Sponsored by Clear Vision Financial Services and friends of the League

























18th November 2024

For the third consecutive week, it's all change at the top - with a maximum twelve points, the RiffRaff now top the table.  Jamie Wiltshire had a great evening with 23 (11 and 12) - including a six and another where he was almost there for his second but missed with his last stick - well supported by 'Mr Consistency', Clive Lampitt, with 21 (10 and 11).  With two drawn legs and the other one where they were beaten by the Ex Services by just one doll, the Red Cow drop from the summit to fourth.  Having been off for a few weeks, it took Liam Fisher a while to get back into it - just five in that match against the Ex's but then 12 in the second.  Clare Walker rounded off her evening terrifically well with a five in the last leg.

The Misfits remain in a commanding - almost, unassailable - position at the top of the Wednesday league with two maximums against the Ex Services and The Cherries.  Dougie Revitt top scored with 25 dolls (a 12 and a 13 - but no six!).   On a pretty dismal night by his standards, Clive Lampitt conjured up a six in his total of 17.   With two drawn legs against the Unwanted and five points against the Shakespeare, the Crown, in second place, have opened up a gap over the Unwanted.  Karl Budd (with two tens) and Francis Hillier (9 and 11) shone for the Crown.  John Cottingham (Ashton Club) got better as the evening went on (6 and 11) whilst team mate, Mick Lee, did the opposite - 11 and then 2.  The "almost a six" accolade - missing with his last, goes to Dave Puddle.

Sixers - Tuesday - Jamie Wiltshire
           - Wednesday - Clive Lampitt

Phil Allen

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11thNovember 2024

On Tuesday evening, the RiffRaff lost their first leg, to the Ex Services, but then, after winning the remaining five, leapfrogged into second place - level on points with table toppers, the Red Cow, but just one doll less.  Clive Lampitt top scored for the RiffRaff with 20 dolls (8 and 12).  The Red Cow had a much improved week, taking three points off close rivals Bull Inn and then a whitewash over Bell B.  Kyle Kernan - with his new sticks and 16 dolls (7 and 9) - and dad, Stewart, with his "new-to-him" sticks and also 16 (6 and 10) are proving to be decent Red Cow "buys".  Keep it up chaps.  The Wurzels had a great start to their evening, with Karl Budd's 12 helping them to all six points against the Bell; but then, despite a terrific eleven from Mason Walker - including his first ever six - they fell to a 4-2 defeat to the Bull.  Dave Gardiner threw well for the Bull - twelve in that one, plus nine in his earlier match - as did Nick Cherry with a pair of tens.  It's all going on in the bottom half of the table too.  The Bell give it their all every week, and, this time round - with new addition, Billy Craig - were rewarded with a point against the Wurzels.  With only one point against close rivals, Lower Heyford S&SC, and a 6-0 defeat to the RiffRaff, Launton S&S now find themselves languishing mighty close to that 'wooden spoon' area.  Time for extra training sessions, me thinks!    A bit of an indifferent evening too for Lower Heyford who, after that 5-1 victory against Launton S&S, then went down by the same scoreline to the Ex Services - who, previously, had been beaten 4-2 by the RiffRaff.  Got it??

With maximum points against both the Ashton Club and the Ex Services, a new look Crown side leapfrogged back into second place in the Wednesday evening league.  Francis Hillier, in his first appearance of the season, came good with 18 dolls in his five legs.  Despite dropping a leg to the Unwanted, the Misfits are still ten points ahead at the top.  Steve Walton 'showed his potential' with 26 dolls (12 and 14, including a six), closely followed by team mate Dave Reast with 24 (13 and 11, including a six).   A bit of an indifferent evening for the Unwanted, in their efforts to keep up the challenge at the top, as they went down 4-2 to the Misfits and then recovered to take two legs off The Cherries.  Nigel King threw well for 20 dolls (two tens).  Twas also a 'bit indifferent' for the Ex Services.  After starting the evening with a 5-1 victory over the Bell, they 'came a cropper' against the Crown and got whitewashed.  Although not having the best of seasons so far, Tracey Denton put together a couple of decent performances for her 24 dolls (11 and 13).

That's the first half of the league season done and dusted!

Sixer - Tuesday - Mason Walker
         - Wednesday - Steve Walton, Dave Reast, Darren Moore


Phil Allen



3rd November 2024

With The Wurzels getting maximum points against the Red Cow and the RiffRaff beating Bull Inn 4-2, it's just two points separating the top four in the Tuesday League.  Some great throwing by Billy Atwell for his 13 dolls, - and his Wurzels team mate, Wayne Walker, with 11 - made it a "much easier than expected" victory over an under-performing Red Cow side who now sit in second place - on the same number of points as the Bull Inn, but with a better dolls score.  The dark horses are the RiffRaff who beat the Bull 4-2 and closed the gap to just two points behind the leaders.  Nigel King top scored for the Bull with eleven whilst Nigel Wakelin was the best of the RiffRaff with ten, including a six.  Charlotte Cherry Smith (Lower Heyford S&SC) got her evening off to a great start with a very commendable five; but (as she reported to me), "it soon went downhill" - with a couple of singles!  Welcome back Billy Craig!  His first aunt sally night for many months (years?), and he's still got it!  Eight dolls, including a five - well done Billy.  Well done also to Pete Dempsey; "Mr Consistency" on the night with three fours.

In the cup matches, the Ex Services beat the Bull Inn, Red Cow did likewise against Lower Heyford S&SC, as did Launton S&S against The Wurzels and the RiffRaff against the Bell.

The Misfits maintained their unbeatable form in the Wednesday League with maximum points against the Ashton Club and remain top of the table.  The Unwanted took all six points off the Shakespeare and leapfrog them into second place in the table.  Tracey Denton hit her highest score of the season (11) to help the Ex Services take four points off a lack lustre Cherries team.  

In the cup matches, the Shakespeare beat The Cherries, Ex Services did likewise against Ashton Club, as did the Unwanted against the Bell and, in a very tight one, the Crown beat the Misfits.

Sixers - Tuesday - Nigel Wakelin


Phil Allen

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28th October 2024

Rather tight at the top of the Tuesday league table - just five points separating the top four.  The results this week favoured the Bull Inn, with ten points - a whitewash over the Ex Services and another four points against Launton S&S -  leapfrogs them into second place.  Still at the top are the Red Cow who, likewise, achieved a whitewash in their first match - over Lower Heyford S&SC but then going down 4-2 against the RiffRaff.  Ian Cantwell top scored for the Red Cow with 18 dolls - including a six in his first match.  Clive Lampitt had another great week for the RiffRaff with 19 dolls but was 'outdone' by team mate Norman Brock with 20.  The Wurzels - with Doug Revitt deputising for the missing Karl Budd - got the better of the RiffRaff, winning 4-2 and doing likewise against Lower Heyford S&SC,  Dougie got better as the evening went on - eleven in the first match followed by a twelve!  In the lower half, Launton S&S - 'dropping' Tony Nichols and Phil Allen - had a much improved week, taking maximum points off the Bell and another two off the Bull.  Pete Dempsey shone for the Sports and Social with seven in the first match and then a 13, including a six.  

In the Wednesday league, the Misfits retain their top spot,  With every one of their players hitting double figures in their first match (60 dolls in total) against the Bell, they had very little problem in securing maximum points - but then, although not scoring as well against the Crown, what a match that turned out to be.  The 17 set by the Misfits in the first leg was, surprisingly, enough for two points - but then, what entertainment!  The Crown set 19 in the second - with Karl Budd and Tony Launchbury both hitting fives.  Threes from each of the Misfits' first three, meaning ten to draw, eleven to win from Steve Walton and Doug Revitt.  Steve got his five, and, with everyone now gone quiet, Dougie lit the touchpaper and got the required six.  The third leg?  The Misfits set a mediocre 13 - and that included five from the player of the moment.  Fourteen to win for the Crown and it was still left for the anchorman (Terry Bagnall) to come up with five to win.  He managed four of them, for a point.  What a game!  Don't know if it's a first or not but, all five Misfits players hit 20 or better - Dougie hit a very commendable 27.

With the Crown also dropping four points against The Cherries - and The Cherries themselves dropping all six to the Bell - the Shakespeare and the Unwanted, with ten points apiece, have climbed to the dizzy heights.  Despite the Ashton Club not gaining any points on the night, Joe Young threw exceptionally well for a total of 20 - ten in each match.

Sixers - Tuesday - Liam Fisher (last week), Pete Dempsey, Ian Cantwell
           - Wednesday - Doug Revitt, Karl Budd and Tony Nichols (all last week), Doug Revitt


Phil Allen

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21st October 2024

What a great start to the indoor season - two very enjoyable evenings (apart from the way I threw - but that's another story!!).  A few new faces too.  Let's keep it going.

On Tuesday, the top scorers of the evening and last year's champions, the Red Cow, started this season with maximum points, whitewashing both Launton S&S and the Ex Services.  Liam Fisher hit 20 dolls for the Red Cow (12, including a six, and 8).  Hot on their heels though - with Clive Lampitt top scoring on the night with 23 dolls (13 and 10) - are the RiffRaff.  Still a little early to contemplate laying your bets, but I'm sure - just as this was -  there are many more very enjoyable evenings to come.

Much the same as the previous evening with a number of new faces and a terrific friendly atmosphere, the Wednesday league also got off to a great start.  "Almost" a scare for the champions (the Misfits), as they were set a decent 15 by The Cherries in the very first leg of the evening, and didn't get off to a very good start themselves.  But then, eleven dolls from their last three - including a five from Dave Reast (missing his last) and another from anchorman, Doug Revitt - earned them a draw.  And then an annihilation and maximum points over the Ex Services, sees the Misfits already sitting comfortably at the top.  Dougie Revitt had a great evening with 26 dolls (16, including a six, and 10) as did Karl Budd, hitting the same total (12 and 14, including a six) to help the Crown to a 5-1 win over the Shakespeare and a 4-2 victory over the Unwanted.  Many of you will probably have heard it, Tony Nichols threw well in the Shakespeare's match against the Bell, hitting ten (including a six) in his two legs - long may the jubilations continue!!  


Phil Allen

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7th October 2024

The 2024 Indoor Aunt Sally is upon us.  

The season will start on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th October, with a practice night this coming Wednesday, 9th October, starting ast 7.45 pm.

The teams are much the same as last year - just a few players have "transferred" to another team.  Mr&MrsFits have changed their name to The Wurzels.  And we still have a couple more teams wanting to join us!

The format will be as we did last year and as we play it in the summer - three legs, and played five a side each leg, chosen from a playing squad of up to eight for each game.  A different team of five can be nominated for each leg and each player can play from one to three legs. (Simplistically, it means if you turn up with only five players, all five will play all three legs in that match.  If you turn up with more than five players, the captain will select five players to play the first leg, and then he/she can change the team for the next leg, utilising the players who did not throw in the first leg if they so wish.  This is then allowed for each leg.)

Both the Tuesday and Wednesday evenings' fixture lists are on the  FIXTURES page.


Phil Allen

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Hi everyone

That’s it, I’m afraid; another summer season has come to an end. Hope you’ve all enjoyed it and already looking forward to next year.

I do realise it gets a bit repetitive but this Newsletter won’t be very much different from those in previous years – except, of course, there will be some changes to team or individual names.

Divisional honours

Premier Division Champions Shakespeare B Runners up Bell A

Division One Champions Red Lion Brackley Runners up Rose & Crown

Division Two Champions Pheasant Inn A Runners up Red Cow

Division Three Champions Butchers Arms Runners up Crown CoO B

Division Four Champions Ex Services Runners up Plough MG Two

Division Five Champions Ardley Utd FC Runners up Barley Mow


Top doll scorer 

Doug Revitt (Shakespeare B) – a much improved player from last season (“practice makes perfect” obviously!); average has gone up from 3.483 per leg to 3.90 (almost 4 dolls in every one of his 60 league legs). A great player.

Division Two’s top doll scorer – Dave Futter (White Horse) – 2.86 per leg.

Division Three – Joe Young (Ashton Club) – 2.60.

Division Four – Tracey Denton (Ex Services) – 2.24

Division Five – Alvin Knowles (Barley Mow) – 2.27

Ladies Top Doll Scorer – Tracey Denton (Ex Services) – 2.24


Finals night 

Exactly as I said last year, a truly brilliant atmosphere once again - “an aunt sally spectacle”! Despite the threat earlier in the week thast we could possibly be in for a wet night, thankfully, that didn’t happen. In the 15 years I’ve been organising these evenings, we’ve not had a dampened finals night yet – cold at times, but not wet! Long may it continue! We were mighty close ‘cos it certainly came down on Saturday.

It gets better and better! Launton Sports and Social, and their staff, should feel so proud of how they looked after us; special thanks to Steve Golder for arranging and setting up the barriers and the practice throw. Also to those helping out with the refreshments – thank you all very much! My thanks go out to them all for helping to provide a spectacular venue and facilities for such an occasion.

Our sincere thanks to Clear Vision Financial Services for sponsoring the league once again this season – and to the ‘friends of the league’, many of whom wish to remain anonymous. Thank you all once again.

I did have posters scattered about on the night offering our thanks to those companies and individuals who have sponsored some of the trophies this season. Their contributions are very much appreciated. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to afford the quality of trophies that we provide. Thank you all very much.

Finals Night Results

League Cup Winners

In the battle of the Shakespeares, the B team saw off the challenge of the Originals to win 2-1.

League Plate Winners

Tiddington CC beat Crown CoO A 2-1.

Intermediate Cup Winners

Lower Heyford S&SC overcame the challenge of Crown CoO B.

Intermediate Plate Winners

Chandos Arms beat newcomers to the league, Crown Twyford B, 2-0.

Supplementary Cup Winners

The Hundred Acres. Themselves new to the league, beat fellow newcomers, Pheasant Inn B.

Supplementary Plate Winners

Barley Mow, Heyford beat Bell B 2-1.

Triples Winners

Tiddington CC beat the Red Lion Brackley in this newly introduced competition.


The Terry Hawkins Pairs Cup

Clive Lampitt and Norman Brock (Red Lion Brackley) beat Nigel King and Kevin Powney (Bull Inn A).

Division Two Pairs Cup Winners

 Liam Fisher and Roger Herbert (Red Cow) saw off the threat of Dave Futter and Mav Giles (White Horse).

Division Three Pairs Cup Winners

 Father and son pairing, Charlie and Jack Govier (Long Crendon VC) beat another father and son team, Joe and Ashley Young (Ashton Club).

Division Four Pairs Cup Winners

 Last year’s winners, Paul Symonds and Lewis Wilson, lost this time round to Simon North and Trevor Barnett (Crown Twyford B).

Division Five Pairs Cup Winners

Dave Morris and Will Sanders (Pheasant Inn B) got the better of James Ridgeley and Dick Haynes (Barley Mow).

The Steve Huntley Memorial Singles Shield

In his third appearance in the singles final, Dougie Revitt

Winner (Shakespeare B) beat Matty Hillsdon (Crown CoO A) who was playing in his second.

The Laurie Welford Memorial Division Two Singles Winner 

Nick Cherry (Launton S&S B) won this one ‘by default’, as his fellow finalist and team mate, Chris Price, was unable to attend.

Division Three Singles winner

James Kirtland rounded off a relatively good season for himself and the Lower Heyford S&SC side by beating the division’s top doll scorer, Joe Young (Ashton Club).

Division Four Singles winner

Keith Lennard (Ex Services) “rolled back the years” to beat Kym Jones (Plough MG Two).

Division Five Singles Winner

Dave Morris (Pheasant Inn B) beat Ian Feaver (Ardley Utd FC).

Ladies Singles winner

Charlotte Cherry Smith (Lower Heyford S&SC) beat last year’s winner, Sophie Thomson (Launton S&S B).

There are a few teams who need to be looking at improving their throws in readiness for next year – with regard to lighting in most cases; so, if you need any equipment or advice please let me know and I’ll do what I can to help.

This is probably the last you’ll hear from me until mid-February when I’ll start sending out application forms and so on for next season; however, as most of you’ll know, I am very approachable and if anyone wishes to contact me to discuss anything Aunt Sally related, then please do so – number’s below.

All in all, a pretty good season. Congratulations to all this season’s winners and commiserations to those who came second best. Don’t let it grind you down, I want to see you all back again next season.


Phil Allen 07578 915693


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Unless anyone really feels the need for one, I will not be holding an indoor league AGM this year.  It's, generally, the same each year.   If anyone really does have a real reason for calling a meeting, then I will do so.

I will continue as secretary and treasurer - again, unless anyone has any objections.

The start dates are Tuesday and Wednesday, 15th and 16th October, with a practice night on Wednesday 9th.  We will have the same eight teams each evening as we did last year.

If anyone does request a meeting, it's very likely to be one evening next week.

Phil Allen

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FORMAT FOR FINALS NIGHT





PITCH ONE
PITCH TWO
(on the left)
(on the right)



THE STEVE HUNTLEY MEMORIAL
TRIPLES SEMI FINALS
SINGLES SEMI FINALS

(Best of three legs)
(Best of three legs)
Brian Gough (Bell A)
Bull Inn A (Billy Atwell, Andy Poppitt, Dave Puddle)
Doug Revitt (Shakespeare B)
Crown CoO A (Callum Cooper, Matty Hillsdon, John Lehane)
Matty Hillsdon (Crown CoO A)
Red Lion (Dan Smith, Norman Brock, Clive Lampitt)
Pete Litten (Shakespeare Originals)
Tiddington CC (Pip Goulding, Phil Smith, Pete Shepherd)


(Draws to be made on the night)





LEAGUE CUP FINAL
SUPPLEMENTARY CUP FINAL
(Best of three legs)
(Best of three legs)
Shakespeare B v Shakespeare Originals
Pheasant B v Hundred Acres






INTERMEDIATE CUP FINAL
DIVISION FIVE PAIRS FINAL
(Best of three legs)
(Best of three legs)
Lower Heyford S&SC v Crown CoO B
Dave Morris & Will Sanders


v

James Ridgeley & Richard Haynes





DIVISION TWO PAIRS FINAL
DIVISION FOUR PAIRS FINAL
(Best of three legs)
(Best of three legs)
Dave Futter & Mav Giles
Lewis Wilson & Paul Symonds
v
v
Liam Fisher & Roger Herbert
Trevor Barnett & Simon North






THE TERRY HAWKINS PAIRS FINAL
DIVISION FIVE SINGLES FINAL
(Best of three legs)
(Best of three legs)
Nigel King & Kevin Powney

V
Dave Morris v Ian Feaver
Norman Brock & Clive Lampitt







THE LAURIE WELFORD MEMORIAL
DIVISION FOUR SINGLES FINAL
DIVISION TWO SINGLES FINAL
(Best of three legs)
(Best of three legs)

Chris Price v Nick Cherry
Kym Jones v Keith Lennard



THE STEVE HUNTLEY MEMORIAL SHIELD

SINGLES FINAL

(Best of three legs)

(Winners of the semi finals earlier in the evening)







PRESENTATION OF

 TROPHIES



PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES

For those playing in the Singles and Triples semi finals, please ensure players are there by 7.00, ready to start promptly at 7.15.



The presentations will take place following the Steve Huntley Memorial Singles Final. There are trophies for the following:



Premier Division, Divisions One, Two, Three, Four and Five winners (Shakespeare B, Red Lion Brackley, Pheasant Inn A,
Butchers Arms, Ex Services and Ardley Utd FC) – sponsored by D Jobling and Son.
Divisions Two, Three, Four and Five runners up (Red Cow, Crown CoO B, Plough MG Two, Barley Mow)



League Cup – sponsored by Brian Gough - winners and runners up.
Intermediate Cup - winners and runners up.
Supplementary Cup – winners and runners up.



The Triples Cup - winners and runners up.



The Terry Hawkins Pairs Cup - winners and runners up.
Divisions Two, Three, Four and Five Pairs - winners and runners up.



The Steve Huntley Memorial Singles – winner and runner up.
Divisions Two, Three, Four and Five Singles - winners and runners up.
Ladies’ Singles – winner and runner up.



League Top Doll Scorer (Doug Revitt).
Divisions Two, Three, Four and Five Top Doll Scorers (Dave Futter, Joe Young, Tracey Denton and Alvin Knowles).
Ladies’ Top Doll Scorer (Tracey Denton).



The Sixers champion (Doug Revitt) – sponsored by Karl Budd.
Sixers trophies – sponsored by Karl Budd – for all of those listed below who have scored a six in a league fixture or competition.

Pip Goulding, Robin Busby, Clive Lampitt, Liam Merchant, Doug Revitt, Dave Gardiner, John Bradshaw, Ant Bradbeer, Joe Young, Nigel King, Tim Daly, Matt Stevens, Chris Price, Ray Manning, Jon Woodman, Jeremy Launchbury, Tracey Denton, John Hudson, Jason Harris, Ray Rowe, Lee Mason, Ian Cantwell, Darren Moore, Bobby Allen, Mark Poulter, Pete Shepherd, Dave Futter, Paul Hudders, Terry Bagnall, Alvin Knowles, Francis Hillier




Please ensure there is someone in attendance to collect trophies; they will not be delivered as in previous years.




The format for the Cup and Plate finals and the ladies singles competition are as follows:

The Plate finals (as shown below) will be played at Launton Sports and Social on Wednesday 18th September, starting at 7.30.

League Knockout Plate Final (on pitch 1) - Crown CoO A v Tiddington CC

Intermediate Knockout Plate Final (on pitch 1 after the one above) - Chandos Arms v Crown Twyford B

Supplementary Knockout Plate Final (on pitch 2) - Bell B v Barley Mow.

*     *     *     *     *

The Cup finals will be played on Friday 20th September, at the same venue, starting at 7.30 pm.

League Knockout Cup Final (pitch 1) - Shakespeare B v Shakespeare Originals

Intermediate Knockout Cup Final (pitch 1 after the above) - Lower Heyford S&SC v Crown CoO B

Supplementary Knockout Cup Final (pitch 2) - Pheasant Inn B v Hundred Acres.

All of the above finals will be the best of three legs.  In the event of a drawn leg, a three sticker must be played before going on to the next leg.  Players may be changed in each leg as in league matches.

*     *     *     *     *

Ladies Singles - at the moment I have the following entries.  If there are others who would like to partake then just come along on Wednesday and you can have a go.

Tracey Denton
Michelle Oakley
Emma Vear
Charlotte Cherry Smith
Sophie Thomson
Cairene McCann
Kym Jones
Sharon Ball


Phil Allen




16th September 2024

With the last of the outstanding league games now having been played, the final tables and individual scores are as shown on the results page.

Let's now gear ourselves up for the numerous finals we have this week.  The formats for Wednesday and Friday evenings will be sent out shortly.

Phil Allen

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13th September 2024

The 'successful candidates' in Wednesday's singles were:

Premier and Division One - Pete Litten (Shakespeare Originals), Doug Revitt (Shakespeare B), Brian Gough (Bell A) and Matty Hillsdon (Crown CoO A)  These will compete in the semi finals on finals night (20th September) - the draw to be made on the night - with, of course, the winners going through to the final later that same evening.

Division Two - Nick Cherry (Launton S&S B) will play team mate Chris Price in the final.

Division Three - Because one of the finalists is away on finals night, the final was played on Wednesday with James Kirtland (Lower Heyford S&SC). beating Joe Young (Ashton Club).

Division Four - Keith Lennard (Ex Services) and Kym Jones (Plough MG Two).

Division Five - Dave Morris (Pheasant Inn B) will play Ian Feaver (Ardley Utd FC).

Congratulations to you all.



Phil Allen

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The revised singles lists are on the FIXTURES page
Generally speaking there aren't any changes to players' venues.  A number have withdrawn, with a few also being added.

Please bear in mind, it's an 8 o'clock start and playing down to a winner at each venue.


Phil Allen




9thSeptember 2024

Sadly, we’ve come to the end of the league fixtures – just the singles’ competitions and finals nights to go before the whole season draws to a close.

 

On Wednesday, Bell A comprehensively beat Shakespeare Originals 5-0 – and, with Crown CoO A dropping a couple of legs at home to Tiddington CC – the Bell secured that runners up spot in the Premier Division.  With the Shakey only setting 9 in the first leg, the Bell weren’t going to let this opportunity slip, and easily flew past to total 18.  But, hang on a minute, the Bell’s set of 13 in the second didn’t seem enough – but, somehow, they got away with it as the visitors could only muster 12 (as they did in the next two).  Now looking for the clean sweep going into the last, the home side set again – another 13.  Same outcome – they won it by just one doll and got the ultimate result – a 5-0 whitewash.  Eddie Jones (with 19) and Brian Gough (16) did the damage for the Bell.  Over to Charlton on Otmoor where the Crown A who needed, and would have been more than happy with the same result.  Neither team threw to their normal standards but, with John Lehane top scoring with 15, the home side sneaked it 3-2.  Red Lion Brackley visited the Shakespeare and took on the champions, wanting two legs to be sure of the Division One championship.  They were nowhere near it in the first three legs but came good in the fourth to sneak that one 16-14.  A set of 20 in the last was far too many for the visitors.  Dougie Revitt (20 – including his fifth six of the season) and Bobby Allen (16) rounded off a terrific season for themselves whilst ‘birthday boy’ Norman Brock also had a great evening with 16.  As the Rose and Crown had dropped a leg at home to the Bull A, Red Lion Brackley are the Division One champions.  Paul Hudders did his utmost to help the Rose and Crown to that title with 23 dolls (including another six – he got one last week too!), but it just wasn’t to be.  Nigel King shone for the visitors with 17, including his second six of the season.

 

Four legs for the Pheasant, at home to the Fox Souldern B, would be enough to secure them the Division Two title – and that’s just what they got!  Ryan Daly and Pete McCarron – both with 14 – did their utmost to make sure this opportunity didn’t slip away from them.  As it was, their nearest rivals, the Red Cow, were very much a weakened side this week with a number of their more experienced players unavailable – and they went down 4-1 at bottom of the table, Launton S&S A.  That result though has helped the Sports and Social side to escape from the bottom of the table as they jump above their B team who, surprisingly, went down 4-1 at Brill S&SC A.  A couple of close scoring legs in that one but with Alan Horton, Phil Chanel and Lee Mason all hitting 13, Brill were worthy of their four points.  The White Horse, at home to the Nut Tree, got themselves off to a great start, taking the first two legs – but then, it all fell apart!  The Nut Tree sneaked it 3-2, winning the last on a three sticker.

 

The fight for Division Three’s runners up spot was always going to be a tight one – with just four points separating the five teams in contention.  Last week’s second placed Long Crendon VC were away at Lower Heyford S&SC and, after leading 2-0, came a cropper and eventually lost it 3-2.  The outsiders, the Ashton Club, realistically needed a clean sweep away at Chearsley Cricketers – despite Ashley Young and Joe Young hitting 13 apiece, it wasn’t to be.  They’ll be happy to get themselves up to fourth place.  So, it was down to the Chandos Arms and Crown CoO B clash.  A couple of close scoring legs; but the visiting Crown (who set in every leg), eventually whitewashed their opponents to claim that ‘coveted’ second place.

 

Division Four is not quite finished.  There is one previously postponed match to be played this coming Wednesday – and that has a bearing on who finishes second.  The Fox A are at home to Plough MG One and need all five legs to secure it.  The Ex Services – changing their ‘batting’ order, with Tracey Denton leading (and commendably hitting 15) – beat their near neighbours, the White Hart 4-1 whilst Plough MG Two (currently in second place) won 3-2 against the Crown Twyford A.  Their B side have come good recently and, with a 3-2 win away at Plough MG One on Wednesday, they have risen from a comfortable mid-table.

 

Division Four champions, Ardley Utd FC, won 4-1 at home to the Pheasant B – who, with only five players on the night, were aiming to secure runners up spot.  But now, that has left the door open for the Barley Mow who visit the Bowls Club on Wednesday (needing just the one point).  The Bowls Club put up a tremendous fight at home to the Hundred Acres but lost the last two legs by just one doll, and went down 3-2.


Sixers - Paul Hudders, Nigel King, Doug Revitt

--
Phil Allen

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1st September 2024

Spent 3 hours or so this morning putting together my weekly report, only to find when I restarted the laptop (because I'd lost my internet connection) that the whole lot had gone - it hadn't saved the draft.  So, here goes again - and this won't be anywhere near as good as this morning's!

 

In all cases now, apart from Divisions One and Two, the champions have been decided and it's down to find out who the runners up are going to be.  And, just this week to go!

 

In the Premier and Division One this week, with Karl Budd top scoring with 23 dolls - well supported by Bobby Allen with 19 and Doug Revitt with 18 - Shakespeare B beat the Bull A 4-1, despite Mark Poulter keeping up his great run of form with 20 dolls and Kev Powney's 18.  The fight for runners up in the Premier continues with any of the other three teams in with a chance.  Crown CoO A, currently in second place, have a tough one for their last game, home to Tiddington CC whilst the other two - Bell A and Shakespeare Originals - come face to face at the Bell.  

 

On Wednesday, it was touch and go at the Shakespeare where the Originals and the Crown were two legs apiece going into the last.  A somewhat shakey Shakey crumbled and set just 13 - the Crown flew past to win the match 3-2.  Tony Nichols and Pete Litten starred for the home side with 16 apiece whilst Jeremy Launchbury surpassed that with 18 for the visitors.  Terry Bagnall followed his first leg blob with a six and finished with 15.  The Bell, at home to the Rose and Crown, found themselves in a similar position - two legs apiece going into the last - set 14 and scraped home by a couple of dolls.  James Smith had a very creditable evening, hitting 16 for the home side whilst Paul Hudders hit a six in his 13 for the visitors.  The tussle continues for the Division One and runners up spots.  Red Lion Brackley, currently at the top, made their long trek to Tiddington CC all the more worthwhile, taking three legs.  Graham Bristow and Pete Shepherd did their utmost for the home side but with Jamie Wiltshire's 16 and Clive Lampitt's 15, the visitors opened the gap at the top by another points.  

 

The top two in Division Two are already known but the fight still continues to see whcih of them be crowned champions.  The Pheasant A, with a 4-1 victory away at the Nut Tree, gained another point on the Red Cow who dropped two legs at home.  Jeff Hall hit 16 for the Nut Tree, with Keith Harris continuing his decent form with 15 for the visitors.  For the Red Cow, Ian Cantwell struck a decent 15 in their 3-2 home win over the Fox B - but tremendous congratulations to 16 year old Kyle Kernan who, in his first ever aunt sally match, hit 4 and 3 in his first two legs.  Great potential!  In a very tight match at Brill S&SC A - another to be tied two legs apiece going into the last - the White Horse came out on top, winning that final leg in a three sticker.  Joe Southend and Lee Mason both mustered up 15 for the home side.  In the Launton Sports and Social derby, the B side took the bragging rights, winning 4-1 and got themselves off the bottom of the table.  Chris Price and Dave Gardiner both hit 14 for the B side with 'young' Jim Harris responding with 13 for the A team.

 

In their final league match of the season ('cos they have a bye next week), Butchers Arms secured the Division Three championship.  Lead off man, Andy Thomas, led by example with his second successive 16 for the Butchers as they - despite losing 2-1 - easily won the last two legs to beat Lower Heyford S&SC 3-2.  Much the same as the other divisions, the fight is on for the runners up spot.  With Chandos Arms having a bye, the opportunity was there for Long Crendon VC to 'open up a gap' - but they soon found themselves 3-0 down at home to the Ashton Club.  They did recover to win the final two legs and to climb into second place.  Graham Boswell, with 12 dolls, and Charlie Govier (11) did their utmost for the home side as did Joe Young (13) and Ashley Young (11) for the visitors.  Crown CoO B's 3-2 home win over Chearsley Cricketers has elevated them into third place and a great chance to grasp that coveted runners up spot.  Robin Busby shone for the Crown with 14 but Daren Vythelingum 'outdid' him with 15.  For someone who 'left' his sticks at another pub five weeks ago, hasn't played since, and didn't realise until Wednesday, so had to use 'team sticks' - he did pretty well for his 15 dolls!  Shouldn't bother getting yours back, Daren!

 

Division Four's no different - insofar as we now know who the champions are fighting for that second place.  With a 5-0 whitewash over the Plough MG Two (their nearest rivals), the Ex Services are this year's winners.  Tracey Denton's 15 dolls, Rick Gumbert's and Keith Lennard's ten apiece made their victory at the Plough look pretty easy.  In a very close scoring match at the Crown Twyford B, the home side came out on top with a 3-2 victory over the White Hart - despite the visiting skipper, George Deans, top scoring with 13.

 

League newcomers, Ardley Utd FC, had already won Division Five before Wednesday's matches, so it's now also a case of who's getting that second spot?  With a very comfortable 5-0 home whitewash over Bull B, and the Pheasant B dropping a leg at home to the Bowls Club, the Barley Mow are now up there.  Alvin Knowles - with a six included - and Tony Cuthbert both hit 12 for the Barley Mow.  That dropped leg by the Pheasant could prove crucial as they take on the newly reigned champions (Ardley Utd FC) in their final league game this Wednesday.  

 

Sixers - Paul Hudders, Terry Bagnall, Alvin Knowles 



Phil Allen

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The Plate finals (as shown below) will be played at Launton Sports and Social on Wednesday 18th September, starting at 7.30.

League Knockout Plate Final (on pitch 1) - Crown CoO A v Tiddington CC

Intermediate Knockout Plate Final (on pitch 1 after the one above) - Chandos Arms v Crown Twyford B

Supplementary Knockout Plate Final (on pitch 2) - Bell B v Barley Mow.

The Cup finals will be played on Friday 20th September, at the same venue, starting at 7.30 pm.

League Knockout Cup Final (pitch 1) - Shakespeare B v Shakespeare Originals

Intermediate Knockout Cup Final (pitch 1 after the above) - Lower Heyford S&SC v Crown CoO B

Supplementary Knockout Cup Final (pitch 2) - Pheasant Inn B v Hundred Acres.

The above finals will be the best of three legs.  In the event of a drawn leg, a three sticker must be played before going on to the next leg.  Players may be changed in each leg as in league matches.
Afternoon all, our ladies singles competition this year will be sponsored by Royal Foot Care (to whom we are most grateful) and will be held at Launton Sports and Social on the same night as the Plate finals - Wednesday 18th September - starting when one of those finals has finished (approximately 8.15).

To give me an idea of how many we may see there, would captains please send me in the next few days, the names of any of their ladies who intend entering.  Thanks.


Phil Allen

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With Shakespeare B already crowned as champions, all eyes are on the Premier Division's second spot and the Division One title.   All three remaining Premier Division teams are in with a shout, with the Shakespeare Originals having to play both the Crown CoO A at home and the Bell A away.  The Bell's other remaining match is at home against the Rose and Crown whilst the Crown host Tiddington CC.  And in Division One, the current table toppers - Red Lion Brackley - have a difficult run in with two away fixtures at Tiddington and Shakespeare B.  The Rose and Crown, after travelling to the Bell, then play their final league game of the season at home to Bull B.  Got all that?

On Wednesday, with Francis Hillier as a very late stand in for Lee Wanless, Shakespeare B hit 98 dolls and took maximum points off Bell A - Francis rolled back the years and hit 24, with consecutive sixes in the last two legs.  For the third match in a row, Crown CoO A went down 3-2; this time it was away at the Red Lion with Clive Lampitt top scoring with 20 dolls - and no six!  Dan Smith (for the home side), Paul Hodgins and Matty Hillsdon (for the visitors), all hit 16 apiece.  The Rose and Crown, after dropping the first leg at home to Shakespeare Originals, recovered to win the remaining four - just by the odd doll in two of those legs - to keep the pressure on at the top as already mentioned.  For their third consecutive match, a five man Bull A team played commendably well, and, deservedly, were rewarded with a 4-1 home victory over Tiddington CC.  Mark Poulter hit his third 18 on the trot for the home side.

It remains tight - in fact, a little tighter than last week - at the top of Division Two.  One point between them and level on dolls scored.  The Red Cow closed the gap with a clean sweep away at the Nut Tree, whilst the Pheasant A, going well, having won the first four legs but then losing the last, dropped what could be a vital leg.  In that Brill derby, Keith Harris and Paul Morris hit 15 apiece as did Lee Mason for the visitors.  A couple of close leg scores at the Nut Tree where the Red Cow held their nerve to sneak a vital five points.  Ian Cantwell with 19 and Liam Fisher's 14 did the damage.  A bit of a surprise at the White Horse where the visiting, bottom of the table Launton S&S B, pulled off a much needed 4-1 win.  Nick Cherry played a captain's innings with 18 and was well supported by Dave Gardiner (15) and Chris Price with 14.  A tight match at the Fox where, after winning alternate legs with Launton S&S A and going into the last at two apiece, the home side crumbled and only mustered six whilst the visitors had eleven.  3-2 to the Launton side.

It's just as tight (and exciting?) at the top of Division Three.  Seven points separate the top four - but, bear in mind, the top two (the Butchers Arms and Chandos Arms), only have one match apiece left.  In, what was reported as "a very exciting match" between the top two, Chandos won the first on a three sticker, and then the second, before the Butchers clawed their way back into it, winning the next two.  Tied at eleven dolls each in the last, that one also went to three sticks.  The three set by the home side just wasn't enough.  With Andy Thomas throwing exceptionally well for 16 dolls, Butchers won 3-2 and pulled away by one by more point.  It was equally exciting, and almost as close at the Crown CoO B where they were also tieing at two apiece with the team above them, Long Crendon VC.  The Crown set a creditable 15 in the last, enough to take that leg.  The Ashton Club took a 3-0 at home lead against Lower Heyford S&SC, before the last two went to three stickers - both teams winning a leg each.  Joe and Ashley Young both hit 15 for the Ashton, with Terry Hawkins and James Kirtland replying with 15 and 14.

Division Four's in much the same situation as the others - just seven points between the top and bottom - and three points separating the top three.  The top two, the Ex Services and Plough MG Two enjoyed 4-1 victories on Wednesday - the Ex's at home to Fox A and the Plough Two at home to near neighbours, Crown Twyford B.  Rick Gumbert with 12 and Dave Vear (10), helped the Ex's to a 4-0 lead before losing the last.  New to the indoors, Dan Kimber threw out of his skin for the Fox with 16.  Dave Jones (15) and Matt Orlando (12) starred for Plough MG Two to ensure they remain in contention in second place.  Despite Dough Schultz's 14 dolls for the White Hart they were still unable to get the better of Plough MG One who won 3-2, with Paul Symonds throwing equally as well for his 14.

Why should Division Five be any different?  Apart from Ardley Utd FC who have opened up a gap at the top - and only need to take a leg off second placed Pheasant in their last game of the season, to become champions - the next four teams are separated by just five points.  The Football Club took a comfortable 4-0 lead before tieing the last and then winning it on a three sticker.  Pheasant B didn't have a game so this was the ideal opportunity for Barley Mow to leapfrog them into second place - but, disaster.  They lost 4-1 at home to the Hundred Acres, with Kevin Middleton (11) and Colin Curtis (10) doing the damage for the visitors.  Bell B kept up their slim chances of finishing second with a 3-2 home win over the Bowls Club.

Sixers - Francis Hillier (2)

Outstanding fixtures:

     Division Four - Fox Souldern A v Plough MG One - likely to be played on 4th September

     Division Five - Ardley Utd FC v Bicester Bowls Club - 21st August
                          - Bicester Bowls Club v Barley Mow - 11th September

Our website administrator is on holiday this week but will update the website as soon as she possibly can.


August 2024

With a 4-1 home victory over the Rose and Crown, and Crown CoO A dropping vital points, Shakespeare B have retained the league championship.

The Rose and Crown won the first leg 14-13 but, with Bobby Allen throwing exceptionally well for his 21 dolls (including a six), the next four legs went the way of the champions.  Paul Hudders threw equally as well for 21 - but no six!  Crown CoO A and Bull inn A played two matches (one, a previously postponed one) with the Bull coming out on top, winning both matches 3-2.  Mark 'Bud' Poulter shone for the Bull, hitting 18 in each match - with a six thrown in - and team mate Kev Powney hitting 16 twice.  John Lehane also hit 18 for the Crown in their 'home' match.  Tiddington CC were on the wrong end of a shock 4-1 result at home against Bell A and are replaced at the top of the Division One table by Red Lion Brackley who won 3-2 at home to Shakespeare Originals.  Eddie Jones and Brian Gough - with 18 apiece - and Darren Moore (17, including a six) did the damage for the visitors.  Pete Shepherd with 17, including a six, starred for the home side.  Red Lion Brackley won their first three legs at home to the Shakespeare Originals before falling apart and losing the last two.  Dan Smith - for the home side - and Tony Nichols and Pete Litten for the visitors - hit 17 apiece.

Despite Dave Futter hitting a creditable 18 (including a six) for the visiting White Horse, the Pheasant Inn A, with Keith Harris matching Dave Futter's 18, secured a 5-0 whitewash to remain at the top of the table.  Red Cow remain hot on their heels after a 4-1 victory against Brill S&SC A.  Having just played a three sticker in the third leg - with Brill winning it - the fourth also went to three sticks, with the Red Cow anchorman, Liam Merchant, hitting all three to 'gain revenge'.  The Nut Tree kept up any outside chance of 'getting promoted' with a 4-1 victory on their travels to Launton S&S A.  With Nick Cherry hitting 17 and Dave Gardiner 16, Launton S&S B secured a 4-1 away at Fox Souldern B - but still remain at the bottom.

The Ashton Club had a great week with a 3-2 home victory over Division Three table toppers, Butchers Arms.  Joe Young threw well for the home side for his 15 dolls, as did John Cottingham for his 13.  Terry Hawkins (16) and John Smith (14) threw exceptionally well for Lower Heyford S&SC, but still lost 3-2 at home, as Robin Busby excelled with 18 dolls for Crown CoO B.  Chearsley Cricketers were unable to get a team together for their home fixture against Chandos Arms.

In Division Four, table toppers Crown Twyford A were unable to field enough players for their visit to the Ex Services - and those five points for the Ex's mean that they now go top.  In the Plough MG derby, Paul Symonds shone for the 'Ones' as they took the bragging rights with a  4-1 victory.  Crown Twyford B beat the visiting Fox Souldern A 3-2 - but still remain anchored to the bottom of the table.

Ardley Utd FC still hold on to top spot in Division Five despite dropping a leg away at the Hundred Acres.  A couple of close scoring legs in the match at Bell B where Pheasant Inn B eventually secured a 5-0 victory, closing the gap to four points.  Jon Goodson top scored for the visitors with 13 dolls. 

Sixers - Bobby Allen, Mark Poulter, Darren Moore, Pete Shepherd, Dave Futter

Phil Allen

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5th August 04

A very pleasing and encouraging number of entries (36) for the triples competition on Wednesday - but then, sadly, very disappointing when teams fail to turn up without notification.

Those who won their way through to the semi finals to be played on finals night were:

Bull Inn A (Billy Atwell, Andy Poppitt, Dave Puddle)

Crown CoO A (Callum Cooper, Matty Hillsdon, John Lehane)

Red Lion Brackley (Dan Smith, Norman Brock, Clive Lampitt)

Tiddington CC (Pip Goulding, Phil Smith, Pete Shepherd)

Very well done chaps.

Phil Allen


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27th July 2024

Weather wise, 'twas, I understand, a bit of an indifferent night in and around the Bicester area.  Most of you got some of the wet stuff (no, not talking beer!) at some stage during the evening.  As I did too (and the beer in my case!);  here I was, in the caravan in Zumzet, laptop at the ready, waiting for the results to come through.  Sad life, ain't it - on holiday, missing my aunt sally!!!

In the Premier, it was a battle of the Shakeys.  The home team - the Originals - were praying for a bit of a repeat of last year - torrential rain and maximum points!  From the first result card I received, they were almost there - some rain (albeit, not torrential) and four legs to one, to them.  But, just remember, I wasn't there - the card was a 'wind Phil up'!  Got me going, wasn't interested after that in waiting for any more results coming through!  But then, hang on, here it is  - the 'real' one!  A complete reverse, Shakespeare B had "sneaked" a 5-0.  Some decent throwing by the table toppers and some 'very friendly' stuff by the Originals.  A rather miserable evening for the Bell A.  On their own pitch, against the Crown CoO A, apart from Ray Rowe who hit 13 (including a blob in the last leg - it must have just started raining at that point!), the Bell just couldn't get themselves going.  John Hudson with 15, Matty Hillsdon (14) and Callum Cooper (13) did the damage for the visitors.  Both Tiddington CC and Red Lion Brackley won their respective games 4-1 to maintain their challenges for the Division One title.  Pete Shepherd played a captain's innings for the Cricket Club with 19 dolls, well supported with 13 apiece from Graham Bristow and Pip Goulding.  Paul Hudders top scored for the visiting Rose and Crown (as he has for most of the season), with 13 dolls as well.  Bull Inn A put together a much better performance than of late (70 dolls on this occasion), but still came second best at home to the Red Lion Brackley, losing 4-1.  Clive Lampitt 'deprived' them of the first leg!  Chasing a commendable 18 set by the Bull, anchorman Clive needed five to draw, the lot to win.  He managed the five and then wasn't needed in the three sticker as they'd already won it.  He did, eventually though, finish with 17, as did Dan Smith.  Nigel King hit 15 with Billy Atwell and Dave Puddle supporting him with 14 apiece for the Bull.

It was top against bottom in Division Two with Pheasant A visiting and beating the struggling Launton S&S B 5-0.  Dave Gardiner's 14 was the highest individual score of the match but did very little to threaten a decent Pheasant team who look as though they're going to be at the top for a while.  However, the Red Cow are hot on their heels after a 5-0 victory over the White Horse.  The nearest the Horse came to salvaging any points were in the third leg when they set 12 but the Red Cow's anchorman, Liam Merchant, got the one to draw and 'one for luck' to win the leg - but the same can't be said when Dicky Butler was in a similar situation, needing two to draw and three to win the last leg for the White Horse - it must have been hammering down at that point, he only got one!  Roger Herbert hit 14 in the four legs he played in.  Brill S&SC A mustered up a much needed 4-1 win at home to Launton S&S A to keep in touch with those above them.  Terry Smith threw well with a second consecutive 14 - but was still on the wrong end of the result!  A closish match at the Nut Tree went in favour of Fox Souldern B 3-2 which now puts them above the Murcott side by that one point.

A surprise 4-1 home defeat for Long Crendon VC at the hands of Chandos Arms and a home victory for the Butchers Arms over Chearsley Cricketers by the same scoreline, results in the top two in Division Three swapping places once again.  After losing the first leg 5-3, the Butchers had little difficulty defeating a five-man Chearsley side - and now top the table - whilst, in the Long Crendon v Chandos match, the first two legs went to three stickers - Chandos winning both.  Keeping a watchful eye on what's going on above them are the Crown CoO B who, after initially taking a 2-0 lead over the visiting Ashton Club, were then pegged back to two legs apiece before claiming the last - 3-2 to the Crown.  Robin Busby (Crown) and Joe Young (Ashton) top scored with 16 apiece - Robin's included a six.  

In the 'local derby' in Division Three, Crown A Twyford won 3-2 'away' against their B side - and jump to the top of the table.  It was rather a tight one though - the B side won the first leg by two dolls, the next by just the one doll - and then, it got even tighter.  Two drawn legs going to three stickers - both won by the A team as was the last leg, again by a single doll.  Thirteen dolls for Trevor Barnett and twelve for Tom Hanson.  Well done chaps.  The surprise result of the evening (probably, the season!) was the 5-0 demolition of the White Hart by Plough MG Two - which, actually, shoots them up into second place (getting rather dizzy!).  Kym Jones did the damage for the Plough with 14 dolls - by far her best of the season - whilst the White Hart 'just didn't turn up'!

In Division Five the Barley Mow kept up their recent great run of form with a 4-1 home victory over Bell B.  Alvin Knowles' return to the team has, no doubt, been a great asset for them - 48 dolls in his four matches so far.  Josh Hiles contributed with ten in one of his rare appearances too.  Well done chaps!  After a 5-0 defeat last week, Pheasant B inflicted one themselves this week over Bull B. 

Sixer - Robin Busby.


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21st July 2024

On a beautiful Wednesday evening, ideal for pondering around in the garden, supping a few beers and throwing sticks in the process, Tiddington CC travelled to the Shakespeare B and tested them to the full.   The Shakey set the first leg - and weren't going too well til anchorman Dougie Revitt hit a maximum to eventually finish with a reasonable 19.  The home side took that one and the next but then, the tide turned with the visitors likewise, winning the next two.  Level pegging going into the last - one of those where the skipper doesn't really want to win the toss.  Shaky did it, went in and set a commendable, and, as it turned out. a winning 21.  "Mr Dependable", Dougie's improving from week to week - 22 last time out and 23 in this one.  Well thrown Sir.  Graham Bristow and Pete Shepherd threw well for the Cricket Club with 17 apiece.  A great evening.  It remains tight at the top of Division One with Tiddington claiming top spot by just the one point.  Red Lion Brackley lost a bit of ground with a 3-2 defeat at home to Bell A.  It was touch and go - two legs each, going into the last.  The Bell set - not a great score of 13, but, as it turned out, enough to win the leg and the match 3-2.  Clive Lampitt with 16 and Greg English having a terrific evening with 15, shone for the Red Lion whilst Darren Moore with 16 (including a six) and Eddie Jones, with the same score, did the business for the Bell.  Whilst the Red Lion were losing that one, unbeknowingly (is that a word?), the Rose and Crown had won their first three legs (but lost the final two) at home to the Crown CoO A, enough to give them a 3-2 win and to leap frog into second place on dolls scored.  Paul Hudders continued his great run of form with another 16 for the home side whilst Jeremy Launchbury hit 18 and Matty Hillsdon 16 for the visitors.

It remains tight at the top two of Division Two.  Pheasant Inn A and the Red Cow met up on the hill, with the home side recovering from being two nil down to eventually claim a 3-2 victory.  Keith Harris threw exceptionally well for the Pheasant for his 17 dolls.    Knowing the top two sides were up against each other on the night, the White Horse were after maximum points to maintain their challenge.  It fell apart straight away - they lost the first two legs!   A turn around thereafter and they won the last three.  Dave Futter led by example with 15 dolls, with Terry Smith and Steve Golder hitting 14 apiece for the visitors.  Dragged out of retirement (?), Brian Joyce showed them how it's done at Fox Souldern B as they beat Brill S&SC A 4-1 and now join them on 20 points in the table - the same number of points as the Nut Tree who lost 3-2 against Launton S&S B.

Butchers Arms lost their top spot in Division Three with a 3-2 defeat at Crown CoO B and Long Crendon VC winning at Chearsley Cricketers.  In that one at Chearsley, Adam Lazaruk did his utmost with 12 dolls for the home side whilst Charlie and Jack Govier both hit the same score for the visitors.

Rather tight in Division Four with the top four teams all on 20 points.  George Deans rolling back the years - a long way back! - with 16 dolls, did little to help the White Hart as they came a cropper and lost 4-1 at home the Fox Souldern A, but manage to remain on top by dolls scored.  Crown Twyford A upped their game this week to secure a 3-2 home victory over Plough MG One and jump up to second place - alphabetically, as they've hit the same number of dolls as the Ex Services who, on such a lovely evening outside, were stuck indoors against Crown Twyford B.

Ardley Utd FC recovered from being 2-1 down to, eventually, winning 3-2 at Bell B and keeping up their quest for the Division Five title.  On their longish trek to the Barley Mow Upper Heyford, Pheasant Inn B suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat - a defeat which drops them down three places in the table.  Alvin Knowles with 12 and Dickie Haynes 11 did the damage for the home side with Dave Morris replying with 11 for the visitors.  Chris Mack's ten dolls for Bull Inn B did little to help them as they lost 5-0 at home to the Hundred Acres.  With Kevin Middleton and Pete Bunce nine apiece the Acres climb a couple of places into third.

Sixers - Doug Revitt, Darren Moore

Right, with that done and dusted - a day earlier, as you may have noticed - I'm away in the caravan for a week or so.  You can still get in touch with me as much as you want!

Phil Allen



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18th July 2024

A very encouraging number of entries (36) for the triples competition to be played on Wednesday 31st July.  The draw is below

Please be aware the start time is 8 o'clock.


TRIPLES DRAW

AT LAUNTON SPORTS & SOCIAL (PITCH ONE)

8 O’CLOCK START


  1. Bull Inn A A (Billy Atwell, Dave Puddle, Paul Chapman)

  1. Chandos Arms A (Robert Taylor, John Mole, Paul Kilpin)

  1. Bell A C (Ray Rowe, Dan Jobling, Billy Craig)

  1. Launton S&S B A (Kev Gardiner, Lee Gardiner, Dave Gardiner)

  1. Lower Heyford S&SC B (John Smith, Jordan Austin, Charlie Loveday)

  1. White Horse (Dave Futter, Mav Giles, Dickie Butler)

  1. Rose & Crown (Dave Reast, Paul Hudders, Jon Woodman)

  1. Bell A A (Joe Durbin, James Smith, Brian Gough)

  1. Ex Services B (Tracey Denton, Keith Lennard, Michelle Oakley)

To be played down til there is just one pair remaining

Best of three legs.  In the event of a draw, go to three sticks and stay on three sticks before going on to the next leg.



TRIPLES DRAW

AT LAUNTON SPORTS & SOCIAL (PITCH TWO)

8 O’CLOCK START


  1. Red Cow A (Liam Fisher, Ian Cantwell, Roger Herbert)

  1. Shakespeare Originals B (Erik Poslusny, Jason Harris, Andy Grose)

  1. Shakespeare B B (Tyler Andrews, Lee Wanless, Phil Allen)

  1. Ex Services (Rick Gumbert, Dave Vear, Zak Vear)

  1. Red Lion Brackley A (Clive Lampitt, Norman Brock, Jamie Wiltshire)

  1. Lower Heyford S&SC A (Terry Hawkins, Charlotte Smith, James Kirtland)

  1. Shakespeare Originals A (Tony Nichols, Steve Payne, Pete Litten)

  1. Launton S&S B B (Chris Price, Colin Baldwin, Nick Cherry)

  1. Fox Souldern B (Martin Hartwell, Chris Hartwell, Andy Bush)

To be played down til there is just one pair remaining

Best of three legs.  In the event of a draw, go to three sticks and stay on three sticks before going on to the next leg.



TRIPLES DRAW

AT THE SHAKESPEARE

8 O’CLOCK START


  1. Launton S&S A (Steve Golder, Terry Smith, Derek Richards)

  1. Red Cow B (Liam Merchant, Gavin Walford, Bjorn Eilersten)

  1. Crown CoO A A (John Lehane, Terry Bagnall, Matty Hillsdon)

  1. Chandos Arms B (Steve Knight, Brian Hartland, Mark Mulcahy)

  1. Pheasant A (Keith Harris, Pete McCarron, Luke McCarron)

  1. Shakespeare B A (Pete Dempsey, Bobby Allen, Karl Budd)

  1. Red Lion Brackley B (Neil Cross, John Bradshaw, A N Other)

  1. Launton S&S B C (Chalky White, Chris Ashton, Jeff Ball)

  1. Shakespeare Originals C (Pete Dominic, Chris Hooper, Nathan Litten)

To be played down til there is just one pair remaining

Best of three legs.  In the event of a draw, go to three sticks and stay on three sticks before going on to the next leg.

TRIPLES DRAW

AT TIDDINGTON CRICKET CLUB

8 O’CLOCK START


  1. Chandos Arms C (Mike Robertson, Richard McVeigh, Ricky Hartland)

  1. Crown CoO A B (John Hudson, Jeremy Launchbury, Paul Hodgins)

  1. Tiddington CC A (Pete Shepherd, Pip Goulding, Phil Smith)

  1. Bell A B (Darren Moore, James Harkness, Eddie Jones)

  1. Crown CoO B (Robin Busby, Barry Reynolds, Dick Pike)

  1. Bull Inn A B (Nigel King, Mark Poulter, Kev Powney)

Pheasant Inn A B (Dave Fry, Andy Parke, Ryan Daly)

  1. Ex Services (James Waddup, Emma Vear, Mark Stocker)

  1. Tiddington CC B (Ray Manning, Les Brooks, Graham Bristow

To be played down til there is just one pair remaining

Best of three legs.  In the event of a draw, go to three sticks and stay on three sticks before going on to the next leg.


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7th July 2024

Before we get into the nitty gritty of Wednesday night's games and results, I have to send out a serious reminder to all team captains and players about conduct during matches.  Although very infrequent, I have received some feedback regarding player conduct during one of this week’s fixtures, which was totally unacceptable to all parties involved.  Whilst we know Aunt Sally - as all sports - can be a very competitive game at all levels, and there are rivalries between some teams, whether that be from the same venue with an A and B teams, or from the same town/village with more than one venue for example, it is a game to be enjoyed.  Poor or bad conduct on any level, from any player or team, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the committee.  Please, can we all make sure our first aim is to enjoy the evening, as after all, it is only a game.

So, I hope all team captains will accept responsibility for looking after the conduct of their players and we don’t see any more reports of bad conduct this season or in the future.

Please see the  rules about Etiquette on the RULES page.  Print it off, display it and/or pass it around to players as you see fit.

"Team of the week" has to go to the current league champions and table toppers, Shakespeare B.  On Wednesday's visit to Crown CoO A, they took all five points, hitting 102 dolls in the process.  The Crown put a decent 19 on the board in the first leg, but the visiting anchorman, Dougie Revitt, got the four needed for victory.  Thereafter, "Mr Consistency", throwing so well, took his evening's tally to 22.  Jed Launchbury and Matty Hillsdon threw well for the Crown with 17 apiece but could do little to stop a rampant Shakey team.  Tiddington CC and Shakespeare Originals arranged to play two matches in the one evening - to include their postponed first match of the season.  How coincidental that they both won 4-1 (as the 'away' team), and both hit a total of 133 dolls.  Couldn't have been any closer!   And they didn't finish til 10.40.  Well done, and thank you, to all involved.  Tony Nichols had a creditable evening for the Shakey with a 16 and a 15 but the visiting Pip Goulding 'pipped' him with a 14 and 19 (including a six).  'Twas a close one at the Rose and Crown where the Red Lion Brackley were the visitors.  The home team's anchorman Dave Reast needed five to draw, six to win for the first leg and got the maximum.  From thereon, it was touch and go but the home side scraped it 3-2.  Jamie Wiltshire played extremely well for his 18 dolls for the visitors, as did Dave Reast for his 17.  Ray Rowe chipped in with a six as the Bell A stuttered over the line to beat the visiting Bull Inn A 3-2.

Both the Pheasant Inn A and the Red Cow won 5-0 - ironically, both at Launton S&S - and sit, level on points, level on dolls - at the top of Division Two.  Andy Parke and Pete McCarron hit 12 apiece for the Pheasant whilst Terry Smith got 11 for Launton S&S A.  In the other match there, Liam Merchant played out of his skin for the Red Cow for his 19, including a six, whilst team mate, Ian Cantwell, also hit a maximum in his 14.  Despite Dave Futter and Baz Bazile throwing well for their 14 dolls for the White Horse, they lost a little ground on the leaders after dropping a couple of legs at home to the Fox Souldern B.  A couple of very close legs in the Brill S&SC A v Nut Tree game but the home side, with Lee Mason throwing exceptionally well for 16 (including a six), whitewashed their opponents 5-0 and jump above them in the table.

With Ky Maciejewski hitting 14 in one of his rare appearances for the Butchers Arms, a 3-2 win for them over Long Crendon VC, takes them back to the top of the Division Three table.  Fourteen dolls from Joe Young and 13 from son Ashley earned the Ashton Club a 3-2 victory at the Chandos Arms and brings them level on points.

A very close game at the Crown Twyford A where the White Hart won the final - and deciding - leg to sneak a 3-2 win which keeps them at the top of Division Four.  Ally Ginger (13) and Judd O'Connor (12) did their utmost for the Crown as did Doug Schultz and George Deans with eleven apiece for the visitors.  Another to be decided in the final leg was the Plough MG One 3-2 victory over the visiting Ex Services.  Every leg is vital, as proved to be for the Plough MG Two in their visit to the Fox Souldern A.  To win their final leg - albeit losing the match 3-2 - keeps them in second place in Division Four.

Thirteen dolls for Alvin Knowles, in only his second match of the season, helped the Barley Mow to take three legs off the Division Five table toppers Ardley Utd FC.  It was touch and go at the Pheasant where the home side won the last leg on a three sticker to win the match 3-2 and return to second place.

Sixers - Pip Goulding, Ray Rowe, Lee Mason, Liam Merchant, Ian Cantwell

 

Phil Allen


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1st July 2024

As you're well aware, if England beat Switzerland in the Euros on Saturday their next game will be a semi final next Wednesday - the night of our singles competitions.  Should that happen, then - despite the football being as bad as it has been - I'm sure the majority of you will want to watch the Euros semi final, and the attendances at the aunt sally singles would be severely decimated.  Consequently, I have to look ahead and plan an alternative.

What I propose to do is play the singles on Wednesday 11th September, extend the season by a week putting the plates' finals back to Wednesday 18th September and our 'real' finals night on Friday 20th September.  

But, remember, this is only going to happen if England beat Switzerland on Saturday.

The draws and venues for the singles competition can be found on the FIXTURES page.


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30th June 2024

Time flies when you’re enjoying yourselves, eh?  We’ve reached the halfway point of the season already.

Shakespeare B rounded off that first half with a 4-1 victory at the Red Lion Brackley.  A bit of a ‘shakey’ start for the visitors; chasing the 17 set by the home side, it was down to anchorman, Dougie Revitt, to get at least four to take it into a three sticker – he did it and followed it up with a maximum in the three sticker.  Despite the return of Martin Wanless, playing his first game of the season, hitting 12 in his four legs and looking as though he’d never been away (!), Shakespeare Originals went down 3-2 at home to the Bell A – a win that elevates the Bell up into second place in the Premier Division.  Darren Moore threw exceptionally well for his 17 dolls.  The Crown CoO A struggled, came second best and lost their second place in the table, at Tiddington CC where the home side won 4-1.  A five-player Bull Inn A threw well to win their first leg at home to the Rose and Crown but then, were up against it and lost the last four legs, with Paul Hudders throwing well for the visitors for his 18 dolls. 

It's suddenly become very tight at the top of Division Two with three teams level on points.  After suffering a 4-1 defeat away at Fox Souldern B, the Pheasant Inn A lost their three point advantage but still remain on top because of their superior dolls tally.  Chris Hartwell (16 dolls) and Andy Bush (14) starred for the Fox whilst Paul Morris did his utmost to salvage something with 14 for the Pheasant.  The Red Cow are getting back to the sort of form expected of them and now, after taking four legs against Launton S&S A, they’re in second place.  Ian Cantwell top scored in that one with 14.  With Dave Futter continuing his very good run of form, the White Horse returned home from the Nut Tree with another four points in the bag.  Richard Cooper had another good week for the Nut Tree with 15.  A close call at Launton S&S where their B side beat Brill S&SC A 3-2.  Dave Gardiner top scored for the home side with 17 (including a six) whilst Mike Horn played the captain’s part with 15 for the visitors.

Long Crendon VC failed to take full advantage of the fact that the Butchers Arms, at the top of Division Three, had a ‘Bye’ and went down 3-2 at home to Lower Heyford S&SC.  The first two legs finished on nine apiece and went to three stickers (the first leg even went to a one sticker).  They won one leg each.  Thereafter it was neck and neck but Lower Heyford came out on top.  Nevertheless, two points was enough to take Long Crendon to the top.  Charlie Govier threw out of his skin for his 15 dolls.  A close one at the Crown CoO where their B side sneaked three legs against Chandos Arms and jump above them in the table.  Robin Busby had a much better week for the Crown with 15 dolls.  It was touch and go in the Ashton Club versus Chearsley Cricketers game.  Two legs apiece and going into the last.  The Ashton set nine but the five man visiting team were only able to muster up seven.  3-2 to the Ashton Club.

In Division Four the White Hart hold on to their top of the table spot after defeating the Ex Services 3-2 in a rather close one.  Doug Schultz hit ten, his best score of the season, whilst Zak Vear hit eleven – also his best.  Well done chaps.  After beating Plough MG One 4-1 in their rearranged previously postponed fixture, and taking two points off Crown Twyford A, Plough MG Two now find themselves in a “dizzy” second place.  After finding themselves 3-0 down away at the Crown Twyford B, Plough MG One recovered and took the last two.  John Carter (Crown) and Paul Symonds (Plough) threw exceptionally well for 14 dolls apiece.

Ardley Utd FC rounded off a terrific first half of the season with 4-1 win at the Pheasant B and now sit five points clear at the top of Division Five – ahead of our surprise package of the season, Bell B, who took all five points at home to Bull Inn B.  Karl Wright hit ten – his best of the season – for Ardley FC.  Tied at two legs each at the Hundred Acres, Bicester Bowls Club pulled out all the stops and took the last one 11-8.

Sixer - Dave Gardiner.

Phil Allen


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24th June 2024

Played on probably our best Wednesday evening of the season so far - albeit a little chilly - the attendances for the pairs' competitions were up on previous years.  Very encouraging to see.

Those successful in getting through to the finals, to be played on Friday 13th September, are:

Premier & Division One - Clive Lampitt & Norman Brock (Red Lion Brackley) will play Nigel King and Kevin Powney (Bull Inn A).

Division Two - Dave Futter and Mav Giles (White Horse) will play Liam Fisher and Roger Herbert (Red Cow).

Division Three - Ashley Young and Joe Young (Ashton Club) will play Charlie Govier and Jack Govier (Long Crendon VC).

Division Four - Lewis Wilson and Paul Symonds (Plough MG One) will play Trevor Barnett and Simon North (Crown Twyford B).

Division Five - Dave Morris and Will Sanders (Pheasant Inn B) will play James Ridgeley and Derek Burrows (Barley Mow).

Well done.

Phi Allen


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17th June 2024

Apologies, a little later this morning; been partying late into the night!

Two matches for top of the table Shakespeare B this week - one on Tuesday evening was the rearranged postponed fixture away at the Rose and Crown, and what a tight affair that turned out to be.  The home side took the first leg on a three sticker, then it got to two apiece before the Shakey took the decider.  Paul Hudders threw exceptionally well for his 17 dolls as did Dougie Revitt (back from his week's holiday) for his 19 dolls and Bobby Allen for his 16, including a six.  In Wednesday's match at the Shakespeare, the table toppers increased their lead with a 5-0 win over the Bull Inn A.  A couple of the legs were rather close - one of them going to a three sticker - but the Shakey held their own to take maximum points.  Dougie Revitt did it again - 20 dolls, including a six in the last leg with Kev Powney throwing well for the visitors, hitting 17.  Crown CoO A, at full strength this week, threw exceptionally well at home to trounce Shakespeare Originals 5-0, with John Hudson having his best night for a long while with 19, including a six.  Jason Harris starred for the visitors with 14, also including a six.  With every one of their players hitting double figures, Red Lion Brackley kept up their creditable start to the season taking three legs off the visiting Tiddington CC.  Clive Lampitt top scored for the Red Lion with 16 as did Graham Bristow for the Cricket Club.  Rose and Crown recovered from Tuesday's defeat to beat the visiting Bell 4-1 to jump to second place in Division One; Paul Hudders rounded off a terrific week with 18 dolls on the night.

In Division Two, the Pheasant Inn A somehow scraped a 3-2 victory over the Nut Tree to stay top of the table.  Tied at two legs apiece, going into the last, and that one was drawn.  In the three sticker, the Pheasant scraped home 8-7.  Richard Cooper rolled back the years and threw out of his skin for his 20 dolls for the Nut Tree (and not a six amongst it).  The Red Cow 'almost' whitewashed the Fox Souldern B.  They were 4-0 up, going into the last but lost that one 14-13.  Nevertheless, they return to second place in the table, leapfrogging the White Horse, who needed and took the last leg to beat Brill S&SC A.  Dave Futter starred in that one with 16 dolls for the White Horse.  Launton S&S A took the honours, winning 4-1, in their derby match - at home to the B side.  A terrific night for Keith Perry - anchorman in the final leg - needing two to win, and he got them, much to the delight of himself and his fellow team mates.  Well done Keith.

The Butchers Arms got themselves into a commanding 3-0 lead away at Lower Heyford S&SC - and then fell apart, losing the last two.  But, they still hold on to their two point lead over Long Crendon VC at the top of Division Three.  Despite losing 3-2 at home to Long Crendon VC, the Ashton Club report that they had a great night with their visiting team - and that's not the first time I've heard that about the Long Crendon team!.. Well done chaps.  Ashley Young (playing lead off man for the Ashton) got his team off to a great start in every leg, finishing with a creditable 15 dolls.  Well done Ashley.  Daren Vythelingum hit a cracking 16 dolls for Chearsley Cricketers but they still went down 3-2 at home to Crown CoO B and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table.

In Division Four, a 4-1 home win for the White Hart over Crown Twyford B sees them jump three places to the top of that division.  George Deans hit 15 for the home side, by far his best score of the season.  Fox Souldern A walloped last week's table toppers, Crown Twyford A, 5-0 and jump four places into second.  Lead off man Adam Spencer and anchorman Dan Kimber did the damage with ten apiece for the Fox.  Despite 14 dolls from Tracey Denton, the Ex Services lost alternate legs and, eventually, the game 3-2 at home to Plough MG Two.

In Division Five, Bicester Bowls Club - with a full squad of nine players turning out once again - recorded their second win of the season; 3-2 at home against Pheasant Inn B.  Skipper Graham Brown threw well for 11 and Alan Wagner 9.  Alvin Knowles and Dickie Haynes, with 12 apiece, helped the Barley Mow to maximum points at the Bull Inn B and to leapfrog the Pheasant into second place.

Sixers - Dougie Revitt, John Hudson, Jason Harris

PAIRS COMPETITION

This coming Wednesday, it's the pairs competitions.  Remember, it's an 8 o'clock start at each venue.  

Premier and Division One will all be held at Launton S&S.  

Division Two at the Shakespeare.  

Division Three at the Bell.  

Division Four at the Bull.  

Division Five at the Red Cow.

Phil Allen


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10th June 2024

The venues for the divisional pairs competitions are on the FIXTURES page.  The draws for "who plays who" will be made at each venue on the night.  Please note, the start time at each venue is 8 o'clock.

Very encouraging to see the number of entries has risen from last season's.  We have a total of 73 entries, broken down as follows:

     Premier and Division One - 27

     Division Two - 13

     Division Three - 12

     Division Four - 11

     Division Five - 10

Because I receive entries by email, WhatsApp, SMS, messenger, face to face - some at awkward times when I can't jot it down, I may have missed someone or got the names wrong.  Please check the lists and let me know right away if I have done so.

Phil Allen

 

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9th June 2024

The draws for League Cup semi finals, League Plate semi finals, Intermediate Cup semi finals and Intermediate Plate semi finals are:

LEAGUE CUP 

     Pheasant Inn A v Shakespeare Originals

     Shakespeare B v Rose & Crown

LEAGUE PLATE

     Tiddington CC v Launton S&S B

     Crown CoO A v Red Cow

INTERMEDIATE CUP

     Lower Heyford S&SC v Crown Twyford A

     White Hart v Crown CoO B

INTERMEDIATE PLATE

     Chandos Arms v Fox Souldern A

     Ex Services v Crown Twyford B

The above games will be played on 21st August.

The Supplementary Cup final, to be played on Friday 13th September, will be between Pheasant Inn B and Hundred Acres and the Plate final, on Wednesday 11th September, will be between Bell B and the Barley Mow.

In a relatively low scoring contest for a top of the table clash, Shakespeare B - without the ever consistent Doug Revitt - took a 3-0 lead at the Bell but then 'allowed' the home side to take the last two legs.  Karl Budd top scored with 17 for the visitors.  A great evening for Tyler Andrews with 14 for the Shakey as did Eddie Jones for the Bell.  A shock result at the Shakespeare where the Originals got walloped by a resurgent Rose and Crown, losing 4-1.  It was looking rather embarrassing at 4-0 down but the home side redeemed themselves a little by taking the last leg.  Newbie Darren Brain (Rose and Crown) adapted well to the shorter length - his first ever game in the Bicester league - for his 21 dolls (and not a six amongst it).  Team mate Jon Woodman did get one though in his 17.  Tony Nichols, for the Shakey, is still trying to get the length right (!) but did manage a creditable 19 - but no six either!  Another, what I consider, shock result was the Red Lion Brackley's 3-2 win at the Crown CoO A.  It was tied at 2-2 going into the last.  The Red Lion set 13 - not enough you would think.  They got a three sticker out of it.  Set 9 and the Crown fell one short.  3-2 to the Red Lion.  Jeremy Launchbury hit a six in the very first throw of the evening and ended with 18.  At Tiddington CC, the home side were victorious beating the Bull A 4-1.  They lost the first leg quite easily 15-19, but, from thereon, it became rather eventful!  They set and won the next in similar fashion (quite easily) 18-12.  The third was drawn at 13 apiece with the home side winning the three sticker.  The fourth went the full circle - six sticks drawn at 18 each (with Ray Manning hitting a six), three sticker drawn at six each, one sticker at three each and back to six.  Twenty one dolls to the home side was too many for the visitors.  So, in to the last leg, Tiddington were 3-1 up; and they got the last 16-11.  A great evening for Ray Manning with 18 - well done!  Kev Powney threw terrifically well too for his 20.

In Division Two, the Pheasant Inn A's 3-2 win at the White Horse on Monday night in their rearranged previously postponed fixture, and the 4-1 derby victory at Brill S&SC on Wednesday, takes them back to the top of the table - the first time since the first week of the season.  Despite that defeat on Monday night, the White Horse 'pulled themselves together' to win 4-1 away at Launton S&S B on Wednesday - to jump into second place (aiming for promotion!!?).  Dave Futter's back - 14 and 13 this week.  Ian Cantwell's back too - another 15 this week (his second successive), helped the Red Cow to a 4-1 home win over the Nut Tree and puts them hot on their heels in the table.  A 4-1 win at Launton S&S A, takes the Fox Souldern B off the foot of the table.

A 4-1 home win on Tuesday against the Ashton Club, followed by a 3-2 home victory the following evening against Chandos Arms elevates the Butchers Arms to the top of Division Three.  Andy Thomas had a couple of decent matches for the Butchers, with 11 on Tuesday and 13 on Wednesday.  The Ashton Cub recovered well from their Tuesday defeat to inflict a 3-2 defeat on Lower Heyford S&SC.  Some decent individual scores in that match were John Smith's 14 in his four legs for Lower Heyford and Dave Smith's 14 and Joe Young's 13 for the Ashton.  Long Crendon VC certainly seem to enjoy their aunt sally evenings.  Every week, I get a comment along the lines of "Great evening once again".  Well done chaps, that's what it's all about!  On Wednesday they rattled up a 4-1 home victory over Crown CoO B - but got displaced at the top of the table by the Butchers Arms (who did have two games, two wins this week).  Dave Carruthers has certainly made a huge difference to their team this season.  Sitting in second place in the division's top doll scorers, he hit another 14 on Wednesday.  A great signing!

Crown Twyford A, despite having a bye this week, remain in 'number one spot' in Division Four.  Catching them a little though are the Ex Services after their 4-1 win at the Fox Souldern A.  The highlight of this one was Tracey Denton's 17 dolls for the Ex's, including a six.  Also hot on their heels are tenants, Crown Twyford B, who sneaked home with a 3-2 win over Plough MG Two.  Plough MG One were victorious at home against the White Hart, beating them 4-1.

Sitting comfortably at the top of Division Five for the whole season, Ardley Utd FC won 5-0 at home to the Bull Inn B - but they lost their Supplementary Cup semi final 3-0 at home to the Hundred Acres on Thursday evening.  Carl Reed hit 10 for the football club on Wednesday, as did Chris Mack for the Bull.  The Barley Mow, with Steve Webb hitting 11, enjoyed a 4-1 victory at the Hundred Acres and jump above them in the table.  Bicester Bowls Club, unable to get to grips with this 'weird' game, still seem to manage to encourage (or persuade) a full compliment of players to turn up each week.  Nine there again this week for their match against Bell B - but they lost 4-1.  They'll be there again on Wednesday despite it being another difficult fixture against Pheasant Inn B!  Well done.

Sixers - Ray Manning, Jon Woodman, Jeremy Launchbury, Tracey Denton

FOUND AT THE PHEASANT INN

A green patterned home made fabric bag, with a set of dark brown light aunt sally sticks has been left at the Pheasant Inn.  Been there about three weeks.  To claim, you can either come back to me (Phil Allen the secretary) or contact Dave Morris through the Division Five WhatsApp group.


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3rd June 2024

The 'shock of the week' in the League Cup, Second Round was the Pheasant A's 3-2 home defeat over the Bell A.  The Pheasant took a 2-0 lead before the visitors regained some decent form and got it back to two apiece.  What seemed a creditable final leg set of 16 by the Bell just wasn't enough as the hosts clanged off 18 - with Andy Parke and Dave Fry both hitting five.  Another to go the whole five legs was the one at the Red Lion Brackley where the visitors, Shakespeare Originals, were victorious after setting 20 in the final leg.  Top scorers there were Clive Lampitt with 18 for the Red Lion and Jason Harris (18) and Tony Nichols (17) for the visitors.  The Rose & Crown were victorious in another five legger at the Bull A.  Kev Powney (Bull A) hit 15 in the four legs he threw but it just wasn't enough to get them through to the semi finals.  Brill S&SC A were unable to get a sufficient number of players for their match against Shakespeare B and had to concede.

In the League Plate, with Ian Cantwell hitting 12, the Red Cow won comfortably 3-0 at home to Launton S&S A, as did Tiddington CC away at the Nut Tree.  Crown CoO A followed suit and won by the same scoreline at Fox Souldern B.  The White Horse came second best as the lost 3-1 at home to Launton S&S B.

In the Intermediate Cup, despite drawing the second leg and then winning the three sticker, Crown CoO B had a relatively comfortable home win against Plough MG Two.  The White Hart threw out of their skins - 19 in their first leg! - to whitewash the visiting Chearsley Cricketers.  Daren Vythelingum with ten dolls, threw well for the visitors.  In, what I heard was, a terrific match, in a terrific atmosphere, Lower Heyford S&SC won 3-2 at home to Long Crendon VC.  It was tied at two apiece, going into the last, which Lower Heyford won 14-11.  James Kirtland threw terrifically well for 15 dolls, as did Charlotte Smith Cheery for 11 and Jack Govier for the visitors for his 11.  A struggling Ashton Club side went down 3-1 at home to the Crown Twyford A.

In the Intermediate Plate, Chandos Arms won 3-1 away at the Butchers Arms whilst Crown Twyford B won 3-0 at Plough MG One.

In the Supplementary Cup, Pheasant B won 3-0 at Bicester Bowls Club.  The other game between Ardley Utd FC and the Hundred Acres is being played this coming Thursday.  In the Plate the Barley Mow won 3-1 away at Bull B.

Phil Allen


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26th May 2024

The early torrential rain, forecasted to go on all day, caused a number of matches - many of them to be played on grass - to be postponed.  But, in the end, when the weather had changed completely, 'twas a great evening for aunt sally.

Shakespeare B's game at the Rose and Crown was one to fall victim of the weather, as was the Crown CoO A's at the Bull A in Launton.  Shakespeare Originals took a 2-0 lead in their home fixture against the Red Lion Brackley but then lost the next two (both by the same score of 13-15).  The Shakey set a very measly seven in the final leg - surprisingly, that was enough to "earn" them a three sticker - which they then won 10-7.  Pete Litten top scored with 14.  In another pretty tight affair at the Bell, that was also two legs apiece, going into the fifth.  Tiddington CC's set of eleven surely wasn't going to be enough!  True enough, it wasn't; the Bell sneaked home with a 13-11 victory. Darren Moore hit 14.

In Division Two, top of the table, the Nut Tree, were well beaten 4-1 by the visiting Launton S&S A - who leapfrog from sixth place up to second.   Terry Smith and Steve Golder both hit 13 dolls for the visitors.  Nick Cherry, with 18, played a captain's innings as Launton S&S B won 4-1 at home against the Fox B - and now swap places at the bottom of the table.  Chris Price - a 'newbie' for the home side - hit twelve dolls in the three legs he played, including a six.  Dave Betts top scored for the visitors with 14.  Three legs up and going for the whitewash at Brill S&SC, the Red Cow 'fell apart' and lost the last two.  Lee Mason (for the home side) and Ian Cantwell (for the Red Cow) hit 15 apiece.

Another match, tied 2-2 going into the last, was the only Division Three match played, Chandos Arms against Chearsley Cricketers.  The home side set ten in the fifth, a couple too many for the visitors.  3-2 to Chandos Arms.

Only match in Division Four was the one at Crown Twyford where their A side won 4-1 against the Ex Services - and now rise to the top of the table.  Sam Roberts hit 13 for the Crown as did Tracey Denton for the Ex's.

Ardley Utd FC retain their top of the table spot after beating the visiting Hundred Acres 3-2.  Second placed Pheasant Inn B took a 2-0 lead at home against Bell B before the visitors clawed the next two back.  The Bell, having set in all of the previous four legs, did so again - but seven wasn't enough as the Pheasant managed ten.

Sixer - Chris Price

 

POSTPONED FIXTURES

To enable the secretary to keep the league tables as up to date as he possibly can, postponed matches should be played within 14 days of the original date - and, please bear in mind, it doesn't have to be on a Wednesday.

Please inform the secretary of the new date.

Phil Allen


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19th May 2024

Many congratulations to Oxford United on their victory at Wembley and promotion to the Championship.  Just what the doctor ordered!

On such a warm, dry Wednesday evening - very unusual playing conditions, certainly not preferred by the Shakespeare Originals - they came completely unstuck and, apart from Tony Nichols who top scored with 17 dolls - didn't throw well at all, losing 5-0 'away' at Shakespeare B.  Phil Allen rolled back the years for his 17 dolls too.  Well done to the Crown CoO A who recovered from their 3-2 cup defeat away at the Bell last week to beat them at Charlton by the same scoreline this time around.  A tied first leg on 13 dolls apiece, went to a three sticker (7 each), and the Bell won the one sticker.  Pretty close thereafter with the Crown eventually winning it 3-2 and 'pulling away' from the Bell by a point and into second place in the table.  Terry 'Sid' Bagnall didn't play in the first leg but made up for it thereafter with 16 dolls in the remaining four legs.  Tiddington CC also did the reverse; having lost to the Rose and Crown last week in the cup, they whitewashed the same opponents this week.  Pip Goulding (16) and Pete Shepherd (17) both continued their decent start to the season.  The Red Lion Brackley kept up their unbeaten start to the season, beating a five man visiting Bull Inn A team 4-1.  Clive Lampitt hit 15 dolls in his four legs (including a six) with Nigel King also claiming a six for the visitors.

In Division Two both the Nut Tree and Pheasant Inn A are unbeaten and having a great start to the season.  With Simon Franklin hitting 14 dolls and Dave Crook 13, the Nut Tree won 5-0 away at Fox Souldern B, winning the first leg on a three sticker.  Tim Daly's 15 dolls (including a six in the third leg), well supported by Andy Parke and Paul Morris (both with 14), helped the Pheasant to a 4-1 home win over Launton S&S B - losing the last leg after a terrific set of 20 by the visitors.  Dave Gardiner was the league's top scorer on the night with 18, including a six in the fourth leg.  The White Horse, seeking promotion this season (!), are keeping the pressure on those top two after their 4-1 home win over the Red Cow.  Dave Futter, in his first match of the season, showed his White Horse team mates what they've been missing with 14 dolls.  Two nil up, away at Launton S&S A, it did look as though Brill S&SC A were going for the clean sweep; but they lost the next two close legs before grabbing the last.  3-2 to Brill.

In Division Three, another so far unbeaten side, Long Crendon VC won a rather close match 3-2 on their travels to near neighbours Chandos Arms.  John Fitsell hit 12 for the home side with Jack Govier replying with the same score for the visitors.  Butchers Arms took the long trip to Chearsley Cricketers and left with a creditable four legs in the bag - losing out in the fourth leg by just one doll.  With Matt Holmes (12) and Dick Pike (10) throwing well for Crown CoO B, they won 3-2 at the Ashton Club, despite Joe Young's 11 for the Club.

Despite losing 3-2 at home to Plough MG Two, the White Hart leapfrog to the top of the table on doll difference, replacing Crown Twyford A who were beaten at home in their derby match against Crown Twyford B.  In that 'battle of the Crowns', lead off man Simon North top scored with 11.  Paul Symonds also hit 11 for Plough MG One as they recovered from 2-0 down to eventually beat Fox Souldern A 3-2.  Dan Kimber also hit 11 for the Fox.

In Division Five, with Carl Reed (10) and Karl Wright (9) performing pretty well so far, Ardley Utd FC - in their first season of aunt sally - are getting some decent results, including Wednesday's 4-1 victory at Bicester Bowls Club (who turned up with nine eager players once again), and top the table.  Hot on the tails of the football club are Pheasant Inn B who whitewashed a struggling Bull Inn B.  Jon Goodson should be well pleased with his 12 for the Pheasant.  The outstanding individual score of the evening has to be 14 dolls (including a six) for Matt Stevens as he helped the Bell B to a terrific 4-1 win at home against the Barley Mow.  Adam Hamp didn't do so badly either as he clanged off 12 for the Bell.

Sixers - Clive Lampitt (Red Lion Brackley), Nigel King (Bull Inn A), Dave Gardiner (Launton S&S B), Tim Daly (Pheasant Inn A), Matt Stevens (Bell B)

Phil Allen


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12th May 2024

With Ant Bradbeer "leading by example" (5  2  6  3) and well supported by Dave Reast (4  3  3  3), Rose and Crown beat Tiddington CC 3-1 in the League Cup first Round whilst the current holders, Crown CoO A, despite Jeremy Launchbury's 19, went out 3-2 at the Bell.  Shakespeare Originals made light work of their 3-0 whitewash over the visiting White Horse as did their 'neighbours', Shakespeare B away at Launton S&S B.  Bull Inn A also whitewashed the 'visiting' Launton S&S A.  Despite only playing three legs, the match at the Red Cow seemed to go on forever before the visitors, Red Lion Brackley, won it 3-0.  The first leg went to a one sticker and the second to a three sticker.  The match at the Nut Tree went the whole five legs with Jeff Hall hitting 16 dolls for the home side - but, eventually, still lost 3-2 to Brill S&SC A.  Another to go all the way to five legs was the one at the Fox Souldern, where their B side lost out 3-2 to the Pheasant Inn A.  Pete McCarron hit a terrific 19 for the visitors.

In the Intermediate Cup the Ashton Club won 3-0 away at Crown Twyford B with the third leg doing the full circle (6, 3, 1 and back to six sticks) and Joe Young hitting a six in the second leg.  Another match to go the whole hog was at Long Crendon VC where the home side eventually came out victorious 3-2.  The highlight?  It's got to be Dave Carruthers hitting 15 dolls in his first four legs, and then the "inevitable" - a blob in his last!  In the 'town derby', the White Hart progressed to the next round, winning 3-1 at home against the Ex Services.

Ardley Utd FC and the Pheasant Inn B had no problems winning their matches in the Supplementary Cup whilst the one at the Hundred Acres was a little tighter with the home side eventually beating the Barley Mow 3-1.

Sixers - Ant Bradbeer, Joe Youn

The draws for the second round of the Cups and the first round of the Plates, to be played on 29th May, have come up with the following:

LEAGUE CUP - SECOND ROUND

Pheasant Inn A v Bell A

Red Lion Brackley v Shakespeare Originals

Shakespeare B v Brill S&SC A

Bull Inn A v Rose & Crown

LEAGUE PLATE - FIRST ROUND

White Horse v Launton S&S B

Nut Tree v Tiddington CC

Fox Souldern B v Crown CoO A

Red Cow v Launton S&S A

INTERMEDIATE CUP - SECOND ROUND

Crown CoO B v Plough MG Two

Lower Heyford S&SC v Long Crendon VC

White Hart v Chearsley Cricketers

Ashton Club v Crown Twyford A

INTERMEDIATE PLATE - FIRST ROUND

Bye v Fox Souldern A

Butchers Arms v Chandos Arms

Ex Services v Bye

Plough MG One v Crown Twyford B

SUPPLEMENTARY CUP SEMI FINALS

Bicester Bowls Club v Pheasant Inn B

Ardley Utd FC v Hundred Acres

SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE SEMI FINALS

Bye v Bell B

Bull Inn B v Barley Mow

 

Phil Allen



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5th May 2024

A terrific evening at Tiddington CC on Wednesday - an unusually warm, dry evening boosted by a magnificent 25 dolls from Dougie Revitt (and, yes, he did only have 30 sticks), well supported by Bobby Allen and Pete Dempsey with 19 dolls apiece, Shakespeare B rattled off 97 and left with all five points.  Well done Dougie, there's still room for improvement though - 6  4  5  6  4 is how it went.  Pip Goulding played well for the Cricket Club with 17.  Crown CoO A responded well from a 4-1 defeat last week with a 4-1 win of their own, at home to the Rose and Crown.  Four nil up and, going for the whitewash, they set 17 in the last leg.  Dave Reast, anchorman for the visitors, needed five to win - and he got them.  Callum Cooper hit 16 in his first game of the season for the Crown.  Shakespeare Originals, also playing their first game this season, took all five points at home against the Bull Inn A - Pete Litten with 17, Steve Payne 16 and Tony Nichols with 15 (including a blob!), 'rescued' the Shakey!  In a closish but lowish scoring match at the Bell, the Red Lion Brackley were victorious by three legs to two.  Brian Gough top scored with 16.

In Division Two, the Nut Tree rolled back the years with a 5-0 whitewash over an understrength Launton S&S B team whose five man team somehow "managed" to all get blobs in the third leg - yes, nil points!  The Nut Tree now go top.  Launton S&S 'A team' recovered from last week's 4-1 defeat to inflict the same scoreline over the visiting. promotion chasing(!) White Horse.  Up on the hill, after winning their first two legs against Fox Souldern B, Brill S&SC A suffered their second successive 3-2 defeat.  Despite 19 dolls from "lead off man", Liam Fisher, the Red Cow also went down 3-2 at home to Pheasant Inn A.

Long Crendon VC have got themselves off to a great start in Division Three; a 3-2 victory last week and, at home again, in the local derby against Chearsley Cricketers on Wednesday, they inflicted a 5-0 demolition job over their near neighbours.  Dave Carruthers and Charlie Govier both hit 14 for the home side whilst Daren Vythelingum replied with an even better 15.  Newly promoted Butchers Arms, defeated 3-2 last week at Long Crendon, dropped the first leg at home to the Crown CoO B on Wednesday, but responded well to eventually win it 4-1.  With Terry Hawkins hitting 17, Lower Heyford S&SC got their season off to a 3-2 winning start at home to Chandos Arms.  John Fitzell (14), Paul Kilpin (13) and Robert Taylor (12) threw well for the visitors.

In Division Four, Plough MG One underperformed and lost all five points at home to Crown Twyford A who now go top of the table - Ant Lynch (11) and Sam Roberts (10) three well for the visitors.  The White Hart - who, ironically, beat Crown Twyford A 3-2 last week - won by the same scoreline this week away at Fox A and now sit in second place.  Dan Kimber hit ten for the home side whilst Martin Rowe had 11 for the visitors.  Crown Twyford B - new to the league this season - beat the visiting Ex Services 3-2 with Trevor Barnett rolling back the years for his 14 dolls.

All three matches in Division Five finished with 4-1 victories to the home sides - Ardley Utd FC, top the table after beating Bell B; Hundred Acres defeated Bull Inn B and Pheasant Inn B doing the same against Barley Mow.  Dave Brock (12) and Pete Bunce (11) for the Hundred Acres, and Dave Morris (11) for Pheasant Inn B.

Sixer - Doug Revitt (2)

KNOCKOUT CUP COMPETITIONS
Team knockout cup competitions will be the best of five legs.  In the event of a drawn leg, three sticks (and one stick and back to six sticks if required) will be played before going on to the next leg.



Phil Allen


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28th April 2024

"Summer" has arrived and our aunt sally league is up and running once again!

On a bitterly cold first night of the season, the two teams who played at the Rose & Crown last year - and were far too good for Division Three - met at the Red Lion Brackley (the new venue of the old 'B' team).  John Bradshaw threw out of his skin for his 19 dolls (including a six), to eventually help the home side to a 3-2 victory.  Clive Lampitt also chipped in with a valuable 18 for the Red Lion.  Dave Reast and Ant Bradbeer with 15 apiece, and Paul Hudders with 14 did their utmost for the visitors but were unable to grab that third leg.  With Pete Dempsey, Bobby Allen and Dougie Revitt all hitting 17 dolls, the reigning champions, Shakespeare B, beat the visiting Crown CoO A 4-1.  Terry Bagnall top scored for the visitors with 14.  A close match between the Bull A and the Bell where, eventually, the visitors won 3-2.  OK, the fist leg was clear cut with the Bell setting 19 and the home side only managing 12; but, thereafter, it was pretty tight.  The Bull set the next with 12, and won it by one; the Bell set next with 11, and won it by one.  The next two were both drawn (15 each and then 13 each), and went to three stickers and were shared, a leg apiece.  Final score - in case you've lost track - was 3-2 to the Bell.  Some great throwing by Darren Moore for his 18 dolls for the Bell.  Tiddington CC had already forewarned a week or so earlier that they were unable to get a side together and their match at home against Shakespeare Originals was postponed. 

Pheasant Inn A, Red Cow and White Horse are already pushing for promotion (?), with their 4-1 victories - the Pheasant against Launton S&S A, Red Cow at home to Launton S&S B, and the White Horse at the Fox Souldern.  Of those, Liam Merchant (Red Cow) top scored with a creditable 16 dolls.

A close match at Long Crendon VC where the home side were 2-0 up, lost the third and then sneaked the fourth on a three sticker, and then lost the final leg - eventually winning 3-2.  Dave Carruthers with 15 and Jack Govier shone for the Village Centre whilst Alan West and John Plested both hit 13 for the Butchers Arms.  The Ashton Club came second best at home to Chandos Arms, losing 3-2.  Ashley Young and Dave Wheeler for the Ashton and Mark Mulcahy for the visitors all hit ten dolls apiece.  The match between Chearsley Cricketers and Lower Heyford S&SC was postponed because the visitors were unable to get sufficient players together.

In Division Four, the Ex Services (oh, to have been playing indoors on Wednesday evening!!) got off to an encouraging start with a 3-2 victory over Plough MG One.  Tracey Denton had a decent start to the season with 13 dolls, as did Andy Morris for the visitors with 12.  The White Hart, at home to the Crown Twyford A, won alternate legs to secure a 3-2 victory - Ally Ginger top scoring with 11 dolls for the visitors.  Fox Souldern A won the first three legs and lost the last two away at the Plough MG Two.

In Division Five - most of them newcomers - and we eventually found our first 5-0 winners of the season!   A bit of something different for Bicester Bowls Club, as nine of them had a go at this "strange game".  And they still put together a 5-0 whitewash at the Bull B.  Ardley Utd FC - another of the new teams, although a couple of them have played before - took a trip out to the Barley Mow at Heyford and put together another 5-0 winning performance.  Karl Wright, with 12 dolls for the Football Club, showed he's played before - albeit some time ago!  The Hundred Acres and Pheasant Inn B played out a close one, with the home side (the Acres) sneaking it.  The first two went to the visitors with the hosts pinching the last three.  Kevin Middleton hit 12 for the home side with Dave Morris even beating that, with 14 for the visitors. 

Sixer - John Bradshaw

Result Card completion

Please, print off  a sufficient number (one for each home game plus a couple in case drawn at home in the cup) and USE them.  I'm still receiving photographs of the scoreboard which is no use to me 'cos, generally, they only show nicknames.  I want Christian and Surnames, please.

Don't forget to enter the team names at the top of the sheet.

If a player whose name is on the sheet doesn't play in any of the legs, please just leave the relevant "score boxes" empty.

Please ensure that the players' totals down the right hand side and the team totals at the bottom, add up to the same total.

The winning team Captain is responsible for sending to the league secretary, via WhatsApp, a photograph of the completed result sheet.  As soon as the game has finished, please.


.Phil Allen

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The draws for the first rounds of the League, Intermediate and Supplementary Cups were made on Wednesday evening - drawn by two Crown CoO A players (so blame them!) - and went like this.

LEAGUE CUP
Tiddington CC v Rose and Crown
Fox Souldern B v Pheasant Inn A
Red Cow v Red Lion Brackley
Nut Tree v Brill S&SC A
Bull Inn A v Launton S&S A
Shakespeare Originals v White Horse
Bell A v Crown CoO A
Launton S&S B v Shakespeare B

INTERMEDIATE CUP
Long Crendon VC v Chandos Arms
White Hart v Ex Services
Crown Twyford B v Ashton Club
Plough MG Two v Fox Souldern A
Crown CoO B v Plough MG One
Butchers Arms v Crown Twyford A
Bye v Lower Heyford S&SC
Bye v Chearsley Cricketers

SUPPLEMENTARY CUP
Bicester Bowls Club v Bye
Pheasant Inn B v Bell B
Ardley Utd FC v Bull Inn B
Hundred Acres v Barley Mow

These games will be played on Wednesday 8th May.  Because the Supplementary Cup competition only has seven teams in it, their cup and plate semi finals will then take place on the 29th May, meaning there will be a free week for the Division Five teams on 21st August.


Phil Allen

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22nd April 2024

Morning all, we're almost there - lift off is this coming Wednesday.

Just a last minute reminder on a couple of points.

The Rules
All games will start at 8:30 pm.

League Games shall consist of five legs and played six-a-side each leg, chosen from a playing squad of up to nine for each game.  A different team of six can be nominated for each leg and each player can play from one to five legs. (Simplistically, it means if you turn up with six players, all six will play the whole five legs that evening.  If you turn up with more than six players, the captain will select six players to play the first leg, and then he/she can change the team for the next leg, utilising the players who did not throw in the first leg if they so wish.  This is then allowed for each leg.)  

In the event of a drawn leg, three sticks (and one stick and back to six sticks, if required) will be played before going on to the next leg.

The Captains shall toss before the match commences for the choice in the first and third legs.  The Captain losing that toss shall have the choice in the second and fourth legs.  There will then be a toss before the commencement of the fifth leg.  The choosing Captain may put the opposition in first if he/she wishes.

All 'Dolls' are to be knocked off cleanly.  When a doll falls the 'Umpire' must call "DOLL" of "IRON" clearly and loud enough to be heard.  Please respect the umpire's decision, which will be final.

Each member of a team shall throw six sticks, underarm, with both feet behind the “Ochee”.

If an away team cannot fulfil a fixture because of a lack of players, or intend not turning up because of inclement weather, then they are asked to notify the opposition by midday.  If the home team/hosting pub or club have that feeling, or suspect that the visiting team will not turn up, then, to save unnecessary expenditure, they do not have to prepare food.  If cancellation is due to the weather, both teams must understand that food is unlikely to be prepared.

Result Reporting
The result card template is attached.  Captains are asked to print off their own supply (one for each home game plus a couple in case drawn at home in the cup).

If a player whose name is on the sheet doesn't play in any of the legs, please just leave the relevant "score boxes" empty.

Please ensure that the players' totals down the right hand side and the team totals at the bottom, add up to the same total.

The winning team Captain is responsible for sending to the league secretary, via WhatsApp, a photograph of the completed result sheet. 


Aunt Sally Etiquette

Please read and inwardly digest the sheet relating to etiquette which can be found on the RULES page - and make your team members aware - so that we can all get out there and enjoy every minute of this coming summer season.

 


Phil Allen

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7th April 2024

Morning all, here we go.  We are about to lift off!

Apologies for the delay in getting the fixtures out but I've been waiting for confirmation from a couple of teams - and still waiting for one or two.  Anyway, I need to get them out; so, here goes.....Please use the FIXTURES button to view.

Please have a good look at them and come back to me with any problems.


Phil Allen

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1st April 2024


Morning all, we're almost there; the league starts in just over three weeks time.

I'm ready, I have the fixtures prepared but just waiting for confirmation from a prospective new team.  If they join us (and I'm expecting to hear tomorrow), we'll be up to 38 teams - five more than last year!   We'll then have three divisions of eight, and two of seven.

The two Rose and Crown teams - who turned out to be far too good for Division Three last year - are being promoted to Division One.  Rose and Crown A will continue to play at Charlton (Banbury) whilst the B team is moving and will be playing at the Red Lion Brackley.  The Red Cow Chesterton and the Nut Tree Murcott have been relegated to Division Two.  The Ashton Club will drop from Two to Three and the Butchers Arms will be promoted from Four to Three.  Divisions Four and Five will both have seven teams with the original Crown Twyford (now their A team) and the Ex Services going down to Four.  Six new teams, plus Bull B, will make up Division Five.

That's how I see it at the moment - just hoping the prospective new team mentioned earlier do join us.

I'll get the fixtures out as soon as I receive confirmation either way.

A reminder - there are a still quite a few teams who have yet to pay their £40 registration fees.  Cough up please!  No naming and shaming at this stage!

Phil Allen


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Bicester league only won the Aunt Sally inter league cup again….2 years on the bounce





Annual General Meeting

19th March 2024

held at the Ex Services Club, Bicester


Apologies: Sophie Thomson, John Plested, Lewis Wilson.

  1. Welcome - Phil Allen (Secretary) welcomed everyone to the meeting. How encouraging it was to see so many there (31). He explained that, in the case of any voting throughout the meeting, it would be just one vote per team.

  1. Minutes of the last meeting – Those in attendance were happy with the minutes of the 2023 meeting. Proposed by Nick Cherry and seconded by Amy Sheehan.

  1. Finance – Phil Allen produced a copy of, and discussed, the accounts which had already been distributed. It was explained that the registration fees (£1395) and the competition entrance fees (£299) were, quite obviously, insufficient to cover the expenditure (£3164.71). And this is why he, as treasurer, was so grateful to a number of sponsors who donated another £1190. It was then further discussed that next season (2025) the registration fees should be increased to £50 per team. All members present were happy with the paperwork produced. Proposed by Billy Atwell and seconded by Ant Bradbeer.

  1. Election of officers – the secretary explained that both he and the chairman, George Deans, would be happy to stand again but asked everyone in attendance to bear in mind that the time is near (like, next year!) when members should be considering a replacement for the long standing secretary.

Nomination Proposer Seconder

Chairman/MC George Deans Aimee Sheehan Billy Atwell ) Proposed, seconded

Secretary Phil Allen Aimee Sheehan Billy Atwell ) and voted for en bloc

Treasurer Phil Allen Aimee Sheehan Billy Atwell )


  1. Constitution of the League

We will continue as last year, ie:

  • nine players may be used in the match

  • five legs

  • six players per leg

  • players can be changed in each leg if desired

  • in the event of a drawn leg, three stickers and then one sticker (if necessary), staying on one stick

  • one point for a win

Divisions cannot be formulated until completed registration forms are received by the secretary.

The only team known to be dropping out is Launton S&S Divas.

Teams known to be keen to join us are Ardley United FC, Barley Mow, Bicester Bowls Club, Crown Twyford B and Pheasant Inn B.

In the hope of finding more new teams, the secretary has written to a number of “new” pubs to see if they

would like to join us and is awaiting further response.

It was reiterated by the secretary that it wasn’t possible to say at the meeting which team would be in which division. This cannot be done, of course, until the completed registration forms have been returned. And, to amplify this, the secretary will continue to check the registration forms to see if any “higher class” player has dropped into a lower team thereby increasing that team’s potential average. Should that be the case, then consideration will be given as to whether that benefiting team should be in a higher division – and, maybe, if the losing team should drop down.

  1. Fixtures/Cup Competitions

The 2024 season will commence on Wednesday 24th April.

As in recent years, there will be no free weeks in the fixtures – unless, of course, it’s a cup week and teams have already been knocked out. The “divisional” singles and pairs competitions have proven to be a great success and every effort will be given to playing down to the final at each venue, thus eliminating any need for a semi finals night.

With teams now comprising of six players, the previous four a side competition will be replaced by a triples competition.

  1. Any other business

The secretary thanked all of our sponsors for their support last season and explained we couldn’t have managed without their help.

Result reporting this coming season will continue to be via WhatsApp.

Karl Budd proposed that the secretary takes his wife out for a meal, paid for out of league funds.

If an away team cannot fulfil a fixture because of a lack of players, or intend not turning up because of

inclement weather, then they are asked to notify the opposition by midday. If the home team/hosting pub or

club have that feeling, or suspect that the visiting team will not turn up, then, to save unnecessary

expenditure, they do not have to prepare food. If cancellation is due to the weather, both teams must

understand that food is unlikely to be prepared.


********************************************************************





With the indoor leagues now 'done and dusted', I can concentrate on the summer league.

I have already sent out an email trying to get an idea of who's likely to be staying with us for another season - or who will not be.  Didn't get a great deal of response, I'm afraid.  What I do know is that Launton S&S Divas will not be playing this year, and that we're possibly going to have five new teams joining - Ardley United FC. Barley Mow, Bicester Bowls Club, Crown Twyford B, Pheasant Inn B.  Just what I want - I'm trying my utmost to expand the league.  Below is a list of those who I think will be with us.  If I'm not sure (ie there's no 'Yes' against your team), will you please come back to me.

Ardley United FC Yes
Launton S&S A Yes
Ashton Club Yes
Launton S&S B Yes



Long Crendon Village Centre Yes
Barley Mow Yes
Lower Heyford S&SC Yes
Bell A Yes


Bell B Yes
Nut Tree
Bicester Bowls Club Yes


Brill S&SC B Yes
Pheasant Inn A Yes
Bull Inn A (old Black Bull) Yes
Pheasant Inn B
Bull Inn B



Butchers Arms

Plough Marsh Gibbon One



Plough March Gibbon Two
Chandos Arms



Chearsley Cricketers Yes
Red Cow Yes
Crown A CoO Yes
Red Lion Brackley Yes
Crown B CoO Yes
Rose & Crown Charlton Yes
Crown Twyford A

Shakespeare A Yes
Crown Twyford B Yes
Shakespeare B Yes





Ex Services Yes
Tiddington CC Yes





Fox Souldern A

White Horse Yes
Fox Souldern B

White Hart





Hundred Acres




I've also emailed the Registration Form and, although I've put a last submission date of 31st March on it, ideally, I'd like to have them back on or by the AGM (which is on Tuesday 19th March at the Ex Services Club, starting at 7.30 pm).


Phil Allen


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8th March 2024

Exactly the same report as last year - but then, there's no reason to change the wording (except, of course, the names), 'cos that's how I feel the whole season has been.

Sadly, the 2023-24 indoor league season has come to an end - but, what a way to finish!  Two terrific evenings - plenty of banter with a little bit of aunt sally thrown in - who'd want it any other way?!   In fact, a full season of just that!  But, what a real pleasure it's been. Well done and thank you to everyone involved.   I've got that very deflated feeling already, eagerly looking forward to October!

A list of 'how it finished' is attached.  A very well done to the winners and commiserations to those who came second!

Many thanks to Keith Lennard and the Ex Services staff for all their help during a wonderful five months.

Now let's get ourselves prepared (winter jackets at the ready) for the summer league which starts on 24th April.  The AGM for the summer season will be held this coming Tuesday (19th March) at the Ex Services Club, starting at 7.30 pm.

And for those who have been worrying about my wellbeing during my two day sickness bug, firstly, thank you all very much for your concern and, secondly, I have now fully recovered, back to full fitness and feeling 100% much better.  Thanks for your concern. 


Phil Allen

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TUESDAY INDOOR LEAGUE - 2024
WEDNESDAY INDOOR LEAGUE – 2024





League Champions Red cow
League Champions Misfits
Runners Up Bull Inn
Runners Up Crown





Handicap League Champions Lower Heyford S&SC
Handicap League Champions Misfits
Runners Up Mr&MrsFits
Runners Up The Cherries





Knockout Cup Winners Bull Inn
Knockout Cup Winners Crown
Runners Up Ex Services
Runners Up Bell





Knockout Plate Winners RiffRaff
Knockout Plate Winners Unwanted
Runners Up Launton S&S
Runners Up Ex Services





Two and a Half Pairs Cup Winners Bull Inn
Two and a Half Pairs Cup Winners Misfits
Runners Up Lower Heyford S&SC
Runners Up Crown





Two and a Half Pairs Plate Winners Red Cow
Two and a Half Pairs Plate Winners Unwanted
Runners Up Lower Heyford S&SC
Runners Up Ex Services





Triples Winners Dave Gardiner, Keith Lennard, Greg English
Triples Winners Clive Lampitt, Jamie Wiltshire, Greg English
Runners up Karl Budd, Terry Hawkins, Dave Vear
Runners Up Bobby Allen, Ray Rowe, Zak Vear





Pairs Winners Nigel King and Kevin Powney
Pairs Winners Dave Reast and Brian Gough
Runners Up Ant Bradbeer and Keith Lennard
Runners Up Karl Budd and Jeremy Launchbury





Singles Winner Tony Nichols
Singles Winner Liam Fisher
Runner Up Baz Bazile
Runner Up Brian Gough





League Top Doll Scorer Karl Budd
League Top Doll Scorer Dougie Revitt







3rd March 2024

Sadly the indoor leagues are coming to a close - just the finals nights to come this week - but, wow, what a couple of great nights to finish off the Handicap Leagues.

In the Tuesday league, it was down to the top four to fight it out amongst themselves - and, coincidentally, they were all playing at the same time and against each other.  First on were top of the table Lower Heyford S&S against second placed Ex Services.  Despite hitting 20 in the first leg and winning that one comfortably - and with Rick Gumbert and Paul Hudders throwing well for their ten apiece - the Ex's fell apart, eventually losing that one 4-2.  On the other pitch at the same time, third placed Mr&MrsFits - now seven points behind potential champions, Lower Heyford - were up against the complete outsiders, Launton S&S, who would need maximum points to stand any chance of champions or runners up.  Not throwing particularly well, Launton took the first two legs but then, despite Terry Smith's blob to six in three legs, and with Karl Budd hitting 12 dolls (a six in the third) and Billy Atwell backing him up with 11, Mr&MrsFits took a consolation two points.

So, after the first round of matches, Lower Heyford S&S on 50 points, Ex's 46, Mr&MrsFits 45 and Launton S&S 42.  In the final matches, Lower Heyford - needing just three points to be crowned champions - were up against Launton.  A draw in the first leg.  Let's not drag on!  They won the next two and finished as best handicap team in the League - one better than last year!  Still runners up spot being played for on pitch two.  Mr&MrsFits needed four points.  Karl Budd, leading the way with 13 dolls - and, despite Tracey Denton getting the same score - they did it in the first two legs and finished as runners up.

Apologies to the other teams but I'm sure they'll understand!   Some brilliant scoring in those other games too - Liam Fisher with 22 (13 and 9) - including a six, Clive Lampitt 22 (12 and 10), Nigek King 21 (10 and 11), Kev Powney 21 (11 and 10) and Roger Herbert with 13 in his second match.   

Wednesday was just as exciting!  Going into the evening, top of the table, the Unwanted knew they were up against it - giving away three dolls per leg to The Cherries and four to the Ashton Club - and so it proved to be, losing 6-0 and then drawing three apiece.  Down to the second placed the Crown then.  A similar fate for them!  Up against the Misfits and, despite it being rather close, they only managed two points out of it.

So, into the second round of matches and The Cherries are now top by one point over the Crown and the Misfits.

First on were The Cherries against complete outsiders, Ex Services.  In a fairly high scoring match - averaging 20 a leg - the Ex's sneaked it 4-2 and all The Cherries could do now was sit back and pray!  Next up were the Unwanted - needing maximum points - against the Ashton Club.  That went out the window - the first leg was drawn - final score was three points each.  Crown and Misfits, 44 points apiece, now up against the Bell and the Shakespeare.  Both drew their first legs but then, the Shakey could do nothing to take any further points off the Misfits whilst the Bell pinched the second from the Crown.  The rest is history - the Misfits - not used to such pressure and rather nervous, and not throwing particularly well - sneaked the third!  The rest is history!  The Misfits are champions and The Cherries second.

Individually, Liam Fisher threw well for 23 dolls and Darren Moore also for his 21, including a six.

Sixers - Tuesday - Liam Fisher, Karl Budd and Terry Smith
           - Wednesday - Darren Moore



Phil Allen


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INDOOR LEAGUE FINALS NIGHT FORMATS 2024



TUESDAY LEAGUE – 5TH MARCH
WEDNESDAY LEAGUE – 6TH MARCH






Knockout Cup Final - Bull v Ex Services (Pitch 1)
Knockout Cup Final - Bell v Crown (Pitch 1)
KO Cup Plate Cup Final - Launton S&S v RiffRaff (Pitch 2)
KO Cup Plate Cup Final - Ex Services v Unwanted (Pitch 2)






Two and a half pairs cup final - Launton S&S v Bull Inn (Pitch1)
Two and a half pairs cup final - Crown v Misfits (Pitch 1)
Two and a half pairs plate final - Lower Heyford S&SC v Red Cow (Pitch 2)
Two and a half pairs plate final - Unwanted v Ex Services (Pitch 2)






Triples Final (Pitch 1) - Karl Budd, Terry Hawkins, Dave Vear
Triples Final (Pitch 1) - Dougie Revitt, Eddie Jones, Zak Vear



against
against



Dave Gardiner, Keith Lennard, Greg English
Clive Lampitt, Jamie Wiltshire, Colin Baldwin






Pairs Final (Pitch 1) - Nigel King and Kevin Powney
Pairs Final (Pitch 1) - Brian Gough and Dave Reast
against
against



Ant Bradbeer and Paul Hudders
Karl Budd and Jeremy Launchbury






Singles Final (Pitch 1) - Tony Nichols v Baz Bazile
Singles Final (Pitch 1) - Brian Gough v Liam Fisher






18th February 2024

Plaudits of the week have to go to Ian Cantwell for thirteen in each of his two matches, including another six (his fourth of the season).   Not a bad evening's work, 26 dolls.  Well done Ian.  A bit of a mixed bag for his team though (the Red Cow) as they whitewashed the table topping Ex Services but were then beaten by the same scoreline by Mr&MrsFits.  Not the best of weeks for an underperforming Ex Services side either.  As was said earlier, they lost all six points against the Red Cow and then another four against the RiffRaff, to then be replaced at the top of the table by Lower Heyford S&SC.  And, whilst it took Clive Lampitt until last week to get his first Tuesday league six, he came up with another this week.  Well done Clive.

A mixed bag of results on Wednesday, as the Unwanted return to the top of the table.  In their opening match of the evening against the Misfits, the Unwanted threw out of their skins in the first couple of legs - chasing the Misfits' set of 12 and getting 20 and then setting 27 themselves - with James Kirtland hitting 12, including a six.  Great throwing - but it then all fell apart!  They lost the last leg and were then defeated 4-2 by the Bell later in the evening.  The Crown had a very similar sort of night out, beating The Cherries 4-2 but then losing all points against the Ex Services - who, it must be said, had a terrific evening, winning every leg (maximum 12 points), and Dave Vear throwing brilliantly in the game against the Crown for his twelve dolls.  Well done Dave.  The Ashton Club came out on top, winning 6-0, in a close-ish 'local derby' against the Bell but then, with Dougie Revitt hitting 14 (including his fifth six of the season) lost 5-1 'away' to the Misfits.

Sixers - Tuesday - Ian Cantwell and Clive Lampitt
           - Wednesday - James Kirtland and Doug Revitt


Phil Allen


****************************************************************




11th February 2024


With only four players on Tuesday evening, the Red Cow lost all twelve points, dropped a couple of places in the table and any reasonable possibility of retaining the trophy that they won last year.  Their only real consolation was that Liam Merchant hit his first six of the season!  Well done Liam.  The Ex Services still hold on to top spot, after claiming four points against the Bull and a whitewash over the Bell - with Tracey Denton also getting her first six of the season and Baz recovering from a blob in his first leg and then hitting 18 in five legs(8 and 10).  Ten points for Launton S&S - four against the RiffRaff and a maximum against the Red Cow - see them shoot up three places to the dizzy heights of fourth place.  A special mention this week for Clive 'Evil C' Lampitt - 25 dolls in total - twelve (including a six) in his first match of the evening and thirteen in his second, against Lower Heyford S&SC.  Well done Clive.

With Wednesday's top three teams all drawing their first matches, it opened the doors for the Misfits to make up a little ground and close the gap at the top - and they did - by one point!  The Crown drew with the Unwanted, followed by The Cherries and the Bell doing likewise.  Kev Powney hit twelve and Karl Budd eleven, followed by Darren Moore with twelve and Dave Puddle and Nick Cherry with ten apiece.  The Shakespeare and the Ashton Club also drew 3-3, with Steve Payne top doll scorer in that one with twelve, including a six.  In the meantime, the Misfits 'took full advantage' claiming all six points against the Ex Services - with Bobby Allen throwing out of his skin for 16 dolls (6, 5, 5) and Brian Gough and Steve Walton both hitting eleven.  In the 'second half', the Unwanted got the better of the Shakespeare 4-2 whilst the Crown lost by the same scoreline to the Ashton Club.   So, it was all eyes on the Misfits against The Cherries.  With Dougie Revitt hitting yet another six in the first leg, the Misfits rattled up 21 dolls and won that leg.  They tired (!!) - but Dougie still finished with 14 - and The Cherries claimed the next two legs.   So, on the night, eight points to the Misfits, seven to the Unwanted, The Cherries and the Ashton Club.  Welcome back, and well done, to John Cottingham (Ashton Club) who's been away from the game for quite some time, yet came back to hit double figures (ten dolls) in his only match of the evening.

Sixers - Tuesday - Clive Lampitt, Liam Merchant, Tracey Denton
           - Wednesday - Bobby Allen, Dougie Revitt, Steve Payne

Phil Allen


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2nd February 2024

A couple of encouraging attendances for the singles' competitions this week - 39 on each evening.

On pitch one on Tuesday, Tony Nichols, who's been on top form recently, won his way through to the final after beating Clive Lampitt, Wayne Walker, Ian Cantwell and Dave Gardiner on the way.  In the final Tony will be up against the threat of Baz, another who's been having a great last few weeks.  Well done chaps.

On Wednesday evening, despite having a very swollen infected "throwing" hand, Brian Gough saw off Steve Godfrey, Tony Nichols, Jed Launchbury and Greg English to cement his place in the final.  The other to get to the final on that pitch was Greg English who had a great evening, seeing off Baz, Steve Walton and Chris Hooper - who, himself had already beaten three others.  Equally as much excitement on the other pitch for Liam Fisher who, initially, got through the preliminary round before beating Terry Smith, Karl Budd and Bobby Allen before meeting and beating Eddie Jones.

To recap, the Tuesday final will be Tony Nichols against Baz asnd Wednesday's will be Brian Gough against Liam Fisher.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - I'll be going to order the trophies on Monday, and, embarrassingly, have left it rather late to ask last year's winners to return the trophies they have.   Would, whoever has the following trophies, please bring them in on Tuesday or Wednesday.

TUESDAY
League Champions - Bull Inn
Knockout Cup Winners - Red Cow
Knockout Plate Winners - Bull Inn
2.5prs Cup Winners - Mr&MrsFits
2.5prs Plate Winners - Red Cow
Singles Winner - Ian Cantwell
Pairs Winners - Nigel King and Kevin Powney
Triples Winners - Roger Herbert, Fred Houghton, Michelle 
Oakley
Top Doll Scorer - Karl Budd
Handicap League Winners - Red Cow


WEDNESDAY
League Champions - Misfits
Knockout Cup Winners - Misfits
Knockout Plate Winners - The Cherries
2.5prs Cup Winners - Crown
2.5prs Plate Winners - Misfits
Pairs Winners - Dave Reast and Brian Gough
Triples Winners - Liam Fisher, Eddie Jones, Keith Lennard
Top Doll Scorer - Brian Gough
Handicap League Winners - Shakespeare

Phil Allen

*********************************************************************




8th Jan 22024

Not the best of evenings for the table topping Ex Services on Tuesday, but, with their closest rivals, Lower Heyford S&SC and the Red Cow, also dropping vital points, the Ex's remain at the top.  In their first match against Mr&MrsFits, despite Baz's six, they came second best on the end of a 4-2 defeat and then drew three each against Launton S&S.  Chasing them, Lower Heyford got the better of Launton S&S, beating them 4-2 but then lost by the same scoreline to Mr&MrsFits.  Unknowingly at the time, it was a great opportunity for the Red Cow to close the gap - but, after a very profitable 5-1 victory over the Bull Inn, they played very badly (by their standards) and lost 5-1 against the RiffRaff.  Individually, Karl Budd had a terrific evening, hitting 25 dolls (13 and 12, including a six), Tony Nichols with 21 (9 and 12), Ian Cantwell 20 (two tens) and Lee Gardiner with ten in his three legs.

Nine points for the Crown - a three all draw against the Bell and a 6-0 whitewash over the Shakespeare - have shot them to the top of the Wednesday league, leapfrogging the Unwanted who lost 4-2 against the Ashton Club before dropping a leg to the Ex Services.  With Keith Lennard throwing well (18 dolls - 8 and 10), the Ashton also beat The Cherries 4-2.  A bit of a mixed bag for the Misfits.  With Dougie Revitt - as Dougie does - throwing exceptionally well for his 26 dolls (11 and 15, including a six), they drew three apiece with the Shakespeare before beating the Bell 4-2.  Other creditable individual performances worthy of a mention were Bobby Allen's 22 (10 and 12), Karl Budd 20 (9 and 11), John Hudson 19 (11 and 8), Paul Hudders 19 (5 and 14, including a six) and Dave Puddle 18 (8 and 10, including a six).  Well done chaps. 

Sixers - Tuesday - Karl Budd and Baz Bazile
           - Wednesday - Doug Revitt, Dave Puddle, Paul Hudders

Phil Allen




For a number of years now we have held the AGM for our summer league on the last Thursday of January.  That, really, is probably way too early - almost three months before the league has started.  Then, last year we held it in late March; being a month closer to the start of our summer season, teams/pubs/clubs were a little bit clearer on whether they'd be able to take part or not and what they wanted.

Although the meeting is still a couple of months or so away, I'd just like to know if you're intending to take part and, secondly, if the team/pub you previously represented will still be available and joining us too.  No rush but I'd be grateful if you would please come back to me just to let me know your intentions.  And please, if you know of any others who you think would like to join us, again, please let me know.  I'll then chase them.

The intention is to start the fixtures on Wednesday 24th April.

Hope you can make the meeting 'cos I'm sure there'll be a great deal to discuss.  Don't worry, I'll remind you nearer the time.

One of the main talking points is, with the success of 'picking any six players from nine' which we operated last summer, there will certainly be lengthy discussions at the meeting relating to the format we should use this coming summer - ie that same format or reverting to the original eight players who would then play all three legs.  

Whilst our league doesn't stipulate that all teams must be represented at the meeting, it would be great to get as many as we can there.  For the captains amongst you, if you're unable to attend or are unable to get someone to represent you, please let me know which format you would prefer.  I'll monitor replies to ensure we only allow one vote per team.

And, if, indeed, there is anything particular you'd like to raise - whether it be at the meeting or just with me in general - please let me know.


Phil Allen

*****************************************************




22nd January 2024

A very profitable Tuesday evening for the Ex Services.  After taking four points in a low scoring match against the RiffRaff they then put together a much improved performance - with Rick Gumbert hitting 11 dolls - to whitewash a below par Red Cow team 6-0 - and to open up the gap at the top of the table.  An even better eleven points for Lower Heyford S&SC - a maximum six against the Bull Inn and five against Bell B - shoots them up into second place.  With a 'guest appearance' from last week's sickie (Tony Nichols - 9 and 10 dolls), and the team skipper's much improved performance (Phil Allen - 11 and 10), Launton S&S's nine points (five against Bell B and four against the Bull) take them up a further place 'away from relegation'!  Many congratulations to the Bell who, with only four players, hit twelve and drew a leg against Launton and thirteen and drew a leg against Lower Heyford.  Well done to Nigel King who, by his normally high standards, had a very poor evening - but still managed to hit that magical six.

Ten points for the Unwanted on Wednesday - four against the Bell (with a 25 leg thrown in and the skipper hitting a six!), followed by a maximum against the Misfits sees them jump to the top of the table.  Hot on their tails are the Crown, who lost 4-2 in their first match against a much improved Ex Services but then returned with a terrific performance - leg average of just over 19, with one of 25 thrown in - to trounce The Cherries 6-0.  Tony Launchbury had a great evening with 22 dolls (two elevens).   A couple of great matches for the Ex Services - the first when they beat the Crown 4-2, hitting 52 dolls and then when they took four points off the Shakespeare, this time clanging off 61 dolls.  Eight points,113 dolls and Baz with 18 (8 and 10).  

Sixers - Tuesday - Nigel King
           - Wednesday - Phil Allen


Phil Allen

******************************************************************



14th January 2024

Ian Cantwell's 21 dolls (including his third six of the season) and Liam Fisher's 20 on Tuesday evening, enabled the Red Cow to beat Launton S&S 5-4 and Lower Heyford S&SC 4-2.   With Rick Gumbert performing well for the Ex Services - 19 dolls in his five legs - they've pipped the Red Cow by four dolls for that top spot in the table.  The Ex's beat Bell B 6-0 in their first match followed by a 4-2 victory over a well under par Bull Inn.   In a close match between Lower Heyford S&SC and the RiffRaff, the club came out on top 4-2 but they then lost by the same scoreline to the Red Cow.  With Nigel Wakelin hitting a six (following a blob!!), the RiffRaff reversed their previous result and beat Launton S&S 4-2.

With the Ashton Club unable to field a team on Wednesday, to allow their scheduled opponents (the Crown and the Shakespeare) and "top doll scorer chasing individuals" the opportunity to play two matches, we filled in with a couple of "made-up" teams.  Two creditable performances from The Cherries - 4-2 victories over both the Misfits and the Bell - have elevated them to table toppers, just one point ahead of the Crown and the Misfits.  Although not a great evening for the Misfits, Dougie Revitt performed to his normal high standard, scoring 23 (13 and 10 - no, not a six amongst it) which takes him back to the top of the doll scorers chart - the first time since the first week of the season!  Karl Budd performed equally as well, hitting 23 (11 and 12) to help earn the Crown ten points - a 'whitewash' over the Ashton Club and four points against the Unwanted.  Great to see Ray Townsend putting in an "old style Ray performance" for his 11 and 8 - well done Ray.  

Sixers - Tuesday - Ian Cantwell and Nigel Wakelin
              
Phil Allen


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7th January 2024

A Happy New Year to you all.

The Bull Inn got themselves off to a great start in the Tuesday Handicap League, claiming all twelve points - maximums against Bell B and the RiffRaff.  With target scores of 12 per leg - and Nigel King throwing exceptionally well for his 24 dolls (13 and 11) - they hit 42 in the first match followed by 39 in the second.  Also throwing off scratch (no handicap!) and against the same opponents (RiffRaff and Bell), the Red Cow dropped a leg in each match, but still find themselves in second place in the table.  The Ex Services excelled themselves, hitting 49 dolls and claiming all six points against Launton S&S in their first match, and then against Lower Heyford S&SC they drew the first leg, and lost the next two by one doll in each.  Individually, a great night for both Baz Bazile and Tracey Denton; they hit ten apiece in their first match followed by nine apiece in the second.  Talking individual scores, Karl Budd got his new year off to a great start - 25 dolls on Tuesday (13 - including a six - and 12) with another 25 on Wednesday (more of that later).  Well done Sir!

Ironically, at this stage last season, the Misfits hit 90 dolls in their first two matches and found themselves bottom of the table with just three points; this year with the same number of dolls they beat the Bell 6-0 and the Crown 4-2 and top the table with ten points.  In the first match against the Bell Brian Gough hit 12, Bobby Allen ten and Dougie Revitt ten - including a six.  As mentioned earlier, Karl Budd threw extremely well for the Crown, with 14 and 11 (and no six!).  Their second highest scorer was someone called "Handicap" - nine in each match !!!  Hope he's not available this week - we're playing them!  Good to see Erik Poslusny back for the Shakespeare, and he threw well (9 and 12 - including a six).

Sixers - Tuesday - Karl Budd
              Wednesday - Doug Revitt and Erik Poslusny

Phil Allen


****************************************************************




29th December 2023

On the RESULTS page are the league tables, averages and handicaps for the leagues which start this week.  I'll be willing to explain them a little bit more this coming Tuesday and Wednesday , but, this is how it goes:

On a Tuesday night, when the Bell B - with a handicap of 6 - are playing the Red Cow, Bull, RiffRaff, Mr&MrsFits and Launton S&S the most they get is four (the maximum decided upon at the AGM).  When they're up against the Ex Services and Lower Heyford S&SC, the Bells' handicaps go up to their maximum six (whilst those other teams get their two or four as shown in the table).

Likewise, on a Wednesday, the Cherries, Ashton Club, Bell and the Ex's handicap goes down to four when they play the Misfits and adjusted to a maximum of four when playing the others.

You know what I mean, don't you?!  It's just the same as last year.

A Happy New Year to you all.


Phil Allen

**************************************************************


23rd December 2023

Two great evenings of triples this week.  Rather a pity that a few were unable to attend, mainly due to sickness, but still a great turnout on each evening - 17 teams on Tuesday and 16 on Wednesday.  Not surprisingly, with the averages pretty much identical, we had a few very close matches - some even going to five three stickers!  All in all, very enjoyable.

Those who got through to the Tuesday night's final are Karl Budd, Terry Hawkins and Dave Vear.  Wednesday's finalists will be Dougie Revitt, Eddie Jones and Zak Vear and they'll be up against Clive Lampitt, Jamie Wiltshire and Colin Baldwin.  Well done everyone.

Oh yeh, I forgot to mention in my previous email that Karl Budd, Eddie Jones and Tony Launchbury all hit a six.  Well done chaps.

I suppose you really want to know who Sticky's team are going to play in the Tuesday night final, don't you!!  They'll be up against Dave Gardiner, Keith Lennard and Greg English. 

So, to round off 2023, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  See you again on Tuesday 2nd and/or Wednesday 3rd January.

Phil Allen

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17th December 2023

On Tuesday evening, in the final "league" fixtures, eyes were on the Bull Inn's and the RiffRaff's 'fight' for the runners up spot.  RiffRaff were up against the already crowned champions, the Red Cow, whilst the Bull were facing the challenge of the Bell.  Level on points but the Bull had a far superior dolls advantage, it really meant RiffRaff were chasing all six points.  And, with the Red Cow only having four players, RiffRaff took the first two legs fairly comfortably.  But then, with Ian Cantwell producing another five-leg, the Red Cow upped a gear and took the last 12-10.  The Bull then, with the aforementioned dolls advantage, were quite aware that four points would be sufficient - and they did that by taking the first two legs off the Bell.  Elsewhere on the night, Mr&MrsFits beat Lower Heyford S&SC by the same scoreline as did Launton S&S against the Ex Services.

In the Cup and Plate semi finals which followed, despite James Kirtland hitting 12 for Lower Heyford in the Cup, the Bull beat them 2-1 and the Ex Services beat Mr&MrsFits 2-0.  In the Plate, RiffRaff beat the Red Cow 2-1 despite Ian Cantwell's six and Roger Herbert rolling back the years for his 12 dolls.

As was the case on Tuesday, the chase for second spot was also on on Wednesday.  And the Crown, already in second place, had a much superior doll advantage over the Shakespeare - and they were playing each other!  The Crown took the first, the Shakespeare the second so it was all down to the third leg.  And that one was touch and go - with Karl Budd's six setting the Crown on their way, it finished 15-14 in their favour.  Keith Lennard threw well for his 11 dolls for the four man Ashton Club team, as they drew three apiece with The Cherries.

In the Cup, the Crown beat a lacklustre Misfits 2-1 and will meet the Bell in the final after they comfortably won 2-0 against The Cherries.  The Unwanted (who defeated the Ashton Club 2-1) will come up against the Ex Services (who won 2-0 against the Shakespeare) in the Plate final.

Sixers - Tuesday - Ian Cantwell
           - Wednesday - Karl Budd

Phil Allen

***************************************************************



12th December 2023

On Tuesday evening, with the Bull having another poor week, the Red Cow took full advantage and are now ten points clear at the top of the table.  In their first match of the evening, against an 'over performing' Launton S&S - and under performing themselves - they dropped all six points.  Tony Nichols threw well for the S&S (12 dolls in that match, including a six (21 on the night)).  They did redeem themselves somewhat in their second match, taking all six points off Lower Heyford S&SC.  The Red Cow, on the other hand, had a very profitable evening with maximum points and 48 dolls against the Ex Services, followed by a 5-1 success over Mr&MrsFits - in fact, after half an hour of putting this report together, I've just realised they're this season's LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!  Well done chaps.  Bell B had a terrific start to the evening, hitting 14 dolls and taking the first leg off Lower Heyford S&SC - but then .....!

The Misfits have retained the Wednesday 'league champions' title - for the fourth year on the trot.  Well done chaps!   Another terrific evening this week, taking all twelve points against the Unwanted and the Ashton Club, hitting 103 dolls, Brian Gough hitting 24 dolls (10 and 14, including a six), Dougie Revitt and Clive Lampitt hitting 23 apiece.  A decent evening's work!    The fight for second place is still on between the Crown and the Shakespeare - and they play each other this week!  In their matches this week, the Crown won 4-2 'away' against The Cherries (with Karl Budd hitting 12 (including a six)) and then taking all six points against the Ex Services whilst the Shakespeare dropped just one point.  Going to be an interesting encounter this week!  Using their rotational system for dropping players when they have more than five, it was Eddie Jones's turn to 'sit out' the Bell's final leg of the evening - and he'd just hit a six and a five in the previous two legs!  Well thrown Eddie and hard luck! 

Sixers - Tuesday - Tony Nichols and Ian Cantwell
           - Wednesday - Karl Budd, Brian Gough and Eddie Jones.

This week it's the final league match of the season followed by Knockout Cup and Plate semi finals.  The teams involved are:

Tuesday KO Cup - Ex Services, Bull Inn, Lower Heyford S&SC, Mr&MrsFits

Tuesday KO Plate - Launton S&S, Red Cow, Bell, RiffRaff

Wednesday KO Cup - Misfits, Crown, Bell, The Cherries

Wednesday KO Plate - Unwanted, Ashton Club, Shakespeare, Ex Services

Please disregard the "draws" I published on the bottom of the 31st October and 1st November results sheets - they weren't drawn, they were a case of the winners/losers of pitch one against winners/losers of pitch two etc.  And that shouldn't have been; we will actually do the draws on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings as in previous years.

Phil Allen

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4th December 2023

Once again (as last year), very pleasing attendances for this week's pairs competitions - 23 pairs on Tuesday and 25 on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the reigning champions, Nigel King and Kevin Powney got through to this year's final against the season's newcomers, Ant Bradbeer and Paul Hudders.  On Wednesday, Brian Gough and Dave Reast won their way through to meet Karl Budd and Jeremy Launchbury.

Well done chaps.

Phil Allen

AUNT SALLY WORLD CHAMPION 2018


Kevin Powney.....Click the News button to read more

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