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9th April 2025

Evening all, with the summer league about to start in two and a half weeks, I guess you're all waiting patiently for the fixtures list.  My apologies but I've been waiting on a couple of teams' responses to see if they're going to be playing.   Sadly, the Ex Services and Lower Heyford S&SC have had to withdraw, leaving us with 37 teams.  

There are a few other changes which I must also explain.

Premier and Division One - the Red Lion Brackley team have moved and will play at the Highfield Social Club. Division Two - the White Horse team has moved to the Bull at Launton and will be "Bull Inn B".  Last …
… Five straight up into Div Three  - but I'm sure they'll be well capable! Division Five - Launton S&S B will be the team who, last year, were known as Bull Inn B but played at Launton S&S anyway!  Got it?
                       - we welcome three new teams - Olive Tree Bicester (The Plough), KEA Club and Swan Grendon Underwood.

Incidentally, with the Ex Services unable to get a side together, Rick Gumbert, Dave Vear, Keith Lennard and Tracey Denton are available to any team looking for players.

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 - as agreed at the AGM - one stick and back to three sticks, and so on until the winning team has been decided) 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 - along with a sample of how it should be filled in.  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 attached sheet relating to etiquette- and make your team members aware - so that we can all get out there and enjoy every minute of this coming summer season.


The fixtures list is on the fixtures page..

Phil Allen




The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Ex Services Club on Tuesday evening are available on the AGM page.

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14th March 

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

Sadly, the 2024-25 indoor league season has now 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, and eagerly looking forward to October!

In much the same way as I want to train up personnel who would like to take on the running of the summer league, the same applies to next season's indoor leagues.  If you're interested, give me a shout and we can have a chat.

A list of 'how it finished' is below.  A very well done to the winners - especially Bell B - 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 23rd April.  The AGM for the summer season will be held this coming Tuesday (18th March) at the Ex Services Club, starting at 7.30 pm.


Phil Allen

TUESDAY INDOOR LEAGUE - 2025

League Champions The Wurzels                          Runners Up Red Cow

Handicap League Champions Bell B                    Runners Up Lower Heyford S&SC

Knockout Cup Winners Red Cow                          Runners Up Launton S&S

Knockout Plate Winners The Wurzels                      Runners Up Lower Heyford S&SC

Two and a Half Pairs Cup Winners Red Cow         Runners Up The Wurzels

Two and a Half Pairs Plate Winners Ex Services    Runners Up RiffRaff

Triples Winners Wayne Walker, Rick Gumbert, Jim Ridgley

Runners Up Pete Dempsey, Baz Bazile, Ryan McNally

Pairs Winners Karl Budd and Doug Revitt                Runners Up Norman Brock and Clive Lampitt

Singles Winner Karl Budd                                         Runner Up Clive Lampitt

League Top Doll Scorer Karl Budd

WEDNESDAY INDOOR LEAGUE – 2025

League Champions Misfits                                              Runners Up Crown

Handicap League Champions The Cherries                   Runners Up Misfits

Knockout Cup Winners Crown                                        Runners Up Shakespeare

Knockout Plate Winners Misfits                                      Runners Up The Cherries

Two and a Half Pairs Cup Winners Misfits                       Runners Up The Cherries

Two and a Half Pairs Plate Winners Crown                     Runners Up Bell

Triples Winners Tony Nichols, Nick Cherry, Keith Lennard

Runners Up Karl Budd, Clive Lampitt, Colin Baldwin

Pairs Winners Clive Lampitt and Steve Walton               Runners Up Karl Budd and Francis Hillier

Singles Winner Bobby Allen                                            Runner Up Steve Walton

League Top Doll Scorer Dougie Revitt



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9th March
Didn't they do well!  After four years with us and they've eventually - and deservedly - come up trumps.  A very well done to the Bell B, this year's Tuesday Handicap League champions.  With a three all draw with their nearest contenders (at the time), the RiffRaff - and the Red Cow dropping two points against the Ex's - it was all over, done and dusted.  The Bell had secured their position at the top of the table.  They then cemented that with a 4-2 win over the Bull Inn.  Well done the Bell.  The question now was, who are going to sneak the runners up spot.  Having already dropped three points against the Bell, even a maximum six points in their next match, against Lower Heyford S&SC would have been touch and go for the RiffRaff as the Red Cow could have sneaked it with a whitewash over Launton S&S.  As it was, the Red Cow dropped, what turned out to be a crucial leg, whilst the first two legs for Lower Heyford in their 4-2 victory over, ironically, the RiffRaff were enough to secure second place.  Well done to them.  Individually, Liam Merchant and Ian Cantwell (with 21 dolls apiece and Liam getting a six) couldn't have done a great deal more for the Red Cow; but Lower Heyford spoilt their party!

Top doll scorer in the Tuesday league is Karl Budd with 260 dolls, averaging 3.33 per leg.

We already knew last week that The Cherries had won the Wednesday Handicap league, but - much the same as in the Tuesday league - the fight was on for second place.  The Misfits - as in any competition they're involved in - just had to be favourites (five points ahead of their nearest rivals, the Unwanted, and six ahead of the Ex Services).  First up were the Unwanted and a 4-2 defeat against the Crown, more or less threw their chances out the window.  The 'big on' though was next on - the Ex Services 'at home' against the Misfits.  Strangely, it was a low scoring affair.  15-12 to the Misfits followed by two 15-14 legs, both in favour of the Ex Services.  So, after round one, the Misfits sit on 43, the Ex's on 39 and the Unwanted on 38.  Round Two - despite a 4-2 success over the Bell, Unwanted are now out of it.   Both on at the same time, the champions. The Cherries, up against the Misfits and the Ex's against the Ashton Club.  Although leg scores were pretty tight, the Ex's whitewashed the Ashton 6-0 and, despite losing 4-2, on reflection, that first 18-17 leg in favour of the Misfits was vitally important - it means they finish as runners up - level on points with the Ex Services but a far better dolls total.  Elsewhere, a terrific evening for the Shakespeare with eleven points - a 5-1 over the Bell and a terrific maximum against the Crown.  Twenty three dolls for Tony Nichols (11 and 12) - as did Dougie Revitt by the way - and 19 for Erik Poslusny (including his first six of the season).  Whilst it wasn't the best of evenings for the Unwanted, Nigel King enjoyed it, with 21 on the night (10 and 11).

Top doll scorer on a Wednesday is Dougie Revitt with 305 dolls, averaging 3.91 per leg.

I'm sure you won't have forgotten, it's finals nights this week.  The formats are below.  Normal start time 

INDOOR LEAGUE FINALS NIGHT FORMATS 2025


TUESDAY LEAGUE – 11TH MARCH


Knockout Cup Final - Red Cow v Launton S&S (Pitch 1)

KO Cup Plate Cup Final - Lower Heyford S&SC v The Wurzels (Pitch 2)

Two and a half pairs cup final - Red Cow v The Wurzels (Pitch1)

Two and a half pairs plate final - RiffRaff v Ex Services (Pitch 2)

Triples Final (Pitch 1) - Pete Dempsey, Baz Bazile, Ryan McNally against Wayne Walker, Rick Gumbert, Jim Ridgley

Pairs Final (Pitch 1) - Karl Budd and Doug Revitt against Norman Brock and Clive Lampitt

Singles Final (Pitch 1) - Clive Lampitt v Karl Budd

WEDNESDAY LEAGUE – 12TH MARCH


Knockout Cup Final - Shakespeare v Crown (Pitch 1)

KO Cup Plate Cup Final - Misfits v The Cherries (Pitch 2)

Two and a half pairs cup final - The Cherries v Misfits (Pitch 1)

Two and a half pairs plate final - Bell v Crown (Pitch 2)

Triples Final (Pitch 1) - Karl Budd, Clive Lampitt, Colin Baldwin against Tony Nichols, Nick Cherry, Keith Lennard

Pairs Final (Pitch 1) - Clive Lampitt and Steve Walton against Karl Budd and Francis Hillier

Singles Final (Pitch 1) - Bobby Allen v Steve Walton


Phil Allen


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2nd March

As proposed at last year's AGM, because of the increase in the cost of trophies and the number we're now purchasing - and the recent increase in bank charges - the fee has been increased to £50.  Whilst there is no real rush in returning them, I like to get myself prepared and would like team contacts to complete and return them as soon as.

Don't forget, the AGM is at the Ex Services Club on Tuesday 18th March, starting at 7.30 pm.

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1st March  2025


A weird competition this two and a half pairs!  But two fun filled evenings had by those in attendance.

On Tuesday, the Red Cow won their way through to the final after defeating the Ex Services and Launton S&S and will now meet The Wurzels who did likewise against Lower Heyford S&SC and the Bull.  In the Plate final, the RiffRaff will play Ex Services Club.

On Wednesday The Cherries 'disposed' of the Ex Services and then Shakespeare to cement their place in the final against the Misfits who defeated the Crown and the Unwanted.  The Plate final will be between the Bell and the Crown.

I have updated and attached the individual scores spreadsheet which I messed up last week.

STEVE GODFREY'S FUNERAL
Steve's funeral will be held at the Oxford Crematorium on Tuesday 11th March at 11 o'clock.  All are welcome.
Phil Allen

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23rd February 2025

They're almost there!  With just two league games to go - the first against the RiffRaff (their nearest rivals) - the Bell need just two points to secure the Tuesday evening Handicap League title.  Despite Ant Bradbeer's twelve dolls (three fours) for the Ex's, a maximum six points against them and another five against Launton S&S have set the Bell up nicely for a nail biting final week.  Joe Durbin's 15 (9 and 6), Ryan McNally's 14 (5 and 9) and Ray Rowe's nine in their first match (against the Ex Services) have put them within touching distance.  Just six points apiece for the RiffRaff and the Red Cow allowed the Bell to widen the gap.  Watch this space!   Individually, a decent week for Karl Budd with 23 (13 and 10), Ant Bradbeer with 21 (12 and 9) and "the one and only" Tony Nichols with 20 (two tens).  Well done chaps.

Congratulations to The Cherries, champions of the Wednesday Handicap League.  Four points "away" against the Bell and a whitewash over the Crown snatched the title back from last year's champions, the Misfits - who, themselves, are still in a tussle with the Unwanted and the Ex's for the runners up spot.  Chris Price - The Cherries' newly appointed stand in anchorman - threw well for his 20 dolls (two tens), as did Dave Puddle who also hit 20 (9 and 11), with team mate Liam Fisher adding 12 against the Crown.  Not a great night for the Crown at all as they also went down 5-1 to the Misfits, dropping three places in the table and now languishing very close to that dreaded wooden spoon spot!  The Shakespeare on the other hand - with Pete Litten's 22 dolls (10 and 12) - climbed a couple of places after inflicting a 6-0 defeat on the Ashton Club and then claiming four points against the Ex Services. 

Sixers - Wednesday - Jamie Wiltshire

TWO AND A HALF PAIRS COMPETITION
The draw for the above competition, to be played this coming week, is as follows:

Tuesday 24th February
7.45 pm - Pitch One - The Wurzels v RiffRaff
              - Pitch Two - Bull Inn v Launton S&S
8.20 pm - Pitch One - Lower Heyford S&SC v Red Cow
              - Pitch Two - Bell v Ex Services

Wednesday 25th February
7.45 pm - Pitch One - Ex Services v Unwanted
              - Pitch Two - Ashton Club v The Cherries
8.20 pm - Pitch One - Shakespeare v Misfits
              - Pitch Two - Crown v Bell

STEVE GODFREY'S FUNERAL
Steve's funeral will be held at the Oxford Crematorium on Tuesday 11th March at 11 o'clock.  All are welcome.


Phil Allen

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16th February 2025

With eight points on Tuesday evening, and their nearest rivals managing just four, the Bell extend their lead at the top to five.  In their first match - against the Red Cow (for whom Stewart Kernan hit eleven dolls and son, Kyle, close on his heels, with ten) - the Bell went down 4-2; but they soon put that to one side to whitewash the league champions (The Wurzels) 6-0.  An under performing RiffRaff side were also beaten 6-0 by an over performing Launton S&S.  The league secretary (Phil Allen), forced out of retirement by his team mates, excelled with 11, with Derek Richards having a great match, getting into double figures with ten.  Jamie Wiltshire top scored for RiffRaff with nine (and followed that later in the evening with 13).  The Red Cow followed their earlier 4-2 victory with the same outcome against the Bull.   The excitement of that win over the RiffRaff was short lived for Launton S&S as they were then on the receiving end of a 6-0 battering from Lower Heyford S&SC - Charlotte Cherry Smith top scoring with ten.

A very similar situation in the Wednesday league too.  Ten points for table toppers, The Cherries - two better than second placed Misfits - sees the gap opened up to 13 points.  Dave Puddle hit twelve dolls in their first match as The Cherries hit 50 and beat the Unwanted 4-2.  It was Chris Price's turn to top score later in their second match - a whitewash over the Shakespeare.  The Misfits also got maximum points over the Shakey with Steve Walton hitting 14 (including a six) and Dougie Revitt close behind with 13 (also including a six).  54 dolls for them in that match but they dropped to "just" 41 in their second match against the Unwanted - lost two legs in the process and fell two points further behind The Cherries.  Similarly, the Unwanted drop a couple of points behind the Misfits.  With seven points on the night, and jumping in between those, are the Crown.  A 3-3 draw against the Ex Services and a 4-2 victory over the Ashton Club.  Mustn't forget Jed Launchbury's six against the Ex's!  Pretty tight in the chase for the runners up spot - just four points separating five teams.

Sixers - Wednesday - Steve Walton, Dougie Revitt and Jeremy Launchbury.


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9th February 2025
Not great attendances at the singles competitions this week - mainly due to sickness - but, with 32 on each evening, it made the draws much easier.

The winners, who will go to the finals to be played on 11th and 12th March, are:

Tuesday league - Clive Lampitt and Karl Budd
Wednesday league - Bobby Allen and Steve Walton

I've had it pointed out that the league tables (relating to The Cherries) on the 15th January were incorrect.  That's now been rectified, extending their lead at the top by another two points. 


Phil Allen
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3rd February 2025

They've done it!  They're up there, at the top!  Just what the doctor ordered.  With ten points this week - four against the Bull Inn and a maximum points haul over Lower Heyford S&SC, the Bell top the Tuesday league table.  With only four players, and a handicap of six against them, the Bull needed to be on top form.  Ryan McNally hit a couple of threes to help secure the first two legs before the Bull sneaked the last by one doll.  Then, with Lower Heyford throwing below par, and the Bell claiming six points - and the RiffRaff getting stuffed six nil (ironically, by the four man Bull team), the Bell rise to the top.  Unknowingly at the time, but this was an ideal opportunity for the Red Cow to make up ground.  I guess they did but were a little below par - a 3-3 draw against Launton S&S and a 4-2 victory over The Wurzels.

A profitable Wednesday evening for The Cherries as they drew with their nearest rivals, the Misfits, and then play out of their skins (or "above average") to claim a 5-1 victory over the Ex Services.  True to form - and, as the 3-3 result would suggest - that match against the Misfits was a mighty close affair.  The first leg was won by the Misfits by one doll; the second by the same margin in favour of The Cherries and the third one drawn.  Can't get any closer than that!  In their second match (against a four man Ex Services), The Cherries hit a 20 and a 22 leg, with a 16 leg drawn (and that's with the Ex's having a blob).  What did the Misfits do in their second match?  Well, they threw below average and were cast aside by the Ashton Club 4-2.  After a couple of 4-2 victories over the Unwanted and the Crown, the Bell - with Darren Moore hitting 17 and Aimee Sheehan having a great evening with 16 - jump up the table a few places and find themselves in fourth place.  Very well done to the Ex Services who were only able to field four players but still managed an above average 19 and a 16 leg. 

Sixer - Wednesday - Karl Budd

Phil Allen

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The AGM for our summer league will be held at the Ex Services Club in BIcester on Tuesday 18th March, starting at 7.30 pm.  

Although the meeting is still a month or two away, I'd just like to know if you're intending to have a team in the league and, secondly, if the team/pub you were with last year will still be available and joining us too.  No rush but I'd be grateful if you would 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, let me know.  I'll then chase them.

What I have found out is that:

the Red Lion Brackley team will be moving to the Highfield Social Club.
the White Horse team will be playing at the Bull Launton.
the KEA Club and Swan Grendon Underwood will be joining us.

The intention is to start the fixtures on Wednesday 23rd 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 will be, as it has been since Covid, whether we should continue operating with 'six players from nine' or revert to the original eight players who would then play all three legs. 

I have received a suggestion/proposal to introduce another competition.  Give me a few more days and I'll send it out as a separate email.  

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

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26th January 2025
Despite not throwing particularly well (apart from skipper Clive Lampitt who steadied the ship with 19 dolls (9 and 10)), RiffRaff managed seven points - four against The Wurzels and three against the Red Cow - to hold onto top spot in the Tuesday league.  With a bit of a weakened side this week, the Red Cow also managed seven points - four against Lower Heyford S&SC and three, as mentioned earlier, against the RiffRaff - to jump up a place into third.  Having to play as anchorman this week, Roger Herbert didn't do so badly with 18 dolls (11 and 7).  Kyle Kernan almost got that elusive six, just missing with the last stick.  Bell B (bottom of the league in the first half of the season) find themselves in second place!  But, after a pretty poor evening (losing 4-2 to the RiffRaff as mentioned earlier, and then doing the same against Lower Heyford), league champions, The Wurzels, drop to the bottom.  But, that's what the handicap league is all about!

Ten points, those closest to them in the table drop points, and The Cherries now top the Wednesday league by six.  Four points in their first match against a below-par Crown team, followed by a whitewash (throwing way above their average) against the Bell, and the job's done!  But, keep an eye on the league champions. the Misfits.  Gradually creeping up there.  In their first match, against the Bell - who, actually threw out of their skins, hitting 19 in each leg - they drew three points apiece.  Bell set 19 in the first leg; Misfits started relatively poorly (only eight on the board from the first three - eleven needed to win).  Steve Walton gets five and, yes, (not under much pressure!) Dougie Revitt got the six.  Terrific to watch (but not to be on the receiving end of!) - and he got another later against the Crown.  Didn't do the Bell much good either; very deflated. they then dropped a couple of levels and got beaten 6-0 by The Cherries.  With nine points on the night - four against the Ashton Club and five against the Ex Services - the Unwanted jump a couple of places, level with the Shakespeare who got four points against those same opponents.  

A reminder for both the Tuesday and Wednesday leagues - I'm waiting for the following trophies to be returned to me:

Tuesday League
League champions - Red Cow
Knockout Cup - Bull Inn
Two and a Half Pairs Cup - Bull Inn
Triples Cup - Dave Gardiner, Keith Lennard, Greg English
Pairs Cup - Nigel King, Kevin Powney
Top Doll - Karl Budd

Wednesday League 
League champions - Misfits
Handicap League - Misfits
Knockout Cup - Crown
Two and a Half Pairs Cup - Misfits
Pairs Cup - Dave Reast, Brian Gough
Singles - Liam Fisher
Top Doll - Dougie Revitt

Phil Allen

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19th January 2025
With maximum points this week, RiffRaff hold on to top spot in the Tuesday League - and, with sheer hard work and determination (despite Terry Smith's brilliant 20 dolls (13 and 7)), Launton S&S manage to hold on to the wooden spoon spot!

With Nigel Wakelin and Norman Brock hitting 19 dolls apiece, the RiffRaff whitewashed both the Ex Services and the aforementioned Launton S&S, opening up a six point lead over the Bell who had a terrific evening beating The Wurzels 5-1 and then drawing three points apiece with the Red Cow.  As well as drawing that match, the Red Cow did likewise against the Bull Inn.  Not a particularly great evening for the Bull Inn, Red Cow and The Wurzels  (points wise that is), but it was for Karl Budd with 23 (12 and 11), Nigel King 21 (11 and 10) and Ian Cantwell 21 (10 and 11) - and not a six amongst them!

Can't tie the Misfits down for too long!  After a relatively poor evening last week, they hit some decent form on Wednesday with Dougie Revitt's 25 (12 and 13),  Steve Walton's 25 (16 and 9), Bobby Allen's 21 (9 and 12) and Clive Lampitt also hitting 21 (9 and 12) - a team total of 107 dolls - time to review their handicap, I guess!  Following their 6-0 thrashing of the Unwanted they were soon brought back down to earth, losing 4-2 to the Shakespeare - who, themselves, threw out of their skins managing a 20 and a 22 leg.  Apparently, lead-off man Tony Nichols took umbrage at being dropped for a leg in the Shakey's first match and returned with 13 in this one (including a six)!  Despite getting themselves six points (four against the Crown and two against the Bell), the Ashton Club still haven't managed to climb the table.  In that win over the Crown, they set 22 in the first leg (with a blob thrown in) - Ross Arrowsmith and Dave Smith with four apiece, and Dave Wheeler with three.  Well done chaps.  Following on from their less-than-par performance against the Bell - losing it 2-1 - the Ex Services got it together later when up against the Crown, beating them 2-1 (with Baz Bazile getting a six in the process).  Following on from his 21 on Tuesday evening, Nigel King put together another creditable performance with 20 for the Unwanted - who, after getting whitewashed in both their matches, plummet from third last week to bottom of the table (wooden spoon contenders!).

Sixers - Wednesday - Steve Walton, Tony Nichols and Baz Bazile.

Phil Allen

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13th January 2025
Oh, it was great to be back playing aunt sally again after three weeks of Christmas and New Year festivities.  Two great evenings once again.

With the handicap added, the target leg score in the Tuesday league this season is twelve - and, generally speaking, we were there or thereabouts - with a couple of "way over the top" ones thrown in (RiffRaff with a 19 and a 17 and the Ex Services with an 18).   Some great individual performances on the night too - either got a new set of sticks or been practising during the three week break!  Clive Lampitt top scored with 25 (14 and 11).  Karl Budd threw well for The Wurzels with 22(12 and 10), as did team mates Billy Atwell with 18 (7 and 11), Clare Walker (in the first match anyway!) with 9, and Mason Walker with 18  (8 and 10).  Jamie Wiltshire had a great night too with 22 (10 and 12).  Nigel King also got himself into the twenties with 21 (8 and 13).  Bell B did themselves proud taking five points off Lower Heyford and winning a leg against this week's table toppers, RiffRaff - and find themselves fourth in the table.  Well done to guys and gals.

The Ex Services played out of their skins to take four points off The Cherries and another five off the Misfits to top the Wednesday league.  Hot on their heels in second place, on the same number of points, are the Crown who took five off the Bell and four off the Unwanted.  Individually, Liam Fisher was the evening's top scorer with 24 (two twelves) and Clive Lampitt, having another great night, with 23 (14 and 9).  Not a bad evening for Joe Young either, with 20 dolls on his return for the Ashton Club.


Phil Allen

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31st December 2024

Guess it's time for me to announce what we're going to do in the handicap leagues this season - and it won't be pleasing everyone!  Here goes then. The general consensus between four committee members is that we revert to using "full handicaps" on both evenings, 'rounding down' averages instead of up.  

The secretary - and, in fact, I reckon everyone (!) - will be keeping an eye on teams playing new or non regular players.  Should teams do that, averages and handicaps will be adjusted accordingly.

The averages and handicaps are shown in the Results page.

A Happy New Year to you all.  See you next week.


Phil Allen

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21ST December 2024

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 - 16 teams on Tuesday and 14 (made up to 16) on Wednesday.  Not surprisingly, with the averages pretty much identical, there were 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 Pete Dempsey, Baz Bazile and Ryan McNally and they'll play Wayne Walker, Rick Gumbert and Jim Ridgley.  Wednesday's finalists will be Karl Budd, Clive Lamp[itt and Colin Baldwin and they'll be up against Tony Nichols, Nick Cherry and Keith Lennard.  Well done everyone.

So, to round off 2024, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  See you again on Tuesday 7th  and/or Wednesday 8th January

Phil Allen

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15th December 2024
Many congratulations to The Wurzels, this year's Tuesday league champions.  With a 6-0 victory over Lower Heyford S&SC, followed by four points against the RiffRaff, it was enough to secure the title.  The Red Cow in the meantime, dropped three points against the RiffRaff in their first match - meaning they needed maximum points in their final match and for The Wurzels to get whitewashed by the RiffRaff.  It didn't happen and the rest is history!  Individually, some great throwing by Liam Fisher with 22 dolls (10, including a six, and 12) - which takes him to the top of the averages - and 21 for Paul Hudders (11 and 10).  Well done chaps.

Congratulations too to the Misfits, champions of the Wednesday league once again.  With Dave Reast 'leader of the pack' this week with 22 dolls (13 and 9), they drew two legs and won the third against their nearest rivals, the Crown, and then beat the Bell 5-1.  Elsewhere, Tony Nichols starred for the Shakespeare with 21 (13 and 8) and Nigel King with 20 (two tens) for the Unwanted.


Phil Allen

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8th December 2024

With both leagues coming to a close this week, Tuesday night's fixtures (and results)  - especially for those four teams at the top - were monumental.  The Red Cow, heading the table at the time by just one point, were up against second placed The Wurzels.  As expected, it was a close affair.  Ian Cantwell (14) and Liam Merchant (10) did their utmost for the Red Cow - as did the opposing Billy Atwell and Mason Walker (both with 11).  Clare Walker "excelled" with a vital five in the second leg as the Wurzels won it by just one doll!.  A 4-2 Wurzels victory see the positions reversed at the top.  Bull Inn and RiffRaff who were - and still are - in contention for that top spot, met each other with the Bull coming out on top in that one 4-2.  Nigel King hit 11 for the winners with Norman Brock returning with ten for the RiffRaff.  Both The Wurzels and the Red Cow are up against the same opponents in their final two league matches - Lower Heyford S&SC and the RiffRaff.  Place your bets now please!  A maximum six points for Lower Heyford S&SC over the Bell sees them jump up a place - above Launton S&S who dropped a leg against the Ex Services.  Pete Dempsey hit 11 and Terry Smith 10 for Launton.

In the Knockout Cup semi finals, the Red Cow beat the RiffRaff 2-0 as did Launton S&S over the Ex Services - with both Pete Dempsey and Tony Nichols hitting a six in the same leg!.  In the Plate semis, Lower Heyford S&SC got the better of the Bell for the second time during the evening, by two legs to one.  The Wurzels beat the Bull by the same scoreline - Dave Gardiner hit a six in the first leg for the Bull (but they still lost it!).

The Misfits - not quite mathematically, but realistically - are the Wednesday league champions once again.  A six nil win over the Ashton Club - with Dougie Revitt hitting 14 dolls - has, more or less, confirmed that.  Similarly, with a 6-0 victory over the Bell and the Unwanted dropping three points against the Ex Services, the Crown will finish as runners up.  Interestingly, the Misfits and the Crown play each other this week - for what!!??  Other individual scores worth a mention are Francis Hillier with 12, Tony Nichols, Tyler Andrews and Chris Price all with eleven, Jeremy Launchbury and Clive Lampitt with ten apiece.

In the Knockout Cup semis finals the Shakespeare beat the Ex Services 2-1 as did the Crown against the Unwanted.  In the Plate, the Misfits met the Ashton Club again and won 2-0 whilst The Cherries beat the Bell 2-1.

Sixers - Tuesday - Pete Dempsey, Tony Nichols, Dave Gardiner

Phil Allen

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1st December

Initially, I was rather disappointed with the relatively low numbers of entries for the pairs competitions for both evenings - but, actually, when you realise that, for league games, we have eight teams of five (40 players, or thereabouts) and then, on Tuesday we had 21 pairs, and Wednesday, 19 - it was about right (although last year were 25 and 21).

On Tuesday, Karl Budd and Dougie Revitt won their way through to the final where they'll be up against Norman Brock and Clive Lampitt.  On Wednesday it was Clive Lampitt again, with Steve Walton this time and Karl Budd (again) with Francis Hillier.

Although he has 'a set of six sticks' (nothing unusual about that!), Pete Dempsey has discovered that one stick he has now is not his - accidentally picked up someone else's.  Would you please have a look and see if you've done the same.  Not sure which night it would have been.  Should be relatively easy to spot if you have it 'cos Pete's is a fairly new set and haven't hit much !!

Phil Allen

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25th November 2024

On Tuesday night - a disastrous evening for the Riff Raff who dropped eleven points - all six against a much improved Launton S&S and five against the Ex Services.  Consequently they relinquish their top of the table spot, handing it back to the Red Cow - who, were also much improved this week, taking maximum points against the Bell and four from the Bull Inn.  Liam Fisher threw exceptionally well for the Red Cow for his 23 dolls (11 and 12).  The Wurzels also benefited from the RiffRaff's indifferent performance and, with a draw against the Bull Inn and a whitewash over the Bell, jump above them into second place.  'Newbie' Bobby Allen showed his potential with 22 dolls (10 and 12) for The Wurzels - as did Tony Nichols (returning from a 'sick week') with the same score for Launton S&S - who, it must be said - with Terry Smith clanging off a six - had an outstanding week (for them anyway!), with a maximum over the RiffRaff and a 4-2 win against Lower Heyford S&SC.  Another to hit a six on the night was Nick Cherry (Bull Inn) in their 3-3 draw against The Wurzels - he finished with a commendable 21 (12 and 9).

A great evening on Wednesday for the Crown who achieved whitewashes over the Ex Services and the Ashton Club to edge that little bit closer to the table topping Misfits who dropped a point!  Karl Budd, with 24 dolls (14 and 10), and Tony Launchbury (21 - 11 and 10), did the damage for the Crown.  The Misfits had no problems getting all six points over the Shakespeare in their first match but then found themselves up against it (not really!) when they faced the Unwanted.  The champions set 15 in the first leg.  With the "underdogs" needing three to draw, the opposing anchorman fell by the wayside - 1-0 to the Misfits.  The second leg was a similar story (the other way round).  The Unwanted set a reasonable 16.  Three players down and only six on the board for the Misfits, surely, with ten to draw, eleven to win, this was one they were going to lose - but, hang on a minute, Steve Walton and Dougie Revitt to throw!  Yeh, they got the draw (Steve with a six and four to Dougie).  Let's forget the final leg (7 - 14).  3-1 to the Misfits.  A much more rewarding evening for the Bell as they managed four points in each of their matches against the Ashton Club and the Ex Services.  

Sixers - Tuesday - Terry Smith, Nick Cherry
           - Wednesday - Karl Budd, Steve Walton

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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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.


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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





AUNT SALLY WORLD CHAMPION 2018


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

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Registration form 2017.odt Registration form 2017.odt
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Aunt Sally Score Card.docx Aunt Sally Score Card.docx
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