. Both of the teams chasing the MASONS were involved in 5-5 draws, with the THREE HORSESHOES being held away at STONESFIELD SSC and YE OLDE CROSS KEYS drawing away at the RED LION. Finally, in Division Three, it was a great week for the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE, after they recorded a 10-0 home win over a weakend OXFORD YEOMAN A side, and then held nearest rivals the GEORGE & DRAGON to a 5-5 draw in their only outstanding fixture. 

WEEK 16 - 10th AUGUST

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 20 DOLLS - CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A)

DIVISION ONE - 21 DOLLS - EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN)   

DIVISION TWO - 18 DOLLS - ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B)

DIVISION THREE - 16 DOLLS - DEREK RICHARDS (KILLINGWORTH CASTLE) 

SIXERS

CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

Things are certainly starting to look very interesting now as we approach the home straight in the 2017 league season.

Starting things off in Division Three, the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE took a big step towards the title after coming away with a clean sweep 10-0 victory away at the QUEENS HEAD B. It was a solid team effort by the KILLY, with DEREK RICHARDS hitting a season's best 16 dolls. The OXFORD YEOMAN A moved up into second place after recording a tight 9-1 home win over other title chasers the RED LION. The match was much tighter than the scoreline suggests, with the final two legs being won by the YEOMAN side by just a single doll. The other title hopefulls in this division are the GEORGE & DRAGON, who won a last leg decider to beat neighbours the THREE HORSESHOES away 6-4. It certainly looks like Division Three will go right down to the wire. In Division Two, the MASONS ARMS B strengthened their grip on top spot after winning the North Leigh derby 6-4 against the WOODMAN INN. It was the MASONS that started the match well, quickly taking the first three legs, but the WOODMAN hit back to take the final two legs to limit the damage. ASHLEY KEENAN was agian in fine form for the MASONS after hitting his third score of 18 dolls in the last four weeks. Keeping up the pressure on the MASONS are YE OLDE CROSS KEYS, who this week recorded a solid 7-3 home win over STONESFIELD SSC. IAN CALCUTT continued his recent good form to hit a fine 17 dolls for the CROSS KEYS.

Moving up to the Premier Division, and there was a return to form for the MASONS ARMS A, who now look odds on to take the title this year, after they came away with a 8-2 win at HANBOROUGH SSC. CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM was again the top man for the MASONS, hitting the leagues only 6 of the week in the opening leg on way to a fine 20 dolls. The BLACK PRINCE B consolidated their second position after picking up a 10-0 away win over a under-par CHADLINGTON SSC. It was a rare off night for the CHAD team, who are normally such solid performers, and they could only reach double figures in one of the the five legs played. ENSTONE SSC kept up their hopes of maintaining their position in the Premier Division after a great team display to pick up a 6-4 away win over the COCK INN. All of the ENSTONE players chipped in with important dolls, but it was EDDIE LACEY from the COCK INN who top scored on the night and in the league with a fine 21 dolls. There was a fierce battle in the nights only other game, as the QUEENS HEAD A produced a superb fightback from 5-1 behind to level the match 5-5 away at the BLACK PRINCE A. After being set 18 in the final leg, the QUEENS went passed it with ease as they put 24 on the scoreboard. Unsung heros GORDON KITCHEN & PHIL HODSDON scored brilliantly in that final leg to help the team pick up the draw.

So, just three weeks left to go! Good luck all!

Captains, if you could get this week's cards in (Thursday 17th August) as soon as possible that would be great, as I hope to update the league tables & top scorer charts on Monday afternoon. Thanks!

WEEK 15 - 3rd AUGUST

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 24 DOLLS - DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)

DIVISION ONE - 17 DOLLS - MARK LACEY (COCK INN)   

DIVISION TWO - 18 DOLLS - ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B)

DIVISION THREE - 11 DOLLS - GRAHAM EMPSON (KILLINGWORTH CASTLE) 

SIXERS

DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)

MARK LACEY (COCK INN)

CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

So that's Summer finished with then! Starting things of in the Premier Division, the MASONS ARMS A moved ever closer to regaining the title after a solid performance against ENSTONE SSC. After a tricky couple of weeks, the MASONS returned to form to pick up a 10-0 away win, with CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM top scoring with 17 dolls, which included a 6 in the third leg. Current champions the BLACK PRINCE A continued their recent return to form by hitting a season's best 108 dolls to pick up an impressive 10-0 away at the COCK INN. The second leg in the match included a 6 from each team, with MARK LACEY & DICK WALSH both hitting a maximum. DICK was on fine form all evening, coming in with 24 dolls, which was the week's highest score and also the highest individual score of the season so far. There was yet another clean sweep as the BLACK PRINCE B picked up a 10-0 home win over HANBOROUGH SSC. In the final match in the top sections, CHADLINGTON SSC made the long trip over to the OXFORD YEOMAN B, and came away with a great 8-2 win, with TONY BRICE top scoring with a solid 15 dolls. 

In the lower sections, the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE gained the advantage in the Division Three title race after recording a good 8-2 away win over the WOODMAN INN, with GRAHAM EMPSON & PETE MILLEN sharing top doll duties with 11 dolls each. The MASONS ARMS B came back from 4-0 behind to pick up a 6-4 home win over the THREE HORSESHOES. ADOLFO KERPACHE & ASHLEY KEENAN were again in great form for the MASONS, with ASHLEY top scoring with 18 dolls. The final match of the evening required a last leg shootout as STONESFIELD SSC hosted the OXFORD YEOMAN A. It was STONEY that squeezed home, winning this final leg 12-11 to pick up a 6-4 home win.

Captains, please don't forget to circle who sets in every leg! It gives me a bit more info to write my report. Thanks!

WEEK 14 - 27th JULY

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 20 DOLLS - DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)

DIVISION ONE - 18 DOLLS - JAMIE BERRY (HANBOROUGH SSC)  

DIVISION TWO - 16 DOLLS - TOM O'NEIL (MASONS ARMS B)

DIVISION THREE - 14 DOLLS - WAYNE TOWNSEND (RED LION) 

SIXERS

DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)

JEFF GLENISTER (QUEENS HEAD A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

There were some interesting results this week as we approach the final stretch in the race for the Division titles.

Starting things off in the Premier, there was a shock 6-4 away win for the BLACK PRINCE B over league leaders the MASONS ARMS A. The match was tied at 4-4 going into the final leg, and it was the PRINCE B that sneaked home by a single doll to take the win. TIM NEWBOLD was the top scorer in the match with a season's best 16 dolls. In the other match in the Premier, there was a closely contested match between the BLACK PRINCE A & ENSTONE SSC. It was a match that could of gone either way, but it was the PRINCE A that managed to secure a 6-4 home win. DICK WALSH was in fine form for the PRINCE with 20 dolls, with ENSTONE'S GEORGE WILLIAMS just one behind with 19 dolls. There was a fine team performance by HANBOROUGH SSC as they racked up a big 9-1 home win over the OXFORD YEOMAN B. It was HANBOROUGH'S best night of the season so far, with them hitting a gross score of 90 dolls, which included a season's best score by JAMIE BERRY with 18 dolls. In the evenings other match in the top sections, there was a last leg shootout between CHADLINGTON SSC & the QUEENS HEAD A, which the QUEENS managed to take to claim a good 6-4 away win. It was a good night for JEFF GLENISTER, who hit a 6 on the way to 17 dolls. 

The GEORGE & DRAGON picked up an impressive 7-3 away win over the OXFORD YEOMAN A to keep right in the mix for the Division Three title, with their two outstanding fixtures looking more and more crucial. BEN HOLLOWAY was the star man for the GEORGE with 12 dolls. The KILLINGWORTH CASTLE moved ahead of the RED LION after beating them 8-2 at home. It was the LION that won the opening leg, but after that it was the KILLY that took control to take the remaining legs and win the match. The anchor men from both teams, JAMES BATEMAN (KILLY) & MARCUS COPELIN (RED LION) were heavily involved in the match outcome, with three out of the five legs going down to the final thrower. The MASONS ARMS B now look favourites to take the Division Two title after securing an impressive 7-3 away win over YE OLDE CROSS KEYS. It was the CROSS KEYS that had the honour of setting in every leg, but there was some good chasing by the MASONS to take the match win. TOM O'NEIL hit his season's best score of 16 dolls, but it was a great team effort by the whole MASONS team. The QUENNS HEAD B picked another victory, this time it was a 7-3 home win over STONESFIELD SSC. There was very little between the two sides, but it was the QUEENS that made the extra handicap start count to take the win. In the final match of the evening, it was the THREE HORSESHOES that claimed a comfortable 8-2 home win over the WOODMAN INN to moved up to joint second in Division Two.

WEEK 13 - 20th JULY  

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 16 DOLLS - D HARRIS (MASONS ARMS A), M POULTER (BLACK PRINCE B), M BLAKE & J ELEY (BOTH ENSTONE SSC)  

DIVISION ONE - 21 DOLLS - EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN) 

DIVISION TWO -18  DOLLS - ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B) 

DIVISION THREE -17 DOLLS - TONY TOMKINS (STONESFIELD SSC)

SIXERS

EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN)

ALEX CHAMBERLAIN (THREE HORSESHOES)

ADOLFO KERPACHE (MASONS ARMS B)

WEEKLY REPORT:

Sorry for the late report teams. Busy week!

It's an enjoyable report to write this week, as there were some fantastic performances from players that don't normally get a mention, which just proves that we can all do it. Practice makes perfect, or something like that!

Starting things off in Division Three, there was a suberb comeback performance by STONESFIELD SSC, who came from 4-0 down against the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE to record a 6-4 home win. It was a great team performance by STONEY, with TONY TOMKINS leading the way with a seasons best score of 17 dolls. Well done Sir! The MASONS ARMS B also had thier best night of the season so far, hitting 74 dolls on route to a 8-2 home win over the OXFORD YEOMAN A to stretch thier lead at the top of Division Two. There was a 6 in the third leg by ALDOLFO KERPACHE, who hit his season's best score of 17 dolls, but it was Mr Consistant ASHLEY KEENAN who was the top scorer on the night with 18 dolls. The RED LION kept their tiny lead at the top of Division Three after a 7-3 away win over the WOODMAN INN, with the whole team chipping in with important dolls to help claim the win. The good run of form by the THREE HORSESHOES came to end after they suffered a 8-2 home defeat to YE OLDE CROSS KEYS, which keeps the Division Two table very interesting. ALEX CHAMBERLAIN warmed up to throwing as the night went on, and finished with a 6 in the final leg as he hit 16 dolls in total, but the team effort from the CROSS KEYS resulted in a good victory.

Moving into Division One, there was a really strong team effort by the COCK INN, who defeated CHADLINGTON SSC 8-2. Anchor man EDDIE LACEY was in fine form, hitting the leagues highest weekly score of 21 dolls, including a 6 in the final leg when needing 4 to win. It's a pleasure to report that DREW DUNCAN continued his recent good form since he stopped polishing glasses behind the bar as he top scored for CHADLINGTON with a fine 16 dolls. I feel there is a 6 coming very soon from Mr DREW...In the battle for the Premier title, ENSTONE SSC recorded a big 8-2 over the BLACK PRINCE B, which makes the race for second, third & fourth very tight. It was ENSTONE'S silent assassin MARTIN BLAKE, along with captain JASON ELEY, that top scored with 16 dolls. Finally, the MASONS ARMS A continued their march towards the title after picking up a 8-2 away win over OXFORD YEOMAN B, even though they were down on thier normally high standards. It was left to DEAN HARRIS to provide a solid performance in the middle of the order with 16 dolls, which helped the team kick on and take the points. 

WEEK 12 - 13th JULY  

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 23 DOLLS - NEIL PRATLEY (MASONS ARMS A)  

DIVISION ONE - 18 DOLLS - RICHARD JOHNSON (CHADLINGTON SSC) & LEE THOMPSON (QUEENS HEAD A) 

DIVISION TWO - 12 DOLLS - ALEX CHAMBERLAIN & GARY CHAMBERLAIN (BOTH THREE HORSESHOES)   

DIVISION THREE - 17 DOLLS - MIKE PHIPPS (GEORGE & DRAGON) 

SIXER

NEIL PRATLEY (MASONS ARMS A) 

WEEKLY REPORT:

We seem to have a missing card, so if someone from the QUEENS HEAD B team can get in touch with me ASAP that would be great! Thanks!

I hope everyone has noticed the slight change to the individual players scores tabs and can now view this correctly.

Kicking off this weeks report, there was a stunning performance by Premier leaders the MASONS ARMS A, who hit a fantastic 107 dolls on their way to recording a 10-0 home win over the QUEENS HEAD A. It's very rare that I see a scorecard that has three players hitting 20 dolls or more, but this was the case here as RAY GRANT (20 Dolls), CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (21 Dolls) and the weeks top scorer NEIL PRATLEY (23 Dolls) all had excellent nights. Well done gents. The leagues last remaining unbeaten record came to an end this week, with the BLACK PRINCE A picking up an 8-2 away win over CHADLINGTON SSC. 18 seemed to be the number here, as RICHARD JOHNSON, BARRY TOWNSEND, PHIL AUSTIN, MICK PHIPPS & DICK WALSH all recorded that score for the night. The OXFORD YEOMAN B continued to climb the Division One table and moved up into second place after picking up a good 7-3 away win over the BLACK PRINCE B. It was the PRINCE'S DARREL CROSS that was the matches top scorer, coming in with 16 dolls, but it was a solid team performance by the YEOMAN which saw them home. In the final match of the top sections, HANBOROUGH SSC picked up a crucial 6-4 home win over the COCK INN. It needed a dramatic last leg decider to find the winner, and after the COCK INN had set 19, it was left to HANBOROUGH anchor man JOHN BUSBY to hit the 3 dolls required to take the leg and the match.

In the lower sections, there was a big match between Division Three title hopefuls the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE and the GEORGE & DRAGON. It was the predicted close match, but it was the GEORGE that came out 6-4 victors, helped by an excellent 17 Dolls by MIKE PHIPPS. There are now just four points separating four teams at the top of Division Three, so it looks like every point could be vital. The RED LION are now tied at the top after a solid 8-2 home win over STONESFIELD SSC, with WAYNE TOWNSEND again impressing with 15 dolls. Things are also hotting up in Division Two, with both the THREE HORSESHOES & YE OLDE CROSS KEYS picking up big wins to move up the table. The THREE HORSESHOES recorded a 8-2 home win over the OXFORD YEOMAN A, while the CROSS KEYS won 7-3 over the WOODMAN INN, which was also at home. It looks like we are all set up for an interesting finish to the season!   

WEEK 11 - 6th JULY - SINGLES COMPETITION  

SIXERS

JON TOWNSEND (BLACK PRINCE A)

KEVIN JOHNSON (MASONS ARMS A)

M BERRY (QUEENS HEAD A)

Rearranged Fixtures

(From week 10) KILLINGWORTH CASTLE 3 - MASONS ARMS B 7

(From week 1)  YE OLDE CROSS KEYS 3 - OXFORD YEOMAN A 7

WEEKLY REPORT:

Back from having a little paddle in the sea, it's time to report on all that happened last week

The opening round of the 2017 Singles Competition proved a massive success, with some excellent throwing and tight matches throughout both venues. I obviously can't report on all the matches, but I will try to give a brief outline of the highlights.

At Venue One, the George & Dragon, there were 18 players present, all with hopes of making it through to finals night. The three Prelim matches saw IAN GRANT, CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM & DARREN GRANT make it through to the main draw, with all the early players slow to get the scoring going. Then into the First Round, the first talking point was an impressive display by ADIE COOPER (3 & 4 Dolls) in beating DREW DUNCAN 2-0. There was an evil draw between two of pre match favourites LEE THOMPSON & EDDIE LACEY, which predictably went to a Three Stick Playoff. The first leg was tied on 4-4, EDDIE then took the second leg 3-2 before LEE hit back to take the third leg. It was EDDIE that held his nerve in the Three Stick Playoff, setting 2 which LEE could not match. There was a battle of mind games between Black Prince players IAN GRANT & M PHIPPS, which was won in the deciding leg by IAN after he chased down MICK'S set of 3 to claim the bragging rights. The closest match of the round was between DARREN GRANT & CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM, which had to be decided by the evenings only One Stick Playoff. With the match tied at one leg each and the deciding leg also tied, it was DARREN that looked to have the advantage after hitting all 3 in the Three Stick Playoff, but CHARLIE showed his class to match that and to go on and win after hitting in the One Sticker. The highlight in the Second Round was excellent mind games played by ADIE COOPER, who came within a whisker of knocking out reigning champion EDDIE LACEY. All three legs were tied, so a Three Sticker was required, which saw EDDIE throw like a true champion to hit 2, which ADIE could not match. The Semi Finals were between RICHARD JOHNSON (2-2) & EDDIE LACEY (3-3), and CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (4-4-3) & IAN GRANT (2-4-3), meaning EDDIE & CHARLIE made it through as the venue finalists.

At the second venue, the Cock Inn, we had 19 players that were all hoping for a nice draw to help them get through the evening. During the Prelim matches, there was a family battle as JON TOWNSEND was drawn out to play brother BARRY TOWNSEND. It resulted in JON gaining the bragging rights after a 2-0 win. KEVIN JOHNSON hit the evening's first 6 in the other Prelim, but it would be in vain as he lost out 2-1 to GEORGE WILLIAMS. Moving into the First Round, Black Prince B teammates NIGEL KING & BOB HALL were drawn out to face eachother, and it was NIGEL that completed a 2-0 win. There were victories for the two entrants from the Three Horseshoes, with ALEX CHAMBERLAIN & SEAN BAREFIELD winning tight matchs, and JON TOWNSEND hit a 6 in the last leg decider against DEAN HARRIS to move into the next round. The Second Round kick off in style with a 6 from MICK BERRY, but things soon turned sour as his opponent, MICK FOREMAN, would hit back to win legs two & three to win 2-1. The Semi Finals were between MICK FOREMAN (2-3) & NIGEL KING (3-4), and JON TOWNSEND (4-4) & PHIL AUSTIN (1-3), meaning that NIGEL & JON made it through to finals night.

So, two good venues made up of some great throwing, well done to all players that entered.

WEEK 10 - 29th JUNE  

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 22 DOLLS - DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)  

DIVISION ONE - 17 DOLLS - EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN) 

DIVISION TWO - 18 DOLLS - RAY BARSON (YE OLDE CROSS KEYS)  

DIVISION THREE - 15 DOLLS - JOE LANGFORD (OXFORD YEOMAN A) 

SIXERS

DICK WALSH (BLACK PRINCE A)

SPENCER BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

The second half of the season kicked off this week with the MASONS ARMS A continuing their stroll to the Premier Division title with another big victory, this time winning 8-2 at home over the COCK INN. It was another fine display from the MASONS side, with 5 players sharing a mighty 79 dolls between them. SPENCER BUCKINGHAM opened up with a perfect 6 in the first leg, but it was brother CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM that went on to be the top scorer with 18 dolls. EDDIE LACEY continued his rich vein of form for the COCK INN, coming in with a solid 17 dolls. The 'real' BLACK PRINCE A turned up for the first time this season, producing a display which has been long overdue in beating HANBOROUGH SSC 9-1 away from home. Having been set 21 in the opening leg, which they managed to tie, the PRINCE returned to form to hit 107 dolls across the night. DICK WALSH showed that class is permanent after a match winning night as anchor man, coming in with a 6 and 22 dolls in total. HANBOROUGH can certainly count themselves as unlucky, as they hit 88 dolls gross, which would normally be good enough to win more matches than not. The OXFORD YEOMAN B took full advantage of a weakened ENSTONE SSC side to pick up an important 6-4 away win and move up to second in the Division One table. MARTIN BLAKE continued his good scoring this season for ENSTONE, this week with 17 dolls, but with only 5 players it was always going to be a struggle. Although pleased with the result, the YEOMAN will be disappointed not to gain more points after putting in a strangely poor final leg of only 9 dolls. (Perhaps they couldn't concentrate after having to keep one eye on where landlord Trevor Johnson put down his sticks in case he lost them again - Te he!!). In the final match in the top sections, the BLACK PRINCE B picked up yet another win, this time at home 6-4 over the QUEENS HEAD A. The PRINCE won the opening two legs, only for the QUEENS to hit back and take the next two, meaning a last leg decider was required. It was the PRINCE that would hold their nerve, winning the last leg 21-16, to take the important points.

In the lower sections, there was a clash with between Division Two title challengers the RED LION and the GEORGE & DRAGON. It was the predicted tight affair, with both teams winning a leg each, then drawing legs three & four, meaning a last leg shootout was required. It was the GEORGE that held their nerve to win this last leg with a man spare, comfortable chasing down the strangely low set of 8 by the LION to win the match 6-4. 12 dolls was the top individual score of the match, with SEAN OSGATHORP hitting it for the LION and MARK BOWERMAN also hitting it for the GEORGE. The THREE HORSESHOES continued their return to form to record thier first win of the season and keep themselves in with a shout of the Division Two title by defeating the QUEENS HEAD B 8-2 away from home. It was the QUEENS that took the opening leg, but after that it was plain sailing for the SHOES, with GARY CHAMBERLAIN coming in with a solid 14 dolls. STONESFIELD SSC let slip a 5-1 halfway lead away at the WOODMAN to draw the match 5-5. Having been set 12 in the last leg, it was the WOODMAN anchor man PETE KING who hit the winning dolls to make sure the points were shared. In the nights final action, the OXFORD YEOMAN A produced a strong home performance to defeat YE OLDE CROSS KEYS 8-2. JOE LANGFORD was in good form again for the YEOMAN with 15 dolls, but player of the night was RAY BARSON for the CROSS KEYS, who hit a superb 18 dolls.

WEEK 9 - 22nd JUNE  

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 19 DOLLS - CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A) 

DIVISION ONE - 21 DOLLS - EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN)

DIVISION TWO - 14 DOLLS - TOM O'NEIL (MASONS ARMS B) & RAY BARSON (YE OLDE CROSS KEYS) 

DIVISION THREE - 14 DOLLS - WAYNE TOWNSEND (RED LION) 

SIXERS

EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN)

WEEKLY REPORT:

It was another scorching night of sticks as we reached the halfway point of the 2017 season

Starting things off this week in the lower sections, there was a battle between top of Division Two team the MASONS ARMS B and top of Division Three team the RED LION in North Leigh, it what promised to be a tight match. The MASONS must of sensed the challenge ahead of them as they came in with a season's best total of 68 dolls to record an impressive 8-2 win to move 9 points clear at the top of the table. It was a really good team display from the MASONS, with everyone chipping in with dolls, led by TOM O'NEIL, who top scored with 14 dolls. WAYNE TOWNSEND was his usual consistant self for the LION, coming in with another good night of 14 dolls. This result gave the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE chance to take over at the top of Division Three, depending on their result away at the THREE HORSESHOES. The match went the distance, with a last leg decider won by the KILLY to secure a 5-5 draw. 'SLIM' RICHMOND was on form at the top of the HORSESHOES order with 13 dolls, which was match by CHRIS STEWART for the KILLY. The OXFORD YEOMAN A also recorded a season's best total of 58 dolls gross on way to a 10-0 home win over the WOODMAN INN. 13 dolls was the top individual score of the night, hit by TOM LAY of the YEOMAN and also by PETE KING of the WOODMAN. The GEORGE & DRAGON continued to keep up the pressure at the top of Division Three after picking up a 6-4 home win over STONESFIELD SSC. After the GEORGE easily won the opening leg, the remaining 4 legs saw both sides score exactly the same amount of dolls, but the 1 doll extra handicap start made all the difference. The final match in these divisions was between YE OLDE CROSS KEYS and the QUEENS HEAD B, with a last leg win by the CROSS KEYS helping them to pick up a 7-3 home win and creep up the table.

In the top sections, old rivals the BLACK PRINCE A and the MASONS ARMS A battled things out, with the MASONS hoping to firmly keep the PRINCE team rooted to the bottom of the table. It was a very enjoyable match, with good throwing and much fun had by both teams. It was the MASONS who stuck to their task superbly well to pick up a 6-4 away win, led by another great night by CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM, who came in with his third 19 doll haul of the season. Some lucky chap called DARREN GRANT claimed plenty of little snicks to top score for the PRINCE with 17 dolls. CHADLINGTON SSC made sure they made it through the first half of the season unbeaten after winning a last leg decider to pick up a 6-4 home win over the in form ENSTONE SSC side. With the match tied at 4-4, CHADLINGTON set a total of 18 in the final leg, which proved to be a winning score and moved them into a commanding position at the top of Division One. EDDIE LACEY continue his impressive week to rack up the week's highest score of 21 dolls, including the leagues only 6 of the week, but it proved was to no avail after the COCK INN went down 6-4 at home to the BLACK PRINCE B. Having hit a 6 to win in the final leg the previous night, EDDIE also hit his 6 in this final leg, to help limit the damage. NIGEL KING was on top form for the PRINCE, leading off with a great score of 18 dolls. In the final match of the week, the QUEENS HEAD A again had to make do with just the 5 players as they hosted the OXFORD YEOMAN B. The extra player seemed to make all the difference in a close match, but the scoreline ended with a 10-0 win for the YEOMAN. DAVE BEHAN top scored for the YEOMAN with 15 dolls, which was matched by LEE THOMPSON of the QUEENS.

So, that's half time then gents. Well done to all in the first half, lets see what surprises come up in the second half, especially with the competitions getting up and running.

Good luck to all teams! 

WEEK 8 - 15th JUNE 

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 19 DOLLS - MICK PHIPPS Snr (BLACK PRINCE A) 

DIVISION ONE - 14 DOLLS - MICK BERRY (QUEENS HEAD A) & JOHN BUSBY (HANBOROUGH SSC)  

DIVISION TWO - 17 DOLLS - ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B) & ALEX CHAMBERLAIN (THREE HORSESHOES) 

DIVISION THREE - 15 DOLLS - WAYNE TOWNSEND (RED LION) 

SIXERS

MICK PHIPPS (BLACK PRINCE A)

ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B)

WAYNE TOWNSEND (RED LION)

WEEKLY REPORT:

Thought I might hide away from the sunshine and the crowds in the garden to do my report early this week! (Don't tell the wife!!)

There were more interesting results this week as we approach the halfway point of the season, played in breezy but warm conditions. Starting off in Division Two,the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE claimed a clean sweep 10-0 home win over YE OLDE CROSS KEYS to take over at the top of the league. It was another good all round performance by the KILLY, with JAMES BATEMAN again top scoring with a steady 13 dolls. The country fresh air must of effected the CROSS KEYS team as no one in the team could reach double figures. Look out next week when I'm sure they will bounce back! Previous Division Two leaders the RED LION needed a last leg decider to pick up a 6-4 home win over a much improved THREE HORSESHOES side. After being set 15 in the final leg, the RED LION managed to chase it down and pick up the win, helped by a 6 from WAYNE TOWNSEND. The WOODMAN INN ended the GEORGE & DRAGON'S unbeated run after producing a good performance to win at home 7-3, which saw PETE KING return to form with a superb 16 dolls. STONESFIELD SSC managed to win the final leg against the MASONS ARMS B to secure a 5-5 home draw, despite ASHLEY KEENAN hitting a 6. STONEY had set 12 in this final leg, but the MASONS fell just one doll short in their chase so had to settle for a share of the points. In the final match of the lower sections, bottom club the QUEENS HEAD B picked up a vital 6-4 home win over rivals the OXFORD YEOMAN A to close the gap on the teams above them. The match went the distance, with the scores tied up at 4-4 going into the last leg, but it was the QUEENS that kept their nerve to take the leg and win the match.

There were only three matches in the top sections. The big winners this week were ENSTONE SSC, who picked up a big 9-1 home win over the QUEENS HEAD A, who should be praised to honoring the fixture despite only having five players available. It was a fine team display from ENSTONE, with GEORGE WILLIAMS hitting 17 dolls, which proved just too much for the weakend QUEENS team. There was a last leg shootout between HANBOROUGH SSC and CHADLINGTON SSC, which ended with CHADLINGTON anchor man RICHARD JOHNSON hitting the 3 dolls required to win this last leg and secure a fine 6-4 away win for his team and keep intact thier unbeaten record. In the week's final match, the BLACK PRINCE B gained the bragging rights over the BLACK PRINCE A after winning 8-2. With some solid throwing at the top of the order from lead off man NIGEL KING and at the bottom from CHRIS PRICE, added to the big handicap start, it was the PRINCE B that picked up the big win and push the PRINCE A further away at the bottom of the table. MICK PHIPPS shone out for the PRINCE A with the leagues highest score of 19 dolls, which included a fine 6.

Back to work now (She's shouing up the stairs!)

Cheers all 

WEEK 7 - 8th JUNE 

Rearranged Fixture (From Week 3)

OXFORD YEOMAN A 6 - MASONS ARMS B 4

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 19 DOLLS - PHIL AUSTIN (BLACK PRINCE A)

DIVISION ONE - 17 DOLLS - LEE THOMPSON (QUEENS HEAD A), STEVE GRANT & DAVE EVANS (BOTH COCK INN) 

DIVISION TWO - 15 DOLLS - SEAN BAREFIELD (THREE HORSESHOES), ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B)

DIVISION THREE - 15 DOLLS - GRAHAM EMPSON (KILLINGWORTH CASTLE) 

SIXERS

PHIL AUSTIN (BLACK PRINCE A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

A lovely lot of early cards in this teams, cheers!

I'll begin my report this week in Division One, where the COCK INN hosted the QUEENS HEAD A. The QUEENS, fresh from their 10-0 win last week, came up against an inspired COCK INN team, who came up with their best performance of the season to date to hit a gross total of 105 dolls. Although the QUEENS set good targets in all but one of the legs in the match, it was the COCK INN that chased them down to gain a 10-0 victory. Lead off man STEVE GRANT & DAVE EVANS both came in with 17 dolls each for the COCK INN, but it really was a great overall team performance. There was a battle of two undefeated sides as CHADLINGTON SSC and the MASONS ARMS A put their records on the line. Predictably, the match was a tight affair, with CHADLINGTON taking the opening two legs, and then the MASONS hitting back to level the score and take it to a last leg decider. CHADLINGTON then produced their best leg of the match to chase down the MASONS set of 17 to take the points and become the only team in the top sections yet to have tasted defeat this season. ENSTONE SSC came away from HANBOROUGH SSC with a fine 8-2 win after another fine team performance. ENSTONE cruised into a 3-0 lead, HANBOROUGH SSC hit back to take the fourth leg, but ENSTONE held on to win the final leg by a single doll and rack up a big win. ENSTONE captain JASON ELEY scored a seasons best of 16 dolls. This result enabled the BLACK PRINCE A take over the position of bottom of the Premier after they suffered another defeat, this time by the OXFORD YEOMAN B. It was the YEOMAN team that could sense the uncertainy flowing through the ranks of the under performing BLACK PRINCE team, and came away with a 6-4 away win. It was spirited team effort from the YEOMAN, who were captained superbly by their 'Director of Aunt Sally' RON MAJOR. PHIL AUSTIN came in with 19 dolls for the PRINCE, but that was the only shining light in yet another dull performance.

The battle for the title in Division Three is shaping up nicely. This week, there was a season's best performance by the GEORGE & DRAGON, who claimed a fine 8-2 away win over the MASONS ARMS B. It was a ridiculously tight match, with only 2 dolls seperating the teams over the whole evening. Anchor man RYAN HUNT was in form for the GEORGE, hitting the required dolls to take the points. The MASONS can certainly feel unlucky and on another day might have won the match themselves. ASHLEY KEENAN was again in good form after coming in with 15 dolls. The MASONS also managed to play their rearranged fixture from week 3, which was away at the OXFORD YEOMAN A. This was also a tight match, which needed a last leg shootout to decide the winner. In this shootout, it was the YEOMAN A that hit their best leg of the match to take the match 6-4. GEORGE FRENCH led the way for the YEOMAN with 13 dolls, while ASHLEY KEENAN came in with another 15 dolls, making it 30 dolls for the week to take over at the top of the Division's leading doll scorers. The RED LION'S good run of wins came to end as then suffered a 6-4 away loss at YE OLDE CROSS KEYS. The match was tied at 4 points each going into the decider, and after the LION set a total of 10, YE OLDE CROSS KEYS turned on the style to cruise past with a chase of 17 dolls.The KILLINGWORTH CASTLE kept within touching distance of the top of the table with a solid 8-2 away win over the OXFORD YEOMAN A, helped by a solid 15 dolls from GRAHAM EMPSON. It was actually the YEOMAN A that won the opening leg, but after that it was the KILLY that showed their strength in depth to go on and take the win. STONESFIELD SSC picked up a much needed 7-3 away win over the THREE HORSESHOES, despite SEAN BAREFIELD'S fine 15 dolls. All of the STONESFIELD team chipped away to score important dolls to help the team take the points. Finally, the QUEENS HEAD B recorded a fine 8-2 home win over the WOODMAN INN. DOUG HICKTON & ALAN COX were in fine form at the bottom of the batting order for the QUEENS, hitting 21 dolls between them.

DON'T FORGET THE COMPETITION FORMS TEAMS!

I NEED THEM ASAP!!! 

WEEK 6 - 1st JUNE  

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 19 DOLLS - CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A), BARRY TOWNSEND & JON TOWNSEND (BOTH BLACK PRINCE A) 

DIVISION ONE - 18 DOLLS - MICK BERRY & JEFF GLENISTER (BOTH QUEENS HEAD A)

DIVISION TWO - 15 DOLLS - JOHN HICKS (YE OLDE CROSS KEYS) & KEVIN JOHNSON (WOODMAN INN)

DIVISION THREE - 14 DOLLS - JAMES BATEMAN (KILLINGWORTH CASTLE) & MICK PHIPPS JNR (GEORGE & DRAGON)

SIXERS

RAY GRANT (MASONS ARMS A)

JOHN BUSBY (HANBOROUGH SSC)

JON TOWNSEND (BLACK PRINCE A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

I'm glad I'm not playing tonight (Monday evening), it's lashing down out there!!

There is really only one place I can start my report from this week, and that's the QUEENS HEAD in Eynsham, where the QUEENS HEAD A hosted the BLACK PRINCE A. The QUEENS produced a quite brilliant display, hitting a gross total of 100 dolls in the match, to inflict a 10-0 defeat on a shell-shocked PRINCE team. Every player in the QUEENS team chipped in with important scores, in particular anchor man JEFF GLENISTER and 'Mr Consistent' CHUCK BERRY, who both came in with 18 dolls, whilst NEIL CURTIS hit a crucial 4 in the third leg with the QUEENS chasing down a set of 20. Although the PRINCE didn't play that poorly, they had no answer on the night and are now closer to the bottom of the table rather than the top. Sitting pretty at the top of the Premier are the MASONS ARMS A, who this week recorded their sixth consecutive victory with a 7-3 home win over HANBOROUGH SSC. They were made to work hard for the points this week, with HANBOROUGH putting up a spirited display, but the strength in depth that the MASONS have showed through, with CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM again playing great in scoring 19 dolls. There was a last leg shootout in Woodstock between the BLACK PRINCE B and CHADLINGTON SSC, with the visitors taking the final leg to secure a hard earned 5-5 draw to maintain their undefeated run. In the final match of the top sections, ENSTONE SSC came away with a 8-2 home win over a understrength COCK INN. Both anchor men, STEVE DUCKER (ENSTONE) & EDDIE LACEY (COCK INN) secured what could be vital points at various times in the match after holding thier nerves to hit 4's. Good work chaps!

In the lower sections, it was a good night for all of the teams playing at home. The biggest winners were the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE, who recorded a 8-2 home win over the QUEENS HEAD B. The KILLY had a full squad of 9 players, all of which came up with important dolls, in particular anchor man JAMES BATEMAN. Well done to the QUEENS though, who stuck at it and won the final leg to avoid the whitewash. The next biggest winners were the WOODMAN INN, who had a 7-3 win over next door neighbours the MASONS ARMS B. KEVIN JOHNSON was in fine form for the WOODMAN with 15 dolls, which helped to inflict a first defeat of the season for the MASONS. The Division Two title race looks like it's going to be a close run thing, with only 11 points sperating all four teams. Also winning 7-3 were the GEORGE & DRAGON, who won the Long Hanborough derby over neighbours the THREE HORSESHOES. It needed a last leg decider for the GEORGE to secure the win, and I'm sure the HORSESHOES will be disappointed not to have made the journey home with a draw. The last home win of the week was by the RED LION, who beat the OXFORD YEOMAN A 6-4. It was actually the YEOMAN that looked favourites to win half way through the match, leading 4-2 and setting an impressive 15 dolls in the fourth leg, but a superb chase from the RED LION, which eneded in the bottom two players WAYNE TOWNSEND & MARCUS COPELIN hitting 9 dolls between them to take the leg. The LION then went on to take the final leg and win the match. The only match which didn't end in a home win was at Stonesfield, where STONESFIELD SSC drew 5-5 with YE OLDE CROSS KEYS. The match was poised at 4-4 going into the final leg, but niether team could take advantage, and the match ended in what looked like a fair result.

Catch you all later

WEEK 5 - 25th MAY  

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 19 DOLLS - CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM (MASONS ARMS A)

DIVISION ONE - 16 DOLLS - DAVE BEHAN (OXFORD YEOMAN B)

DIVISION TWO - 17 DOLLS - ASHLEY KEENAN (MASONS ARMS B)

DIVISION THREE - 15 DOLLS - WAYNE TOWNSEND (RED LION)

SIXERS

GEORGE WILLIAMS (ENSTONE SSC)

BARRY TOWNSEND (BLACK PRINCE A)

TONY BRICE (CHADLINGTON SSC)

WEEKLY REPORT:

The biggest shock of week number five was that it was actually warm enough for some people to wear shorts! Although after looking at some of the pasty white pins on show I think we might have to bring in a dress code to the rules for next year!

Starting things off this week in the lower sections, there was a fantastic match in Wootton. where the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE played host to the WOODMAN INN. It was an incredibly close match, with both teams hitting the same amount of total dolls. Both anchor men had to earn their wages, with JAMES BATEMAN from THE KILLY & PETE KING from the WOODMAN both hitting good scores at various points to tie legs, with the overall result ending in a 7-3 home win. THE RED LION recorded another big win, this time 10-0 away at the QUEENS HEAD B, with WAYNE TOWNSEND impressing again with a 15 doll haul.There was an all Division Two affair in Long Hanborough, where the THREE HORSESHOES hosted the MASONS ARMS B. With both teams fielding strong lineups, it always looked like the points would be shared. However, it was the MASONS that hit the ground running, winning the first three legs, before the HORSESHOES hit back to take the final two legs to limit the defeat to 4-6. Division Two Top Doll contenders ALEX CHAMBERLAIN (16 dolls, HORSESHOES) & ASHLEY KEENAN (17 dolls, MASONS), both showed their quality. The final two matches in these divisions both went to last leg shootouts. Firstly, the GEORGE & DRAGON managed to remain unbeaten after a close 6-4 win at YE OLDE CROSS KEYS, with MARK BOWERMAN hitting the winning doll in the last leg. In the other match, the OXFORD YEOMAN A came out on top 6-4 over STONESFIELD SSC, after saving thier best leg of the match to the important final leg to take the points.

In the top sections, there was an impressive display by the BLACK PRINCE B, who picked up a maximum 10-0 away win over HANBOROUGH SSC. The PRINCE'S opening two throwers NIGEL KING & DARRELL CROSS both had 17 dolls, which helped the the PRINCE chase down totals in all but the very first leg. CHADLINGTON SSC continued their unbeaten start to the season with solid 8-2 home win over OXFORD YEOMAN B, helped by a first 6 of the season by the ever young TONY BRICE. DAVE BEHAN of the YEOMAN continued his good form with 16 dolls, but it was the team effort by CHADLINGTON that helped take the points. There seemed to be three teams playing in the match between the MASONS ARMS A & ENSTONE SSC. ENSTONE opened up with a set of 21, which included a 6 from 'tiny' GEORGE WILLIAMS, to take the first leg, but then seemed to forget how to throw as the MASONS flexed their muscles to easily take a 6-2 lead. ENSTONE did then manage to wake up in time for the final leg, meaning the result ended in a 6-4 home win to extend the MASONS lead at the top of the table. CHARLIE BUCKINGHAM was again on top form coming in with the leagues highest weekly score of 19 dolls. In the week's final match, the BLACK PRINCE A came away with a lucky 6-4 home win over a determined COCK INN after winning a last leg shootout. There was very little between the two sides all night, and the PRINCE had lead off man BARRY TOWNSEND to thank after he hit a 6 in the final leg to help them stutter over the line.

All cards were again nice and early this week, so thanks for this!

Lastly, just another gentle reminder that competition forms are now due in, and those teams involved in postponed fixtures from the start of the season need to let me know the date when the matches are going to played asap please

Thanks all 

WEEK 4 - 18th MAY 

TOP SCORERS

PREMIER - 22 DOLLS - RAY GRANT (MASONS ARMS A)

DIVISION ONE - 16 DOLLS - MARTIN FEW (OXFORD YEOMAN B), KEVIN BURNHAM (HANBOROUGH SSC) 

DIVISION TWO - 14 DOLLS - ADOLFO KERPACHE (MASONS ARMS B) & KEVIN JOHNSON (WOODMAN INN)

DIVISION THREE -15 DOLLS - WAYNE TOWNSEND (RED LION)

SIXERS

RAY GRANT (MASONS ARMS A)

NIGEL KING (BLACK PRINCE B)

MICK PHIPPS (BLACK PRINCE A)

RAY BARSON (YE OLDE CROSS KEYS)

JOE LANGFORD (OXFORD YEOMAN A)

WEEKLY REPORT:

Drizzle drizzle drizzle. Poxy weather

Sorry for the delay chaps. Our host website has been having problems meaning thatI haven't been able to edit anything. Which is a bit of luck as I've had some late cards this week! Tut Tut

I'll start things off this week with the top two sections. Unbeaten MASONS ARMS A made the trip to Woodstock to play THE BLACK PRINCE B, and didn't they play well! They opened up with a league best leg score of a massive 29 as they raced into a 2-0 lead, and then were leading 7-1 with one leg remaining. However, THE PRINCE battled hard to take the final leg, resulting in a 7-3 away win for THE MASONS. RAY GRANT yet again proved that class is permanent, coming in with a fantastic 22 doll haul. Well done to both teams in what looked like a great match. There was also an away win for THE BLACK PRINCE A over ENSTONE SSC. With ENSTONE winning the first two legs, the word 'crisis' was being muttered about the stuttering PRINCE team, but they just about held their nerve to win the next three legs and pick up a much needed victory. There was yet another away win in Freeland, as HANBOROUGH SSC won at the OXFORD YEOMAN B. With both teams missing key players, it was HANBOROUGH that dealt with things the best, winning the first three legs to lead 6-0. But the YEOMAN hit back to win the fifth leg and tie the last, to limit things to 7-3.

In Division Two, all four sides played matches against eachother. Starting off at THE MASONS ARMS B, they played host to YE OLDE CROSS KEYS, and won a tight match 8-2 to continue their good run of form. The other match in this division was between THE WOODMAN INN and the THREE HORSESHOES. The match was close as predicted, with the WOODMAN anchor man PETE KING hitting crucial dolls at key times to help the home team win 8-2.

In Division Three, there was two matches and two draws! The RED LION hosted the KILLINGWORTH CASTLE, and had anchor man MARCUS COPELIN to thank, after he hit the 4 dolls required in the final leg to tie the match 5-5. There was also a last leg decider at the GEORGE & DRAGON, who were playing the OXFORD YEOMAN A. The GEORGE were leading 5-3 going into the final leg, but the YEOMAN, helped by a 6 from JOE LANGFORD, managed to take the leg to secure the 5-5 draw.

WEEK 3 - 11th MAY