Bicester & District Aunt Sally League

Sponsored by Clear Vision Financial Services and friends of the League

SUMMER 2026

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14th June

On a much better evening weatherwise - albeit, it did threaten to come down at times - despite missing Ian Cantwell and Liam Merchant, the Red Cow put together a great performance at home to the table topping Rose and Crown - but still lost it 4-1. The visitors set a terrific 21 in the first leg - lead off man Rob Bradford starting it all off with a six (in his total of 19) followed by Neil Megson with a five (he finished with 18). Some pretty decent throwing too by Kyle Kernan and Gavin Walford for the Red Cow as they both finished with 14. Highfield SC's set of 17 in their first leg looked pretty decent but once the opposing Shakespeare B beat it with 20, the Social Club crumbled and were eventually whitewashed 5-0. Dougie Revitt finished with 20 and Lee Wanless with 17. Shakespeare Originals' 3-2 won away at Bull Inn A as did Bell A away at Crown CoO A. Francis Hillier hit 19 and Jeremy Launchbury 17 for the Crown with Eddie Jones and Ray Rowe responding with 17 and 16 for the Bell.

With a 5-0 whitewash over the Nut Tree and second placed Brill S&SC A surprisingly going down 4-1 at Pheasant A, Kings Head Syresham have widened the gap at the top of Division Two to seven points. Andy Poppitt (Nut Tree) and Martin Hartwell (Kings Head) top scored with 13 apiece. Cashing in on the Nut Tree's defeat and, by beating near neighbours Bull Inn B 3-2, Launton S&S A have leapfrogged into third place. Despite a blob in the third leg, Derek Richards still top scored with 13 for the Sports and Social. Chandos Arms won their first three legs against the visiting Tiddington CC 13-12, 12-11 and then the three sticker in the third leg after drawing it 11 apiece - but then fell by the wayside, losing the final two legs. John Fitsell top scored for the home side with 13.

Top of Division Three, Long Crendon VC beat second placed Barley Mow B 3-2 in a tight match that included two three stickers - both won by the home side. Ironically, as well as having top played second, we also had third played fourth; Barley Mow A won 3-2 at home to Crown CoO B. Lead off man, Alvin Knowles, threw exceptionally well for 14, with anchorman Jim Ridgley bringing up the rear with 12. Another game tied at two apiece, going into the last, was at the KEA Club where the visiting Plough MG One won that final leg quite convincingly 11-7.

In Division Four, the Ex Services couldn't acclimatise to having to play outdoors and went down 4-1 at the Fox Souldern who now leapfrog into third place with the Ex's second and Ardley Utd FC top after a terrific 4-1 victory over the Butchers Arms, including 15 in the last leg. Plough MG Two took a much needed five points off the visiting five man Pheasant B, thereby jumping above them in the table and 'relegating' the Pheasant to the bottom.

Coincidentally, we had top versus second in Division Five, The Hundred Acres went to Buckingham FC and went down 3-2. Just one point between them now. Simon Edwards hit a much needed 12 for the home side with Ross Arrowsmith replying with ten for the visitors. Winning alternate legs and drawing two apiece going into the last, the Olive Tree sneaked it 11-6, thereby beating the Swan GU 3-2. Sam Hodges got himself into double figures with ten for the Olive Tree. Bull Inn C were unable to keep up their winning streak (last week), trounced 5-0 at home to the Olive Tree - Pete Pridmore hitting 16 for the visitors.

Sixer - Rob Bradford

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7th June

Some terrific individual throwing on Wednesday - a few of them - in the higher divisions, don't really surprise us - Matty Hillsdon with 19, Paul Hudders and Tony Nichols 18 apiece (both including a six), Liam Fisher 16 - but when you have someone in Division Five hitting 18 - including a six and a blob!!! Graham Milne (Olive Tree) did just that! Well done Sir!

Anyway, the Rose and Crown extend their lead at the top of the Premier after a home 5-0 whitewash over Bull Inn A. As well as Paul Hudders' previously mentioned 18, Neil Megson, Ant Bradbeer and James Kirtland well and truly backed him with 14 apiece; Chris McKechnie also hit 14 for the visitors. Shakespeare B came second best at the Red Cow - who actually threw very well on the night - going down 3-2. Liam Fisher performed to his normal high standard for the Red Cow with 16, as did his opposing lead-off man, Bobby Allen with 15 for the visitors, including his first six of the season. With Pete Litten available for every match so far this season - and throwing exceptionally well - Shakespeare Originals (so eager to get themselves back up into the Premier!), top Division One after their 4-1 home win against previous table toppers, Crown CoO A. Matty Hillsdon - another to be having a great start to this season - top scored with 19 dolls for the visitors whilst Tony Nichols was hot on his heels with 18 (including a six) for the home side. Highfield SC, struggling to put together a run of decent scores, went down 3-2 at home to Bell A; Darren Moore and Billy Craig top scoring for the visitors with 15 and 14.

Apart from the first leg which was initially drawn at 8 dolls apiece - won on a three sticker by the visiting Kings Head - Bull Inn B couldn't get anyway near their opponents, eventually getting totally whitewashed 5-0. Jamie Wiltshire (Kings Head) continued his great start to the season with 15 whilst lead-off man for the Bull wasn't missed one bit - stand-in Paul Knight excelled himself with 14!. With second placed Nut Tree losing 4-1 at Brill S&SC A, Kings Head now have a three point cushion at the top of Division Two - with that win for Brill leapfrogging the Nut Tree into second place. Dropped for the first leg, a blob in the second and then pops up with a six in the third, Ray Manning led Tiddington CC to a 3-2 home win over Pheasant A. A 5-0 maximum points for Launton S&SC A on their trip to the Chandos Arms sees them gradually climbing the table and closing the gap on the Nut Tree and Brill S&SC. Terry Smith - another to have started the season on a high - put together another creditable anchorman performance for the visitors with 15 (including a much needed three to win the second leg!).

In Division Three, Plough MG One started well at home to Long Crendon VC, comfortably winning the first leg 10-4, but then...? Went down 4-1, a win that takes the visitors to the top of the table - replacing Barley Mow A who were without a game. After taking a 2-0 lead away at Chearsley Cricketers, Barley Mow B "lost the plot", losing the next two but recovering enough to sneak the final leg 12-10 (every one of the visiting players hitting two dolls!). Dave Gardiner hit 12 for the visitors with team mate Lee Gardiner and opponents Adam and Harry Lazaruk on ten apiece. In a topsy turvy one at Crown CoO B, tied at two legs each, the hosts pinched the last one 10-5 to win the match 3-2.

The Ex Services - struggling at times to get enough players - put together a tremendous performance to beat the visiting Butchers Arms 4-1 and to go to the top of Division Four. Tracey Denton 14, Mark Stocker 13 and John Clutterbuck 12 for the Ex's. Not knowing that the Butchers were "onto a hiding" across the road at the Ex's, Bell B took advantage, winning 3-2 at home against Plough MG Two. 'Twas a close one; tied at two legs each, the Bell sneaked the last 8-6.

Despite losing the first leg 9-8 at home to the Olive Tree, the Division Five leaders, Hundred Acres, recovered sufficiently to eventually win 4-1, As was mentioned much earlier in this report, Graham Milne hit 18 for the visitors (4 5 6 blob 3)- tremendous throwing Graham. Well worthy of a mention too, Joe Young hit 13 for the hosts, well supported by son Ashley with 11, Tom White and Peter Curtis with ten apiece. Pretty close at the Clifden Arms but the visiting Buckingham FC crept in for a much needed 4-1 victory - 'much needed' to keep them in second place, hot on the heels of the Hundred Acres. Simon Edwards hit 11 for the Football Club with Pete Pridmore replying for the visitors with 12. Believed to be their first win in three years, Bull Inn C were ecstatic with the 3-2 at home to Oxford Arms. It went down to the last leg - and that was mighty close - 4-3 to the Bull. Many congratulations!!

Sixers - Paul Hudders, Bobby Allen, Tony Nichols, Ray Manning,

Phil Allen

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This year, because the 17th June - the night of our pairs' competitions - is also the evening England play their first match in the FIFA World Cup, I've had to change the aunt sally schedule quite a bit.

It will start at each venue at 7 o'clock. Teams need to book in and register by 6.45pm
The numbers at each venue have been reduced in an effort to get it 'done and dusted' way before kick off at 9 o'clock
There will be no three stickers at the end of any drawn leg; they'll be played after the third leg if necessary.

PAIRS DRAW - PREMIER AND DIVISION ONE

VENUE - LAUNTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL (TWO PITCHES)

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6.45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE A WINNER ON EACH PITCH

1. Brian Gough and Darren Moore – Bell A

2. Bob Watmough and Chris McKechnie – Bull Inn A

3. Jack Hedger and Rob Keen – Bull Inn A

4. Kevin Powney and Dave Puddle – Bull Inn A

5. Terry Bagnall and John Lehane – Crown CoO A

6. Paul Hodgins and John Hudson – Crown CoO A

7. Francis Hillier and Jeremy Launchbury – Crown CoO A

8. Nick Cherry and Chris Price – Highfield SC

9. Nigel Wakelin and Ray Barson – Highfield SC

10. Rob Bradford and Neil Megson – Rose and Crown

11. Paul Hudders and Ant Bradbeer – Rose and Crown

12. Tyler Andrews and Phil Allen – Shakespeare B

PAIRS DRAW - PREMIER AND DIVISION ONE

VENUE – HIGHFIELD SOCIAL CLUB

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6.45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE A WINNER

1. Norman Brock and Clive Lampitt – Highfield SC

2. Bill Mellis and Nigel King – Highfield SC

3. Dave Reast and James Kirtland – Rose and Crown

4. Bobby Allen and Doug Revitt – Shakespeare B

5. Steve Payne and Pete Litten – Shakespeare Originals

6. Nathan Litten and Andy Grose – Shakespeare Originals

PAIRS DRAW - PREMIER AND DIVISION ONE

VENUE – SHAKESPEARE

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6.45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE A WINNER

1. Ray Rowe and Dan Jobling – Bell A

2. Liam Fisher and Liam Merchant – Red Cow

3. Ian Cantwell and Roger Herbert – Red Cow

4. Lee Wanless and Karl Budd – Shakespeare B

5. Billy Atwell and Pete Dempsey – Shakespeare B

6. Tony Nichols and Erik Poslusny – Shakespeare Originals

PAIRS DRAW - DIVISION TWO

VENUE – HUNDRED ACRES, BICESTER

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6.45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE A WINNER

1. Dave Futter and Mav Giles – Bull Inn B

2. Mike Robertson and Mark Mulcahy – Chandos Arms

3. Ricky Hartland and Brian Hartland – Chandos Arms

4. Jamie Wiltshire and Greg English – Kings Head

5. Steve Golder and Sophie Thomson – Launton S&S A

6. Derek Richards and Terry Smith – Launton S&S A

VENUE – CHANDOS ARMS, OAKLEY

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6.45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE A WINNER

1. Robert Taylor and John Fitsell – Chandos Arms

2. Paul Kilpin and John Mole – Chandos Arms

3. Jeff Ball/Jim Harris/Kyle Richards – Launton S&S

4. Pat Hingley and Les Brooks – Tiddington CC

5. Nigel Bower and Pete Farrell – Tiddington CC

6. Ray Manning and Graham Bristow – Tiddington CC

PAIRS ENTRIES - DIVISION THREE

THESE MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED ON TWO PITCHES AT THE BULL INN, LAUNTON

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6,45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE A WINNER ON EACH PITCH (TWO PAIRS LEFT)

1. Steve Webb and Jim Ridgley – Barley Mow A

2. Terry Hawkins and Charlotte Cherry Smith – Barley Mow B

3. Charlie Loveday and Lee Gardiner – Barley Mow B

4. Dave Gardiner and Kevin Gardiner – Barley Mow B

5. Adam Lazaruk and Daren Vythelingum – Chearsley Cricketers

6. Harry Lazaruk and Joe Watson – Chearsley Cricketers

7. Charlie Govier and Jack Govier – Long Crendon VC

8. Paul Davies and Spencer Watts – Long Crendon VC

9. Maurice Pykett and Graham Boswell – Long Crendon VC

PAIRS DRAW - DIVISION FOUR

VENUE – BUTCHERS ARMS, FRINGFORD

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6.45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE TWO PAIRS LEFT

1. Carl Reed and Lee Conway – Ardley Utd FC

2. Steve Gass and Karl Wright – Ardley Utd FC

3. John Plested and Shaun Wickens – Butchers Arms

4. Ben Wright and Dave Vear – Ex Services

5. Mark Stocker and Tracey Denton – Ex Services

6. John Clutterbuck and Andy Douglas – Ex Services

7. Dave Morris and Jon Goodson – Pheasant B

PAIRS DRAW - DIVISION FIVE

VENUE – OLIVE TREE, BICESTER

7 O’CLOCK START - TEAMS TO BOOK IN BY 6.45 AND THE DRAW WILL THEN BE MADE

TO BE PLAYED DOWN TIL WE HAVE TWO PAIRS LEFT

1. Karen Blainey and Paul Mitchell – Bull Inn C

2. Ashley Young and Joe Young – Hundred Acres

3. Ben Tricker and Ross Arrowsmith – Hundred Acres

4. Ross Milne and Graham Milne – Olive Tree

5. Geraint Parry and Gary John – Olive Tree

6. Georgia Hodges and Tom Mitchell – Olive Tree

7. Kenny Stephen and Ian Angell – Swan GU

8. Tom Ward and Terry Newman – Swan GU

Best of three legs. No three stickers at the end of any drawn leg. A three sticker will only be played at the end of the third leg, if the match is level at that stage. And then stay on three sticks, if necessary

Phil Allen

CUP AND PLATE SEMI FINALS

The draws for the cup and plate semi finals to be played on 19th August came up with:

League Cup

Shakespeare B v Crown CoO A (neutral venue to be arranged)

Rose & Crown v Shakespeare Originals (neutral venue to be arranged)

League Plate

Bull Inn A v Bull Inn B

Bell A v Brill S&SC A

Intermediate Cup

Ardley Utd FC v Barley Mow B

Long Crendon VC v Plough MG Two

Intermediate Plate

Crown CoO B v Bell B

Barley Mow A v Chearsley Cricketers

Supplementary Cup Final (to be played at Launton S&S on Friday 11th September)

Olive Tree v Clifden Arms

Supplementary Plate Final (to be played at Launton S&S on Wednesday 9th September)

Oxford Arms v Swan GU

Phil Allen

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Morning all, despite my initial 'cock-up' of putting the pairs competitions on the same evening as the first of England's FIFA World Cup fixtures, the number of entries isn't at all too bad. The list of players I have, is attached. Please study it and let me know of any anomalies. Bear in mind, I receive names face to face, by email, WhatsApp, text message, entry forms in my letter box - so, a very good chance I could well have missed someone.

1. Ray Rowe & Dan Jobling – Bell A

2. Brian Gough & Darren Moore – Bell A

3. Bob Watmough & Chris McKechnie – Bull Inn A

4. Jack Hedger & Rob Keen – Bull Inn A

5. Dave Puddle & Kev Powney – Bull Inn A

6. Terry Bagnall & John Lehane – Crown CoO A

7. Paul Hodgins and John Hudson – Crown CoO A

8. Francis Hillier & Jeremy Launchbury – Crown CoO A

9. Norman Brock & Clive Lampitt – Highfield SC

10. Nick Cherry & Chris Price – Highfield SC

11. Bill Mellis & Nigel King – Highfield SC

12. Nigel Wakelin & Ray Barson – Highfield SC

13. Liam Merchant & Liam Fisher – Red Cow

14. Ian Cantwell & Roger Herbert – Red Cow

15. Rob Bradford & Neil Megson – Rose & Crown

16. Paul Hudders & Ant Bradbeer – Rose & Crown

17. Dave Reast & James Kirtland – Rose & Crown

18. Bobby Allen & Doug Revitt – Shakespeare B

19. Lee Wanless & Karl Budd – Shakespeare B

20. Pete Dempsey & Billy Atwell – Shakespeare B

21. Tyler Andrews & Phil Allen – Shakespeare B

22. Tony Nichols & Erik Poslusny – Shakespeare Originals

23. Steve Payne & Pete Litten – Shakespeare Originals

24. Nathan Litten & Andy Gtrose – Shakespeare Originals

To be played at

Launton S&S (two pitches)

Highfield SC

Shakespeare

The draw will be made this coming Wednesday (3rd June) and published a day or two later.

Hosting pubs/clubs have been warned that the aunt sally will start at 7 o'clock, with players arriving from 6.30 pm onwards.

Phil Allen

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The results of last night's cup and plate matches are on the results page. The draws for the semi finals will be made and published in the next couple of weeks.

In the Supplementary Cup and Plate (Division Five),

the Olive Tree will play Clifden Arms in the Cup final on finals night on Friday 11th September

Oxford Arms will play Swan Grendon Underwood in the Plate final on Wednesday 9th September

Phil Allen

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Wow, our current league champions got walloped 5-0 by, I reckon, this year's league champions - the Rose & Crown. Credit where credit is due, the R & C put together a terrific team performance totalling 94 dolls with Paul Hudders hitting 21 and Rob Bradford 20. And should they keep up that sort of form, they're not going to be easy to catch. Bell A put together a much improved home performance to see off the Red Cow 4-1. Brian Gough (17), Darren Moore (16) and Billy Craig with 15 set the ball rolling for the home side whilst Liam Fisher responded with 17. I did hear James Harkness was well on the way for (possibly) his first ever six, got the jitters and missed with his last. Tough luck Harky but well done anyway. Well on their way to a 5-0 whitewash victory away at Bull Inn A, needing just one to draw, two to win from an 'up and coming' Sid Bagnall, he fluffed it with a blob. Nevertheless, four points which keeps the Crown CoO A top of Division One - just one point ahead of Shakespeare Originals who, with Steve Payne's 16, did actually manage a whitewash over the Highfield SC.

A 4-1 home victory for the Kings Head over Chandos Arms has put them a point clear at the top of Division Two. Greg English top scored for them with 17 dolls, including a six, whilst Robert Taylor and John Fitsell both hit 15 for the visitors. Two legs apiece up at Pheasant A, going into the last, and the Nut Tree sneaked it 9-7 to keep them in second place. A couple of terrific individual scores up at Brill S&SC - who beat Bull Inn B 4-1 - where Phil Chanel hit 18 for the home side as did Dave Futter for the visitors. Launton S&S A were very joyous on their return after beating Tiddington CC 4-1. Ray Manning hit 15 for the home side (including a six) and Steve Golder replied with the same score for the visitors.

In the battle of the Barley Mowers, 'twas touch 'n go, going into the last. Two each and Barley Mow A set - ten on the board. With a couple of 'unwanted' blobs thrown in, the B side fell two dolls short. Dave Gardiner hit 14 for the B's. The A team keep their noses in front at the top of the table after second placed Long Crendon VC lost 3-2 at the KEA - and that's after winning the first two legs. Chearsley Cricketers got the better of Plough MG One 3-2 with Adam Lazaruk hitting 15.

A 3-2 win for the Butchers Arms at Fox Souldern takes them level on points with their opponents at the top of Division Four. Andy Thomas (13), Alan West (12) and Shaun Wickens (11) did the damage for the Butchers with Dan Kimber replying with 12 for the Fox. Fifteen dolls for Tracey Denton (including a six), thirteen for Rick Gumbert and ten for Mark Stocker helped the Ex Services to easily their best result of the season - a 5-0 whitewash over the Pheasant B. With the benefit of Karl Wright's 11 dolls, a 3-2 victory for Ardley Utd FC over Bell B, takes the football club to the top of the table.

Into Division Five, with the Hundred Acres having a bye, Buckingham FC's 3-2 victory over the Olive Tree sees them close the gap a little and into second place. Great to see our two new teams, the Clifden Arms and the Oxford Arms, turning out with enough - in fact, surplus - players each week. Keep it going ladies and gents - practice makes perfect!! In their match against each other on Wednesday, it went 3-2 in favour of the Oxford Arms. Similarly - and, it's great to see - Bull Inn C appear to have a recent influx of players - eight on Wednesday as they went to Swan GU (who, likewise, had eight) - and the Swan won 3-2. Well done all, keep it going.

Phil Allen

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On yet another bitterly cold - and, at times, wet evening - despite the Crown CoO A taking a couple of legs off them, the Rose & Crown still managed a 3-2 victory to keep themselves at the top of the Premier Division. Rob Bradford put together another decent individual performance with 19 (including a six), as did Terry 'Sid' Bagnall (less the six though!). With Dougie Revitt throwing well again (20 dolls, including his second six of the season), Shakespeare B are hot on the tails of the R&C after securing a 4-1 home win over Bell A. So, what a game we have in prospect this coming Wednesday - R&C at home to Shakey B! Nigel King also managed a six in his 15 dolls as Highfield SC took three legs off Bull Inn A (Kev Powney hit 15 for them too). Great to see Liam Merchant back in action again for the Red Cow as they took three legs off the visiting Shakespeare Originals. Weatherwise, not a night when you would have wanted any three stickers - yet their first two legs went that way (one apiece). Pete Litten was well on the way to a decent evening - 13 dolls in his first four legs - and then the inevitable! Yeh, a X!

Three teams are tied on ten points at the top of Division Two, but with a 5-0 whitewash over Launton S&S, Kings Head - who are having a great start at the higher level - have leapfrogged the Nut Tree and Bull Inn B to get their hands on that top spot. Tied at two legs each with Tiddington CC, the Nut Tree sneaked the last 9-6. Again, not wanting any three stickers - but even moreso up at Brill - the Pheasant's A team's first two legs against Bull B went that way - both in favour of the Bull as they went on to win 4-1. Another to be tied on two legs each, and the third to be the deciding factor, was the local derby at Chandos Arms where Brill S&SC A took the honours 3-2. Lee Mason top scored with 14 with Brian Hartland, Robert Taylor (in his first game of the season) and John Fitsell hitting eleven each, as did Phil Chanel for the visitors.

Barley Mow A and Long Crendon VC - who both won 3-2 at home on Wednesday - are tied on points and dolls at the top of Division Three. With anchorman Jim Ridgley hitting 13 for them, Barley Mow A beat Plough MG One whilst Long Crendon - with Graham Boswell clanging off 12 - chalked up the same result against Crown CoO B; described by Paul Davies as "Great night apart from the rain, wind and cold. Nice chilli to warm up". The match between KEA Club and Chearsley Cricketers was postponed - waterlogged pitch.

In their rearranged previously postponed fixture, played on Tuesday evening, Fox Souldern won 3-2 at Bell B - despite 14 dolls from Doug Schuts and 13 from Ryan McNally for the Bell - and then lost 4-1 at home to Pheasant B with John Goodson hitting 12 for the visitors. Lee Conway's 13 and Carl Reed's 12 set Ardley Utd FC up nicely for a 5-2 whitewash win at Plough MG Two - described by the home captain Brian McCann as "Plough MG Two lost 5-0 on a wet, cold and windy night, but had a great laugh despite it all" - that's what we like to hear!! Bell B recovered terrifically well from their previous night's defeat to beat their near neighbours, Ex Services, 4-1. Doug Schuts - with another 14 - and Ryan McNally's 10 did the damage once again. Unsurprisingly, they both sit at the top of Division Four's top doll scorers table.

Hundred Acres continued their great start to the season taking all five points at Bull Inn C and have now opened up a five point gap over the Olive Tree who beat the visiting Clifden Arms 4-1 - and still have a game in hand. It was touch and go at the Oxford Arms as they eventually lost it, 3-2 to the Swan GU.

Phil Allen

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15th May

The draws for the second round of our various cup competitions were made last night, selected by members of the Bell A team (blame them!). Games will be played on 27th May.

LEAGUE CUP

Crown CoO A v Red Cow

Shakespeare B v Launton S&S

Highfield SC v Rose & Crown

Kings Head v Shakespeare Originals

LEAGUE PLATE

Nut Tree v Bull Inn B

Bell A v Tiddington CC

Bull Inn A v Pheasant A

Brill S&SC A v Chandos Arms

INTERMEDIATE CUP

Barley Mow B v Plough MG One

Ardley Utd FC v Ex Services

Fox Souldern v Long Crendon VC

Plough MG Two v Butchers Arms

INTERMEDIATE PLATE

Bye v Crown CoO B

Bye v Bell B

KEA v Barley Mow A

Pheasant B v Chearsley Cricketers

SUPPLEMENTARY CUP SEMI FINALS

Olive Tree v Hundred Acres

Clifden Arms v Buckingham FC

SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE SEMI FINALS

Oxford Arms v Bye

Bull Inn C v Swan GU

Phil Allen

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8th May

The results of Wednesday's League, Intermediate and Supplementary cup games are on the

RESULTS page.

Sixer - Tony Nichols

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3rd May

With maximum points and 99 dolls at home to Bell A, the Rose & Crown now sit proudly on top of the Premier and Division One table. Rob Bradford with 20, Dave Reast and Paul Hudders with 19 apiece, Neil Megson 17 and James Kirtland 16 did the damage. In the battle of the Shakeys, 'twas a close one. With each team winning alternate legs and tied at two apiece, the B side won the toss and elected to set. Seventeen - the Originals had already managed that twice so far. Down to eight required for the draw from the last two; ultimately, a six needed from anchorman Pete Litten. A great effort but he/they fell one short. 3-2 to Shakespeare B. Another close one up at the Highfield where the visiting Crown CoO A eventually sneaked it 3-2 - chasing and winning the all important final leg 11-10. Nigel King (Highfield SC) top scored with 17. Another 3-2 scoreline at the Red Cow - again, decided in the final leg - where the home side (and Liam Fisher's 17 dolls) got the better of the Bull Inn A.

Despite going down 3-2 at Bull Inn B, the Nut Tree still cling on to top spot in Division Two - ironically one point ahead of Bull B. Dave Crook top scored for the visitors with 13 with Ruby Giles and Paul Knight both hitting 12 for the home side. With Jamie Wiltshire (15) and John Bradshaw (12) having a great couple of weeks, the Kings Head have had a reasonably decent start to this new season - despite going down 3-2 on their long trek to Tiddington CC. Ray Manning, skippering the home side, also came good with 14. Chandos Arms recovered well from their whitewash last week to inflict a 4-1 'derby' defeat upon the visiting Pheasant A while Brill S&SC got the better of Launton S&S by three legs to two.

With John Smith (13) and Dave Gardiner (16) throwing well in their 'new surroundings' in Division Three, Barley Mow B top the table after their 4-1 victory at Crown CoO B whilst 'near neighbours' Barley Mow A sit in second place after beating KEA Club 3-2. Chearsley Cricketers were well and truly 'bowled over' on their own patch by their visiting neighbours, Long Crendon VC, 4-1.

Butchers Arms won 3-2 away at Pheasant B and take over at the top of Division Four from the Fox Souldern (whose game at Bell B was postponed). Rick Gumbert's 16 dolls for the Ex Services were all in vain as they went down 3-2 to Plough MG Two.

With Joe Young showing his class for the Hundred Acres, they now top Division Five after their 4-1 home win over the Oxford Arms The Clifden Arms recovered from being 3-0 down to win the last two legs - Keith Child finishing with 14 dolls for the home side.

Phil Allen

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27th April

How 'bout we consider playing our aunt sally on every midweek evening in June - surely it'll be a tad warmer than it has been this week. It's been bloody freezing.

Despite the weather, we did get a few who achieved a creditable 17 dolls and three with their first sixes of the season.

In the Premier and Division One, Shakespeare B whitewashed the visiting Bull Inn A, with both Doug Revitt and Lee Wanless contributing with 17 dolls and a six apiece whilst the opposing skipper, Kev Powney, replied with 17 too. Not to be outdone - and proudly join them at the top of the Top Doll Scorers' list with 17 are Pete Dominic (Shakespeare Originals), Kyle Kernan (Red Cow), Jeff Hall (Nut Tree) and Will Oram (Pheasant A). Well done chaps, Crown CoO A, at home to the Red Cow, chasing twelve dolls set by the visitors in the first leg, were well up for it - nine dolls from their first four - but then, a disastrous two blobs from their tailenders! A pretty decent recovery though as they claimed the next four to take it 4-1. A similar scoreline for the Rose and Crown at the Highfield where Rob Bradford's 15 and Dave Reast's 14 contributed greatly for the visitors' victory whilst Chris Price fought hard and did his utmost for the hosts with 14. As well as Pete Dominic's 17 (as mentioned earlier), Pete Litten added another 15 as the Shakespeare Originals convincingly won the first three legs at Bell A. but then fell apart, losing the fourth on a three sticker and the last by just one doll. Eddie Jones's 14 dolls in his four legs for the home side seem almost pointless!! Was Tony Nichols missed? Not one bit!!

In Division Two, with a captain's performance from Jeff Hall (17 dolls) - and a pretty decent performance from the whole team - the Nut Tree whitewashed the visiting Chandos Arms, despite Brian Hartland's best efforts for the visitors - twelve dolls including his first ever six. Well done Brian. With lead-off man Will Oram also topping the evening's scores (17), Pheasant A sneaked a 3-2 victory away at Launton S&S A, Also managing to claim three legs (the first three but then lost the last two), was the newly promoted Kings Head - at home to Brill S&SC. Level pegging at two legs apiece, Bull Inn B were then chasing just seven dolls set by the visiting Tiddington CC - and sneaked it by just one doll !!

A 4-1 home win for the newly formed Barley Mow B - with Terry Hawkins rolling back the years for his 16 dolls - over Plough MG One, despite Lewis Wilson's 15 - sees them top the Division Three table; ironically over their very near neighbours, Barley Mow A, who came up trumps at Long Crendon VC 3-2, again, as we've seen elsewhere, winning the first three legs and conceding the last two. Alvin Knowles shone for the visitors with 15 whilst Spencer Watts (according to my records) had his best ever aunt sally evening with twelve for the home side. In a fairly-ish close call at Chearsley Cricketers, tied at two apiece, it suddenly came to life in the final leg - can't work out from the card who set but the visiting Crown CoO B (with skipper Nick Paterson 's five) eventually claiming it 16-12.

In Division Four, twas rather a close one at Plough MG Two where, eventually, the visiting Fox Souldern claimed all five legs and top the table. Another close one it was too at the Butchers Arms where they got the better of Bell B, claiming four legs; John Plested shining with 12. Two all, going into the last at Ardley Utd FC, when they put their foot down and got the better of the Ex Services 15-8.

Three five-nil whitewashes in Division Five - the Olive Tree over Bull Inn C, Buckingham FC at the 'newbies' Oxford Arms, and the Hundred Acres at the Swan Grendon Underwood. But, nevertheless, it's great to see such 'enthusiasm' shown by the Oxford Arms and Swan who both fielded nine players. Chins up and keep it going! Eleven dolls apiece for Graham Milne and Will Skinner for the Olive Tree and Alex Francis for Buckingham FC.

Phil Allen

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The draws for the first rounds of the League, Intermediate and Supplementary Cups - to be played on 6th May - were made on Wednesday evening and went like this.

LEAGUE CUP

Crown CoO A v Nut Tree

Rose & Crown v Chandos Arms

Tiddington CC v Red Cow

Brill S&SC v Shakespeare B

Shakespeare Originals v Bull Inn B

Bull Inn A v Highfield SC

Launton S&S v Pheasant A

Bell A v Kings Head

INTERMEDIATE CUP

Plough MG Two v Crown CoO B

Long Crendon VC v Pheasant B

Ex Services v Bell B

Fox Souldern v Chearsley Cricketers

Butchers Arms v KEA Club

Barley Mow A v Ardley Utd FC

Plough MG One v Bye

Barley Mow B v Bye

SUPPLEMENTARY CUP

Swan GU v Clifden Arms

Buckingham FC v Bye

Olive Tree v Bull Inn C

Oxford Arms v Hundred Acres

Phil Allen

No sooner had I sent the fixtures out yesterday and I received the sad news that the Crown Twyford are unfortunately unable to raise a team this forthcoming season. A great shame, as they've been members as far back as I can remember - 20 years or so. So, obviously, that requires a slight change. And that is, Ardley United FC will move from Division Three to become team number 7 in Division Four. KEA Club (Division Three) and Ex Services (Division Four) please note because you are the teams who it affects on the first night of the season.

The new fixtures list has been updated - but, to save you all searching, it only affects those in Dvisions Three and Four - nothing else has changed.

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Join us for our charity

"Orange Day Aunt Sally"

event.

All are welcome.

League Players and Non-League competitions.

£5 entry fee. Cash and Trophy to be won in each competition.

Registration opens 1.30pm for 2pm start.

1st April 2026

Afternoon all, here goes! With the summer league about to start three weeks today, I guess you're all waiting patiently for the fixtures list - well, it is on the Fixtures page along with captains' contact numbers as requested. Whilst we've ended up with 38 teams - one more than last year - if there is a pub or club who would like to put a team (or another team) in, it is very likely that we can still do that. Get in touch with me soonest.

Please read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the fixtures and let me know if there are any glaring errors!

There are a few changes which I must also explain.

Premier and Division One - Pheasant A have gone down to Division Two with Bull Inn A being promoted to replace them.

Division Two - Chandos Arms won Division Three quite convincingly - as did Kings Head in Division Four - and they'll both be promoted to Div Two.

Divisions Three, Four and Five - The Ashton Club, Fox B Souldern and Bicester Bowls Club are no longer playing - but we welcome Clifden Arms, Worminghall and Oxford Arms, Kirtlington. And there's been a bit of 'sideways movement' within those divisions to suit.

Division Five - Bull Inn C, who moved last season to become Launton S&S B, have gone back to the Bull once again! Got it?

Now that I've got the fixtures to you, many of you will see a bit of 'movement' on WhatsApp soon as I move results reporters from one division to another.

Incidentally, now I've mentioned results, with me trying to get interested bodies to take over some of my tasks, I'm pleased to announce that Roger Herbert will be recording the results for Premier/Division One and Division Two each week, as will Nick Cherry for Divisions Three and Four. Dave Puddle will do likewise for Division Five. Results will come out to you as previously, through me - on a Sunday morning.

Whilst on about result reporting and recording, they will be using a different system to my normal Excel spreadsheets. And with that, it is vitally important that result sheets are completed 100% correctly. I'll be sending out the result sheet template separately, fairly soon, together with explanatory notes on its completion.

Chins up, it's supposed to get warmer soon!

Phil Allen

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18th March

Afternoon all, a terrific attendance at last night's summer league AGM - 43 by my reckoning (a record!). The minutes of that meeting are attached.

Whilst I've got your attention, after we went around the room on Any Other Business I forgot to come back to my notes I had written down! Basically, whilst we briefly discussed (in fact, I did all the talking - it wasn't a discussion!), I did not emphasise enough how vitally important the individual sponsorship contributions have been. It's quite clear when looking at the registration and competition fees that, they alone, are not enough to cover our expenditure. And I now realise I didn't thank those individuals enough; so, to those of you who did help me with your contributions, please accept my thanks and my apologies for not doing so last night. I, as treasurer, wouldn't have been able to manage without your help. Please bear in mind, trophies alone cost £3,030. Thanks once again.

Also the rules have been updated and the Minutes of the AGM are on the AGM page,

Phil Allen

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13th March

This end of the indoor aunt sally season report is very much the same as the last few years - I have no real reason to change it. With a season's worth of banter and the occasional musical accompaniment thrown in(We love you Ryan, we do!!), we had two fantastic evenings to close it all down. Who'd want it any other way? Well done to each and every one of you - whether you were a trophy winner or not; it's been great spending my Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with you all.

Roger and Nick both did a great job in their first season as "secretary" - but it did leave me rather bored with very little to do! I wish them well for the future.

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

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

A couple of sixers too - a little too late to get a trophy I'm afraid.

Tuesday - Ian Cantwell
Wednesday - Paul Hodgins

Oh yeh, many thanks to you all for my "retirement" presents; much appreciated.

Now let's get ourselves prepared (winter jackets at the ready) for the summer league which starts on 22nd April. The AGM for the summer season will be held this coming Tuesday (17th March) at the Ex Services Club, starting at 7.30 pm. Although our rules don't specify that each team has to be represented at the meeting, it would be great to see you there.

TUESDAY INDOOR LEAGUE - 2026

League Champions Red Cow

Runners Up The Wurzels

Handicap League Champions Launton S&S B

Runners Up Bell

Knockout Cup Winners Red Cow

Runners Up Highfield SC

Knockout Plate Winners Barley Mow

Runners Up Bell

Two and a Half Pairs Cup Winners The Wurzels

Runners Up Highfield SC

Two and a Half Pairs Plate Winners Red Cow (no plate)

Runners Up Launton S&S B

Triples Winners Terry Hawkins, Baz Bazile, Charlotte Cherry Smith

Runners Up Tracey Denton, Dave Gardiner, Charlie Loveday

Pairs Winners Liam Fisher and Stewart Kernan

Runners Up Karl Budd and Doug Revitt

Singles Winner Tony Nichols

Runner Up Ryan McNally

League Top Doll Scorer Karl Budd

WEDNESDAY INDOOR LEAGUE – 2026

League Champions Misfits

Runners Up Bell

Handicap League Champions The Cherries

Runners Up Misfits

Knockout Cup Winners Bandits

Runners Up The Cherries

Knockout Plate Winners Shakespeare

Runners Up Bell

Two and a Half Pairs Cup Winners Misfits

Runners Up Unwanted

Two and a Half Pairs Plate Winners Shakespeare (no plate)

Runners Up Rose & Crown

Triples Winners Dave Reast, Andy Grose, Steve Cullen

Runners Up Neil Megson, Ray Barson, Pete Dempsey

Pairs Winners Clive Lampitt and Adam Baker

Runners Up Paul Hodgins and Francis Hillier

Singles Winner Dougie Revitt

Runner Up Karl Budd

League Top Doll Scorer Dougie Revitt

Phil Allen

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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 is not 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 Rose & Crown Runners up Red Cow

Division Two Champions Bull Inn A Runners up Brill S&SC A

Division Three Champions Chandos Arms Runners up Ashton Club

Division Four Champions Kings Head Runners up Fox B

Division Five Champions Bell B Runners up KEA Club

2. Top doll scorer – Rob Bradford (Rose & Crown) – new to the league this year with an average of 3.69 dolls per legs. In conversation with him on Finals Night, he “really has enjoyed his first season with us”.

Division Two’s top doll scorer – Kevin Powney (Bull Inn A) – 2.69 per leg.

Division Three – Robert Taylor (Chandos Arms) – 2.76.

Division Four – Greg English (Kings Head) – 2.60.

Division Five – Kerry White – 2.18

Ladies Top Doll Scorer – Aimee Sheehan – 2.10

3. Finals night – Exactly as I said last year, a truly brilliant atmosphere once again - “an aunt sally spectacle”! Despite the threat earlier in the day that we could possibly be in for a wet night, thankfully, that didn’t happen. In the 16 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 earlier in the day.

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. 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

Shakespeare B claimed “the double” (league and cup) with a win over the Rose & Crown.

League Plate Winners

Red Cow beat Launton S&S A 2-0.

Intermediate Cup Winners

Fox B overcame the challenge of the Barley Mow.

Intermediate Plate Winners

Ashton Club beat newcomers to the league, Kings Head 2-0,

Supplementary Cup Winners

Bell B beat another ‘new to the league side’ Swan Grendon Underwood.

Supplementary Plate Winners

The Olive Tree, another team new to us, won by default as their opponents, Bicester Bowls Club, were unable to raise a team.

Phil Allen Triples Winners

Red Cow (Liam Fisher, Roger Herbert and Liam Merchant) beat the Highfield SC (Nigel King, Nick Cherry and Chris Price).

The Terry Hawkins Pairs Cup

Rob Bradford and Neil Megson (Rose & Crown) beat Darren Moore and Brian Gough (Bell A).

Division Two Pairs Cup Winner

Dave Futter and Paul Knight (Bull Inn B) saw off the threat of Sophie Thomson and Steve Golder (Launton S&S A).

Division Three Pairs Cup Winners

Jim Ridgley and Richard Haynes (Barley Mow) got the better of Robert Taylor and Geoff Bradley (Chandos Arms).

Division Four Pairs Cup Winners

Martin Hartwell and Luke Kimber (Fox B) beat The Olive Tree pairing of Will Skinner and Ross Milne.

The Steve Huntley Memorial Singles Shield Winner

Dougie Revitt (Shakespeare B) retained the shield by beating team mate Bobby Allen.

The Laurie Welford Memorial Division Two Dave Futter (Bull Inn A) got the better of Ray Manning

Singles winner (Tiddington CC) to win his second trophy of the evening.

Division Three Singles winner

Played on Wednesday at the Plate finals evening, Paul Symonds (Plough MG One) beat Kym Jones (Plough MG Two).

Division Four Singles winner

Greg English (Kings Head) rounded off what has been a very good season for himself by beating Shaun Wickens

(Butchers Arms).

Division Five Singles Winner

Kerry White (Bicester Bowls Club) won this one by default as his opponent was unavailable.

Ladies Singles winner

Charlotte Cherry Smith (Lower Heyford S&SC) retained the trophy by beating Karen Blainey (Launton S&SC B).

4. 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.

5. The secretary spoke at length, reminding everyone that, after offering his resignation at the AGM way back in March, no-one has yet shown any serious interest in taking over any of the five available posts. More of this nearer to the beginning of next season.

6. This is probably the last you’ll hear from me as secretary until mid-February when we’ll (whoever it may be) 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.

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

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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