Very pleasing turnouts for both pairs competitions this week; 24 pairs on Tuesday and 22 on Wednesday.  Some terrific throwing too.

On Tuesday, it was very deserving that Nigel King - who had hit two sixes during the course of the evening - should win his way through to the final with his Bull team mate Kevin Powney.  In it they will come up against Mr&MrsFits pair Karl Budd and Billy Atwell, who had to see off some tough opposition en route.

On Wednesday, last year's winners Bobby Allen and Dougie Revitt will battle out the final with Misfits team mates Brian Gough and Dave Reast.  Some terrific throwing saw sixes for Terrry Hawkins, Andy Grose, Karl Budd and Dougie Revitt.  Well done chaps.

Sixers - Tuesday - Nigel King (2)

           - Wednesday - Terry Hawkins, Andy Grose, Karl Budd, Dougie Revitt

Phil Allen

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Bit of a merry-go-round going on in the Tuesday league recently.  A couple of weeks ago Mr&MrsFits took advantage of the Red Cow having to play the evening with just four players and the Bull dropping 'silly' points, leapfrogging both of them to take over at the top.  Then, last week, the Red Cow dropped further behind after getting just five points whilst the others both managed ten.  And now, this week, the Bull with a maximum twelve - six against Mr&MrsFits - have returned to top spot.  Kev Powney (Bull Inn) did the damage with 27 on the night, including a six in his 15 in the first match.  The Red Cow played well in their first match - against Lower Heyford S&SC - to claim all six points, but then lost the lot against Mr&MrsFits; and, with Launton S&S rattling up ten, the Red Cow drop a further place whilst the Launton side have risen and are getting rather dizzy in third place!

In the Wednesday league, did someone upset the Misfits last week?   Missing a couple of 'decent' players, they only managed two points; but, this week, they certainly came back with a vengeance - maximum points and 107 dolls.  Dougie Revitt got 28 of those, Brian Gough 24 (including his third six of the season)  and Bobby Allen 23.  The Unwanted, after a couple of indifferent weeks, came good this time round with a maximum 12 points to reclaim second spot. - Kev Powney with 23 and Pete Dempsey 20 helping their cause.  Ray Rowe did his utmost to ensure the Bell 'remain up there somewhere' - a total of 18 dolls, including a six.  Despite the Shakespeare only getting two points on the night, Andy Grose had a decent evening for them with 19 (9 and 10).

Sixers - Tuesday - Kevin Powney

           - Wednesday - Brian Gough, Ray Rowe

This coming week we have the pairs competitions. which will start at the normal time of 7.45 on each evening.  The draws for both evenings are on the Fixtures page.

Phil Allen

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

A little earlier this week, got a busy weekend ahead.

On Tuesday, an out of form Red Cow team lost a bit of ground on the leading two.  Scoring only six in their first leg against Bell C, they lost that one and then, in their big clash of the evening against the Bull, despite 11 dolls for Liam Fisher, they were only able to take one point; so, a poor evening with just five points.  Both Mr&MrsFits and the Bull managed eleven.   No sixes on the night but Karl Budd and Phil Allen put in decent performances with 22 (both getting 11 in each match).

In a similar vein to the Red Cow on Tuesday, the Misfits (without Bobby Allen and Dave Reast) had a disastrous Wednesday evening.  Having already lost five legs on the night, they then managed to secure just two points with a win in their last leg against the Bell - the only points the Bell dropped.  The Crown started off their evening terrifically well with all six points off the Misfits, with Karl Budd hitting 15 (including a six) and John Hudson 11.  But then in their second match, against the Shakespeare, they "stupidly" lost a leg and drew another.  The Unwanted, although not throwing well, willingly accepted the ten points they got, courtesy of a 4-2 against The Cherries and a 6-0 over the Ashton Club.  Liam Fisher, playing for The Cherries, upped his game a little from the previous evening claiming two sixes in his 20 dolls.

Sixes - Wednesday - Liam Fisher (2), Karl Budd

Phil Allen

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

Not entirely sure what went wrong yesterday morning, a couple of glaring errors in the report!  Firstly I mentioned that Ian Cantwell had got a six in the Tuesday league and then finished off by saying 'no sixes this week'.  Actually meant to say 'no sixes in the Wednesday league this week'!

And that's not all !!  I even forgot to update the Wednesday league table!  All done and dusted now; the correct version now attached.

Sixer - Tuesday - Ian Cantwell.

Phil Allen

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

On Tuesday evening, with the Bull Inn dropping five points and the Red Cow, with only four players, dropping seven, Mr&MrsFits took full advantage, grabbing maximum points and returning to the top of the table.  Launton S&S, although not playing particularly well themselves, did the damage, taking four points off the Red Cow and five off the Bull.  Individually, Terry Hawkins was on top form for Lower Heyford S&SC with 22 dolls (12 and 10), Ian Cantwell was in his first match with 11 (including a six), Ryan McNally was for Bell B with 6 and 8, and Tyler Andrews had a better week with two 8's.  Keep it up chaps.

On Wednesday evening the Misfits dropped their first point of the season - in the last leg against their nearest rivals, the Unwanted.  They did just as they needed to in their first match against the Ex Services, winning it 6-0, but then turned it up a couple of notches when they were up against the Unwanted; Bobby Allen and Brian Gough with 14 apiece, legs of 19 and 20 but then just dropping off with a 14 - which the Unwanted matched.  Individually, Bobby Allen totalled 23 (9 and 14), Karl Budd hit 22 (13 and 9), as did Liam Fisher (two 11's).  Aimee Sheehan enjoyed her evening too with 16 (7 and 9), as did team mate Chris Hulme with 16 also (10 and 6). 

No sixes this week!

Phil Allen

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The Tuesday league's top three all gained maximum points and have opened up a bit of a gap from the remainder.  Bull Inn didn't throw particularly well themselves but did enough to take the six points off Bell C and to hold on to the top spot.  With Liam Merchant hitting a very creditable 12 and Roger Herbert 10, the Red Cow remain in second place after beating Bell B 6-0.  Karl Budd with 15 and Steve Golder 11 - both hitting a six in the second leg - enabled Mr&MrsFits to take all six points off Lower Heyford S&SC.  In the Knockout Cup the Red Cow beat Bull Inn, Mr&MrsFits beat Lower Heyford S&SC, Ex Services beat Bell B and Launton S&S beat Bell C.

On Wednesday, the Misfits remain at the top after taking all six points against the Shakespeare, with Brian Gough keeping up his great run of form with 13 and Clive Lampitt 11 (including a six in his first leg).  The Crown got it together a bit to take all six against the Bell, whilst The Cherries beat the Ashton 5-1 and the Unwanted beat the Ex Services 4-2.  In the Knockout Cup the Crown progress to the next round after beating The Cherries 2-0, as did the Unwanted against the Ex Services, and the Misfits against the Bell.  The Shakespeare got the better of the Ashton Club by two legs to one.

Sixers - Tuesday - Karl Budd, Steve Golder.

           - Wednesday - Clive Lampitt

Phil Allen

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

With Kev Powney hitting 22 and Nigel King 21, the Bull Inn ran up ten points, and jumped to the top of the Tuesday league.  The Red Cow, also with ten points on the night - courtesy of 21 dolls from Liam Fisher - are hot on their heels in second place.  Coincidentally, they both beat Mr&MrsFits 4-2, who are yet to hit top form this season and drop down to third spot.  

A much improved performance from the Unwanted - a 6-0 victory over the Shakespeare and 4-2 against the Crown (with a 22 leg thrown in, Pete Dempsey and Phil Allen both hitting 23 and Kev Powney 22) - sees them jump into second place behind the (so far) unbeatable Misfits.  Dougie Revitt shone for the Misfits this week with 24, including a six.  Others to hit a 'maximum' on the night were Brian Gough, Phil Allen and Joe Young.  Despite a terrific 14 from Joe Young for the Ashton Club in their match against the Bell, they were still unable to get any points from it - and then also lost 6-0 to the Misfits.

Sixers - Wednesday league - Doug Revitt, Brian Gough, Joe Young, Phil Allen.

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

Don't forget, the indoor league practice night this coming Wednesday, and then the leagues actually starts on Tuesday 11th October and Wednesday 12th October.

A couple of amendments to the fixtures lists issued earlier in the week.  The updated lists are attached.  The changes are:

Tuesdays
    Team H - What was Bell A is now Bell C
    8 November - the 8.55 and 9.30 fixtures have changed around

Wednesdays
     Teams G and H - the Misfits and the Unwanted have been changed
     around.
     9 November - the 8.55 and 9.30 fixtures have changed around

Phil Allen

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The 2022 Indoor Aunt Sally is upon us.  The minutes of last night's AGM are on the AGM page..

The season will start on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th October, with a practice night on Wednesday 5th October.

It appears that the forthcoming football world cup fixtures are not going to cause too much concern.  The decisions made last night were:

Tuesday 29th November - Wales play England.  No aunt sally that night and push the fixtures back (the new fixtures list will clarify it).

Tuesday and Wednesday, 13th and 14th December - world cup semi finals.  Not knowing if any of our football teams are going to be involved, the decision was to play safe and have no aunt sally.

Tuesday 20th December - playing those fixtures which should have been played on 29th November.

Please have registration forms completed and ready to hand in at the first league fixtures night.

Phil Allen

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Wowee, what a finals night that was!  A truly brilliant evening and many thanks to all who came along.

As I said during the presentation, my apologies for the late finish - my fault entirely by making it best of five legs for the team finals (League Cup and Plate and the Intermediate Cup and Plate).  I've learnt from it and will change it next year.

The results are shown on the Results page.

I still have the following trophies which weren't collected on finals night and would be grateful if the relevant parties would get in touch with me to arrange collection.

• Sixers - Bill Mellis, Norman Brock, Barry Moss, Callum Cooper, Jeremy Launchbury
• Division Two runners up - Nut Tree
• Division Three runners up - Highfield SC
• Division Three Pairs runners up - Bill Mellis and Jason Harris

The season, I'm afraid, is now over. - let's look forward to next year.

Phil Allen

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The end is nigh - but all good things must come to an end!  

With only the finals night left, this coming Friday, the 2022 summer season is just about over.  The format for Friday is attached - and on the rear side is a list of those who will receive trophies - please ensure there is someone available to collect them.

Ladies' and Division Four singles

In the ladies' singles played on Wednesday, there were nine contestants.  As one of the finalists is not available to play on Finals Night it was decided to finish it off there and then.  Tracey Denton (Ex Services B) beat Cairene McCann (Marsh Gibbon Village Hall Two).  Well done to all the ladies for turning up and having a go.

Division Four Singles

One group of ten played at the Bull Inn whilst the others (not sure how many) were at Launton Sports and Social.  At the Bull, Keith Lennard (Ex Services B) beat Nick Line (Marsh Gibbon Village Hall) whilst at the other venue, it was Paul Symonds (Marsh Gibbon Village Hall One) who got the better of Rick Gumbert (Ex Services B).  Well done chaps, see you on Friday.

Handicap Cup

Held on Friday at Launton Sports and Social:

Group A - Bull Inn A beat the Bell A

Group B - Barley Mow beat the Ashton Club

Group C - Rose and Crown beat Tiddington CC

Finals Night - Friday 23rd September

The format for Finals Night this coming Friday - along with a list of those who will receive trophies - is as follows:

FORMAT FOR THE EVENING

PITCH ONE PITCH TWO

(on the left) (on the right)

THE PHIL ALLEN THE PHIL ALLEN

FOUR A SIDE CUP SEMI FINAL FOUR A SIDE CUP SEMI FINAL

(Best of three legs) (Best of three legs)

(Draw to be made on the night)

Bell A B (Brian Gough, Chris Hulme, Dan Jobling, Eddie Jones)

Rose & Crown B (Alan Cullen, Clive Lampitt, Dave Reast, Fred Houghton)

Shakespeare B (Bobby Allen, Lee Wanless, Nigel Wakelin, Pete Dempsey)

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

LEAGUE PLATE FINAL INTERMEDIATE PLATE FINAL

(Best of five legs) (Best of five legs)

Bull Inn A v Rose & Crown Crown Twyford v Long Crendon VC

LEAGUE CUP FINAL INTERMEDIATE CUP FINAL

(Best of five legs) (Best of five legs)

Ex Services B v Shakespeare A Brill S&SC A v Launton S&S

THE PHIL ALLEN DIVISION THREE PAIRS FINAL

FOUR A SIDE CUP FINAL (Best of three legs)

(Best of three legs) Richard Pike & Matthew Holmes

(The winners of the semi finals played earlier) v

Bill Mellis & Jason Harris

THE TERRY HAWKINS PAIRS FINAL DIVISION TWO PAIRS FINAL

(Best of three legs) (Best of three legs)

Karl Budd & Kevin Powney Andy Draper & Terry Hawkins

v

Pip Goulding & Pete Shepherd Dave Gardner & Nick Cherry

DIVISION THREE SINGLES FINAL DIVISION FOUR SINGLES FINAL

(Best of three legs) (Best of three legs)

Robert Taylor v Steve Golder Keith Lennard v Paul Symonds

THE LAURIE WELFORD MEMORIAL

DIVISION TWO SINGLES FINAL

(Best of three legs)

Andy Cox v Dave Gardner

THE STEVE HUNTLEY MEMORIAL SHIELD

SINGLES SEMI FINALS AND FINAL

(Best of three legs)

Draw for semi finals will be made on the night

From Clive Lampitt, Kevin Powney

Pete Litten and Wayne Walker

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES

For those playing in the Four a Side semi finals, please ensure players are there by 7.00, ready to start promptly at 7.15.

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

• Premier Division, Divisions One, Two, Three and Four winners (Shakespeare B, Shakespeare A, Red Cow, Launton S&S, Chearsley Cricketers) – sponsored by D Jobling and Son.

• Divisions Two, Three and Four runners up (Nut Tree, Highfield SC, Long Crendon Village Centre)

• Hook Norton Brewery League Cup – sponsored by Brian Gough - winners and runners up.

• League Plate – winners and runners up.

• Intermediate Cup - winners and runners up.

• Intermediate Plate – winners and runners up.

• The Phil Allen Four a Side Cup - winners and runners up.

• The Terry Hawkins Pairs Cup - winners and runners up.

• Divisions Two and Three Pairs - winners and runners up.

• The Steve Huntley Memorial Singles – winner and runner up.

• Divisions Two, Three and Four Singles - winners and runners up.

• Ladies’ Singles – winner and runner up.

• League Top Doll Scorer (Bobby Allen).

• Divisions Two, Three and Four Top Doll Scorers (Liam Fisher, Robert Taylor, Stuart Burnham).

• Ladies’ Top Doll Scorer (Tracey Denton).

• The Sixers champion – sponsored by Karl Budd.

• Sixers trophies – sponsored by Karl Budd – for all of those listed below who have scored a six in a league fixture or competition.

Karl Budd, Bobby Allen, Pip Goulding, Robert Taylor, Pete Dempsey, Dougie Revitt, Brian Gough, Steve Golder, Phil Baker, Erik Poslusny, Andy Poppitt, Kevin Powney, Eddie Jones, Dave Puddle, Dan Jobling, Norman Brock, Rick Gumbert, Jeremy Launchbury, Mike Horn, Callum Cooper, Pete Shepherd, Barry Moss, Jim Harris, Alan Horton, Dave Gardner, Bill Mellis, Kym Jones, Andy Cox, Nick Cherry

Please ensure there is someone in attendance to collect trophies; 

they will not be delivered as in previous years.

  For those taking part in the four a side semi finals (the first matches of the evening), please ensure you're there in plenty of time and ready to start at 7.15pm.

Hot dogs and burgers will be on sale with all money taken being donated to the Hummingbird Centre.

Sixer in the handicap cup semi final - Nick Cherry 

Phil Allen

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

Well done to all who got through last night, commiserations to the rest.

Just an update on the finals at Launton Sports & Social tomorrow night:

8 o'clock on pitch one - Tiddington CC (15) v Rose & Crown (13)

8 o'clock on pitch two - Bell A (13) v Bull Inn A (9)

To follow (the decision on which pitch will be decided as the evening progresses) - Ashton Club (11) v Barley Mow (8)

Phil Allen

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

As already published, the handicap finals will be held this coming Friday at Launton Sports and Social.  We will be using two pitches and will start at 8 o'clock.  Practice will be allowed up until 7.55.

The first final on pitch one (the one on the left) will be Group C (Tiddington CC v either Rose & Crown or Highfield SC) and, at the same time on pitch 2 will be Group A (Bell A or Crown CoO A v Chandos Arms or Bull Inn A).  Group B will then follow on pitch one.

Phil Allen

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

With the Premier down to Division Three's fixtures completed last week, all eyes were on the chase for Division Four's runners up spot and that division's top doll scorer.  

Going into their last games, the Ex Services A were in third place - just one point behind Long Crendon Village Centre - and really needed to take advantage, with a clean sweep, in their home fixture (playing indoors) against Marsh Gibbon Village Hall Two.  They got the start they wanted, sneaking the first leg 9-8; but then, in the second, Kym Jones 'rolled back the years' with a six to pinch that one for the visitors.  From thereon, it was neck and neck, two each going into the last - not what the Ex's wanted anyway, already having dropped two legs. - but they did get the last; final score 3-2.  Kym Jones finished the evening with 15, her best of the season.  Well done.

Twelve miles or so away in Long Crendon, not knowing, of course, how it was going at the Ex's, they needed as many points - five preferably! - and dolls in case the final points tally finished level.  A great start, the first two legs in the bank.  Squeaky bum time!   The third and fourth both went to three stickers - they won one apiece - and then the home side won the last.  Final score 4-1 and enough to secure runners up.  Well done.

With Rick Gumbert (Ex Services A) not throwing at his best over the last three weeks, Stuart Burnham (Chearsley Cricketers) took advantage and sneaked in to pinch the top doll scorer/average by .039 dolls per leg.  Well done Stuart.

Handicap Cup

Well, what a let down the Handicap Cup has proven to be.  I was astonished to be asked during the course of the day "are there any matches tonight?"   And then, even on the night, a match wasn't played 'cos the home side 'didn't know there was a game' - but, somehow, the away team did and travelled!   The decision, and the reasoning for holding the competition, along with the draw, was published, initially, in an email on 25th July; has been on the website since then, and was republished by email last weekend.  Plenty of warning, yet, even after that lot, we still had teams saying they didn't know they were supposed to be playing!  Most annoying and it makes us, the committee, feel we're wasting our time!

Here we are, trying our utmost to provide additional fixtures up until finals night and, out of twelve matches, only seven were played.  The results are shown in the attached spreadsheet.  Next week's semi finals should now be: - I say 'should'' because Brill S&SC A have withdrawn, meaning Tiddington CC go straight through to the final without yet having played a game in the competition!

Group A

Bell A (13) v Crown CoO A (14)

Chandos Arms (10) v Bull Inn A (9)

Group B

Ashton Club (11) v Launton S&S (10)

Barley Mow (8) v Pheasant Inn (12)

Group C

Tiddington CC (15) v Brill S&SC A (withdrawn)

Rose & Crown (13) v Highfield SC (11)

The three group finals will be played at Launton Sports and Social on Friday 16th September.  Depending on whether we can get two pitches set up there (or just the one), the start time will be either 7.30 or 8 o'clock.  It will be published as soon as we are fully aware.

Sixers for the week - Bill Mellis, Andy Cox and Kym Jones

Phil Allen

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Ladies' Singles competition

The following have entered the Ladies' Singles competition which will be held on Pitch Two at the Bull Inn, Launton next Wednesday (the 14th).  Please ensure all contestants are there by 8.15 (even earlier if they wish to practice)

Karen Brock, Debbie Carvell, Danielle Peake (Highfield Social Club)

Helen Barnes, Trudi Gassor (MG Village Hall One)

Cairene McCann, Kym Jones (MG Village Hall Two)

Tracey Denton, Michelle Oakley (Ex Services A)

Amyy Newbold, Kayleigh Newbold (Bell B)

Karen Blaine (Bull Inn B)

Division Four Singles

Below are the names of those who have entered.  They should report to the venues shown by 8.15 (even earlier if they wish to practice).

Bull Inn - Pitch One

Matthew Bailey, Toby Reynolds (MG Village Hall One)

Brian McCann, Cairene McCann, Nick Line (MG Village Hall Two)

Dave Vear, Zak Vear, Keith Lennard (Ex Services A)

Matt Toomey, Chris Hill (Bell B)

Charlie Govier (Long Crendon VC)

Launton Sports & Social

Lewis Wilson, Richard Cox, Paul Symonds (MG Village Hall One)

Matt Orlando, Chris Craighead (MG Village Hall Two)

Rick Gumbert, James Waddup (Ex Services A)

Olly Carvell, Allie Knight, Neil Blatcher, Ryan McNally (Bell B)

Phil Allen

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

Morning all,

Yesterday, as I was preparing the 'weekly' results email, I did plan to explain what the figures in brackets meant - and then, guess what, I forgot to do it (and, understandably, have already been asked).

They are the team's leg average.  To clarify, Bell A have a leg average of 13 dolls and Shakespeare B's is 18; so the Shakey have to give the Bell 5 dolls start in each leg - ludicrous!  In some cases - as for the teams who have had matches postponed - they have been adjusted accordingly.   

Remember, it's all aimed at, firstly, extending the season for you (who wanted to finish on the 31st August anyway?!) and, secondly, trying to match you with different opponents and venues.

Please, bear in mind it's a handicap competition - and that, theoretically, means everyone starts on level par. 

The idea is to add a bit of fun and competitive edge to the season end and give other teams and players the opportunity to possibly play in a team final and, perhaps even win.  The on-going objective is, firstly, to try to ensure we maintain the number of teams in each division, and, hopefully, increase these and encourage more people to play Aunt Sally. 

Division Four

Division Four teams are preoccupied this week, on the 7th, with their final league matches.   And then, on the 14th it's the Division Four singles and the Ladies' Singles (venues to be announced in the next day or so).

Phil Allen

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

Sadly, the league part of the 2022 summer season has come to a close.

As I said last week "If only James Morrison had been available to play regularly for Tiddington Cricket Club, the season's outcome could have been very much different!"  James was up there again this week with 18 dolls, although team mate Pip Goulding outdid him with a terrific 21 dolls (and not a six amongst it).   Although he sits on top of the individual averages, our rules state "they must throw a minimum of 36 league game legs (ie 51%) to count towards top doll."  May be different next season, let's wait and see!

As we already knew, Shakespeare B are Premier, and league, champions and, after losing 4-1 at home to Tiddington Cricket Club, Ex Services B will drop to Division One.  The Shakey, sharing a great evening with the Pheasant lads at Brill, had no real problems in beating them 5-0.  The greatest 'battle on the hill' was between team mates Bobby Allen and Dougie Revitt for the top doll scorer/average.  Dougie had it in his grasp before the match started, but, with not such a good performance by his standards (12), Bobby's 16 was enough to win it by less than a doll per leg over the whole season.  Well done to both players.  Shakespeare A trounced the visiting Bell A (their nearest rivals) in the very first leg (15-9) to ensure they got the point needed to win Division One.     In their first competitive season with us, Tiddington Cricket Club finished as runners up and have shown they are a force to be reckoned with - looking forward to next season already!   With a very creditable 17 dolls from skipper Clive Lampitt, the Rose & Crown Charlton finished off a relatively good first season for them with a 3-2 win over the Crown, Charlton on Otmoor - well done to them.

Incidentally, my roving reporter has been at it once again!

There were vicious rumours circulating before the Phez (Fez!) and Shakey match on Wednesday.

'Madness', I hear you say?  But that was last Friday at Windsor Racecourse!  The reason for such waffle is 'cos, the previous Wednesday, the Pheasant had just beaten the Ex Services B - who had just beaten the Shakespeare B in the two consecutive weeks and had absolutely nothing to do with the 'Return of the Los Palmas7'.  The Shakespeare arrived at the 'House of Fun' (the Pheasant), driving through 'the Sun and the Rain' hoping to have 'One Better Day' and avoid any further embarrassment!

Phil Allen, in his now customary 'Baggy Trousers, Dirty Shirt' , scoring 13, did his bit but it proved to be 'One Step Beyond' Dougie Revitt in his attempt to be this season's top doll scorer as team mate Bobby Allen excelled on the night with an excellent 16 to take the accolade!

Last we heard, the Shakey were celebrating their 5-0 victory on 'The Night Boat to Cairo'!

Highlight of the night was the two ladies throwing after the game had finished and one of them, Laura, hit three on the bounce and was swiftly signed up by the Pheasant captain, Dave Morris!

Anyway, enough of this 'Madness'.  I'll shut up and go now on 'The Wings of a Dove' .  It's been another enjoyable season with plenty of highs and lows - but, most of all, such good fun playing against all the friendly teams we have in our league."

With all five points at the White Horse, and the Nut Tree dropping two at the Ashton Club, the Red Cow are Division Two champions.  Well done gents, and congratulations too to Liam Fisher for finishing as the division's top scorer.  It really didn't prove necessary in the end but, the dolls count for the teams affected by postponed fixtures against Brill S&SC B have been adjusted - by their average at the time of the postponement - and are shown in red in the tables.

Having been at the top of the Division Three table for most of the season, Launton Sports and Social dug deep to grind out a 3-2 victory over the visiting Brill S&SC A - despite 16 for Lee Mason - to ensure they finish as champions.  Highfield Social Club, although not scoring well on the night, secured a 4-1 home win over the Butchers Arms.  With the division's top doll scorer, Robert Taylor, hitting 14 and ably assisted by Paul Kilpin with 12, Chandos Arms also won 4-1 - against Crown CoO B.  

In Division Four, with Chearsley Cricketers already crowned champions, Long Crendon VC almost let slip the runners up spot as they were 2-1 down at one stage; but then, with just a few more dolls, they hung on to win 3-2.  But, the Ex Services, who could really have done with a clean sweep as they 'travelled' to the Bell, also dropped a vital leg - and remain one point behind the Village Centre.  One game apiece to go - the Ex's at home to Marsh Gibbon VH Two and Long Crendon also at home, to Bell B.  Place your bets now, please!  The White Hart - with George Deans pulling the strings with 15 - whitewashed a much weakened Bull B, as did Marsh Gibbon One at home to Launton S&S Divas - Paul Symonds excelling in this one with 17 - and that's in Division Four!; well done Paul, a few good recent weeks!  Very tight at the top of the division's individual scores - Rick Gumbert's been up there (or thereabouts) for the whole of the season, but hot on his heels now is Stuart Burnham who's been clanging them off recently for Chearsley Cricketers.  Place your bets once again, please!

Handicap Cup - first round Wednesday 7th September

Group A

1.  Bell A (13) v Shakespeare B (18)

2.  White Horse (10) v Crown CoO A (14)

3.  Chandos Arms (10) v Brill S&SC B (withdrawn)

4.  Crown CoO B (10) v Bull Inn A (9)

Semi finals will be winners of Match 1 v Match 2 above and winners of Match 3 v Match 4, played on Wednesday 14th September.

Group B

5.  Ashton Club (11) v Butchers Arms (8)
6.  Shakespeare A (13) v Launton S&S (10)
7.  Crown Twyford (9) v Barley Mow (8)
8.  Nut Tree (withdrawn) v Pheasant (12)

Semi finals will be winners of Match 5 v Match 6 above and winners of Match 7 v Match 8, played on Wednesday 14th September.

Group C

9. Fox Souldern (9) v Tiddington Cricket Club (15)

10. Brill S&SC A (10) v Ex Services B (withdrawn)

11. Red Cow (12) v Rose and Crown (13)

12. Lion Wendlebury (9) v Highfield SC (11)

Semi finals will be winners of Match 9 v Match 10 above and winners of Match 11 v Match 12, played on Wednesday 14th September.

The finals for this competition will be played on Friday 16th September at a venue yet to be decided.

Finals Night - Friday 23rd September at Launton Sports and Social.  The format for the evening will be issued shortly.  Because we've not been able to fit in the semi finals for the four a sides elsewhere in the fixture list, they will be played as the first games on finals night, starting at 7.15.  On the evening we will have three pitches set up, with one being the practice pitch - which we hope to be able to use as an overflow match pitch, if necessary.

Next season - planning for next season (already!), I'd be interested to find out your views on whether we should return to the 8 a side format with three leagues or stick to what we're doing at the moment - 6 aside with five legs.  Just your views at the moment.  The format will actually be voted upon and a decision made at the AGM in late January.

Whilst our rules state "provided that the teams remain largely intact at the commencement of each season, the Committee shall, wherever possible, ensure that division winners and runners up from the previous season are promoted and that the bottom two sides be relegated to the next lower division."   We'll have a look at this again before next season when we've decided upon the format, how many teams we have and - more importantly - who's playing/registering for which team. 

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At the moment I've got the following entries for the Division Four and Ladies' singles competitions.  There's still to enter others if you so wish.  The venues are not yet known - two needed for the 'open' competition and one for the ladies.  I'll let you know where they are as I've sorted them out.

         Division Four 'Open' Singles (ladies and men can enter) - 19

• Marsh Gibbon VH One - 3
• Marc=h Gibbon VH Two - 4
• Ex Services - 5
• Bell B - 6
• Long Crendon VC - 1

          Ladies Singles (open to all females within the League) - 11

• Highfield SC - 3
• Marsh Gibbon VH One - 2
• Marsh Gibbon VH Two - 2
• Ex Services - 2
• Bell B - 2

Please let me know if you have anyone else who wants to take part.

Phil Allen

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If only James Morrison had been available to play regularly for Tiddington Cricket Club, the season's outcome could have been very much different!  He's only played 12 league legs and has an average of 3.833 - he's just hit two consecutive 20's - plus another 20 in the cup match against Shakespeare B on 25th May.  With his help, and 18 from Pete Shepherd, the Club won convincingly 5-0 at home to Shakespeare A and finish the season as the Premier Division's runners up.  The 'other' Shakey team, after two consecutive defeats and then, this week, losing the first two legs of their home fixture against Crown CoO A, looked to be in a rather false position - but then, the tables turned, and they eventually won 3-2 - Dougie Revitt ending the night with 19.    After a terrific evening up on the hill at the Pheasant - both weather and scenic-wise - the Ex Services B's 3-2 defeat, and a forthcoming home fixture against Tiddington CC, sees them sitting precariously at the foot of the table with legs and fingers crossed, hoping results go their way next week to enable them to retain their Premier status.  With the Bell A losing 3-2 at the Rose and Crown, Shakespeare A still maintain their position at the of Division One despite their 5-0 aforementioned defeat.  Not difficult to work out who needs a clean sheet when the Shakey host the Bell this Wednesday!

The race for the Division Two title went the way of the Nut Tree with a 3-2 home victory over their nearest rivals, the Red Cow, despite Liam Fisher with 19 and Ian Cantwell with 15 for the losers.  The surprise of the evening though was Dick Franklin finding 15 from somewhere!  It's not done and dusted yet.  This week sees the Nut Tree visit the Ashton Club - who'll still be fighting to snatch that runners up spot - and the Red Cow travel to the White Horse.  The Nut Tree and the Ashton Club both had games postponed against Brill S&SC B; so, if the need arises, the doll scores will be adjusted accordingly.  Despite only having five players, Brill S&SC B won two legs away at the Bull A.  The White Horse sneaked the first leg at The Lion by one doll - and then, it went downhill thereafter (including the final leg when all six of them could muster up just one doll between them!) as they lost 4-1.  

Bit of a squeaky bum time for table toppers, Launton S&S, in Division Three as they struggled to beat the Fox Souldern 3-2.  Steve Golder weighed in with a much needed 14 but the evening's plaudits have to go to Jim Harris with a captain's innings of 13, including a 6 in the second leg.  Hot on their heels (as they have been all season), but losing ground a little with their 3-2 defeat at the Crown CoO B (who hit a creditable 68 dolls) are the Highfield SC.  Barry Reynolds top scored with 16 for the home side and Norman Brock did so with 14 for the visitors.  With 17 dolls, Lee Mason had a great evening for Brill S&SC A in their easy win over the Butchers Arms.

Whilst Chearsley Cricketers already crowned champions of Division Four, the runners up spot is still up for grabs - between Long Crendon VC and Ex Services A (as it has been for most of the season).  They played each other last Wednesday, with many of the village side experiencing playing indoors for the very first time.  Didn't take them too long to get accustomed though, rattling up a 3-1 lead before losing the 'expensive' beer leg.  In the Divas v Cricketers game, Stuart Burnham hit a terrific 17 dolls (including a blob in the fourth) with Daren Vythelingum ably supporting him with 14.

Handicap Cup - In the handicap cup ties to be played on 7th September, the Nut Tree and Brill S&SC B have withdrawn.  This means their opponents - the Pheasant and Chandos Arms - will not have a game that evening and will progress straight through to the semi finals on the 14th.

The leg averages (hence, handicaps) will be calculated and published next week after the final games.

Sixer - Jim Harris

Phil Allen

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Unbelievable!  The Ex's B came up with the goods last week to beat the Shakespeare B in their league match - and did the same again on Wednesday in the League Knockout Cup semi final.  The first leg did the whole circle (6 sticks, 3, 1 and back to six) before the Ex's won it.  With a decent set of 19 in the next, it went to the Shakey.   Much the same in the next two legs and it was tied at two apiece.  Not really wanting to win the toss for the decider, it went to the Shakey who went in and set just 14.  Dave Puddle (throwing number four for the Ex's) then chipped in with a crucial four for the chasers, leaving them two to draw, three to win with two to go.  Mason Walker tied the leg.  Up steps Kev Powney, left it to the death and got the winner with his last stick.  Through to the final - well done Ex Services B - where they'll meet the 'other' Shakespeare team who won comfortably 3-0 against an underperforming Crown CoO A.

In the League Plate semi, the Rose and Crown won 3-0 against the visiting Pheasant, with the second leg doing the rounds (6 sticks, 3 and 1).  The other semi went the whole five legs (including a three sticker in the first) with the Bull Inn A eventually getting the better of Brill S&SC B 3-2.

In the Intermediate Cup, the Brill S&SC A won 3-2 at home against the Ex Services A whilst Launton S&S won 3-0 at home to the 'travelling' Bull Inn B team.

Crown Twyford won 3-2 at the Fox Souldern to reach the Intermediate Plate final where they'll be up against Long Crendon Village Centre who got the better of Chandos Arms 3-0.  What a great season it could turn out to be for the Village Centre's first season in the league.

Phil Allen

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Just so you can let your players know tomorrow night what's happening next week (the 17th), here's a reminder of the cup semi final draws.  If your team's not mentioned, I'm afraid you didn't get through and don't have a game!

Cup and Plate Semi Final Draws - to be played on 17th August

Knockout Cup

Crown CoO A v Shakespeare A (venue still to be decided)

Ex Services B v Shakespeare B (venue still to be decided)

Knockout Plate

Rose & Crown v Pheasant Inn

Bull Inn A v Brill S&SC B

Intermediate Cup

Brill S&SC A v Ex Services A

Launton S&S v Bull Inn B

Intermediate Plate

Fox Souldern v Crown Twyford

Long Crendon VC v Chandos Arms

With a 4-1 victory away at Bell A, Shakespeare B have confirmed their position as league champions for the 2022 season.  Despite the Bell pinching their customary leg - the beer leg too! - 'twas a great evening with Bobby Allen hitting 21 (including a six), taking him back to the top of the doll scorers averages, and the Shakey amassing 25 in the fourth leg.  Tony Nichols had one of his better nights too with 18 dolls for 'the other' Shakey team as they beat the visiting Ex Services B 4-1. Those two results mean the Bell A and the Shakespeare A reverse their positions at the top of Division One.  Champions of that division is going to be a close call come the end of the season - interestingly enough, they play each other in the final league game.  Another close match at the Crown, Charlton on Otmoor where the home side beat Tiddington CC 3-2.  Matt Hilsdon with 17 dolls and Jed Launchbury with 15 (including a six in the third leg) 'sneaked' the three points for the home side as they now swap places with the Ex Services B at the bottom of the Premier.  The fight to avoid the wooden spoon in Division One now appears to be in favour of the Rose and Crown as they won the final leg on a three sticker to beat the visiting Pheasant 3-2 - Dave Reast coming good again with a vital 17 dolls.

Both the Nut Tree and the Red Cow recorded 4-1 home wins to keep them at the top of Division Two - but, hot on their tails are the Ashton Club after their 5-0 home win against The Lion.  With Brill S&SC B having had to call off games against the Nut Tree, Ashton Club and the White Horse - although the 'non-offending' teams have been awarded 5-0 wins, they've not been credited with any dolls which could be vital in deciding their table positions come the end of the season.  If the need arises, the dolls to be awarded to those teams will be their league match average at the date of their postponed fixture.  Liam Fisher hit his best score of the season (18) in the Red Cow's rearranged fixture at the Barley Mow.

It's got a little bit closer at the top of Division Three with current leaders, Launton S&S surprisingly losing 3-2 at home to Crown CoO B whilst Highfield SC won by the same scoreline at home to Chandos Arms - Norman Brock rolling back the years for his 15 dolls!   Brill S&SC A retain their position in third place with a 4-1 home victory over Crown Twyford with Mike Horn claiming the headlines, hitting "his first six in over 30 years playing this silly game" (his words, not mine!).

Despite a couple of close legs, Chearsley Cricketers still ended up with all five points at home to Bell B which keeps them seven points clear of the Ex Services A at the top of Division Four - and, dare I say it, likely contenders for promotion.  Paul Symonds (Marsh Gibbon One) must have enjoyed his evening indoors at the Ex's, top scoring with 15 dolls and cheap drinks to go with it!

Sixers - Bobby Allen, Jeremy Launchbury, Mike Horn.

Trophies - I'm still waiting for the return of loads and loads of trophies - I've only received one since my email last week.  I can always arrange to come and collect them if I really have to.  Only about two weeks to go before I have to take them for engraving.

Ladies and Division Four Singles - Still time to get your entries in for the Ladies and Division Four singles competitions.

Phil Allen

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My apologies to those in Division Four, and especially to Rick Gumbert, but I've had so much on this morning and I forgot to report on Wednesday's Division Four matches.

In their away fixture at the Bull Inn B, the Ex Services got off to a pretty poor start, losing the first leg, the second went to a three sticker, which, - with in form lead off player, Rick Gumbert, getting all three - the Ex's eventually won.  But then they lost the next.  Needing to win the final two to keep them in contention at the top of the table, they did just that with Rick coming good with a maximum six and finishing the evening with his third consecutive 16 dolls.  And to place him top of Division Four individual averages.  Well worth a mention, eh?  Well done Rick.  Elsewhere, with Chearsley Cricketers sitting quite comfortably at the top of the table, Long Crendon bounced back from their heavy defeat at Chearsley last week to secure a 4-1 away victory at Marsh Gibbon VH One - an evening described by the losing captain Lewis Wilson as an "Awesome Night".  Can't be bad, lose 4-1 and still consider it to be an awesome night!  Good to hear!

Sixer - Rick Gumbert

Phil Allen

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Not a great deal to report this week - except that I'm now back off holiday and raring to go again!

In the four a side competition on Wednesday, the following won their way through to the semi finals - to be played on a date yet to be decided.

Bell A B (Chris Hulme, Dan Jobling, Eddie Jones, Brian Gough)

Rose & Crown B (Clive Lampitt, Fred Houghton, Alan Cullen, Dave Reast)

Shakespeare B (Bobby Allen, Pete Dempsey, Nigel Wakelin, Lee Wanless)

Tiddington CC (Pete Shepherd, Pip Goulding, Graham Bristow, Dick Brownshill)

Ladies singles competition - only six names so far (two from Marsh Gibbon One, two from Marsh Gibbon Two and two from Ex Services A).  Whilst we still have ages to go before the competition is played, please let me have names of any more entries as soon as you can.

Trophies for engraving - now's the time for me to have all those trophies won way back in 2019 so I can get them engraved (list is attached).  Please get them to me soonest.  Generally speaking, I'm at home most afternoons, after 1.30.

Those eagle eyed amongst you will already have noticed in the Fixtures List that the Premier Division down to Division Three teams have a free couple of weeks on the 7th and 14th September.  This has come about this year because we have a fewer number of teams and players; and, consequently, less competition entries, giving us the opportunity, in most cases, to play OUR competitions down to the last two, who will then play on finals night.  Consequently, we have the 7th and the 14th available for something else.

After much discussion and various suggestions - and to maintain interest at the end of the season, keeping everyone involved and, perhaps, finding some new winners - we have decided to incorporate another competition.  At our recent committee meeting, it was decided to introduce a handicap knockout competition - but, rather than it being divisional (whereby teams would be competing against those they've already played at least twice that season), we have created three groups (A, B and C we'll call them).  They were drawn at the meeting, to be a selection from each division.  Each group will be eight teams; and each match will be the best of five legs as per our normal knockout cup matches.  The first round of four group matches will be played on the 7th (the first named team in each tie will be the home side) and then, the winners of those matches will progress to the semi finals to be played the following week (the 14th).  (Sadly, the losers will not have a game on the 14th).  Those semis will, of course, give us two winners in each group and they'll then compete in the finals on Friday 16th September (as we have done in previous years with the Knockout Cup Plate finals).  The draw is shown below.

Group A

1.  Bell A v Shakespeare B

2.  White Horse v Crown CoO A

3.  Chandos Arms v Brill S&SC B

4.  Crown CoO B v Bull Inn A

Semi finals will be winners of Match 1 v Match 2 above and winners of Match 3 v Match 4.

Group B

5.  Ashton Club v Butchers Arms
6.  Shakespeare A v Launton S&S
7.  Crown Twyford v Barley Mow
8.  Nut Tree v Pheasant

Semi finals will be winners of Match 5 v Match 6 above and winners of Match 7 v Match 8.

Group C

9. Fox Souldern v Tiddington Cricket Club

10. Brill S&SC A v Ex Services B

11. Red Cow v Rose and Crown

12. Lion Wendlebury v Highfield SC

Semi finals will be winners of Match 9 v Match 10 above and winners of Match 11 v Match 12.

Crazy you may think, mixing Premier against Division Three - but, firstly, we're doing our utmost to extend the season for you (who wants to finish on the 31st August anyway?!) and, secondly, trying to match you with different opponents and venues.

Please, bear in mind it's a handicap competition - and that, theoretically means everyone starts on level par.  Every team will have its own handicap (based on their average leg scores over the season) to add to their actual dolls scored on the night.  The advantage, generally, is with the lesser team - all they have to do is, for maybe one player, to get lucky and to play one doll above their norm.   A chance to shine!   If you take, for instance, the Shakespeare B (with a leg average of 18 dolls), away against the Bell A (ave 13), the Bell start each leg with a 'ludicrous' five doll advantage!   It's not practical to work out averages at the moment ('cos we still have another four league games to play); that will be done after the league fixtures finish on the 31st August.

The idea is to add a bit of fun and competitive edge to the season end and give other teams and players the opportunity to possibly play in a team final and, perhaps even win.  The on-going objective is firstly to try to ensure we maintain the number of teams in each division, and, hopefully, increase these and encourage more people to play Aunt Sally. 

Division Four

Division Four teams are preoccupied on the 7th with their final league matches.  I have already announced that we intend to run a ladies singles competition on the 14th (and that, by the way, is open to all ladies throughout the league (not just for Division Four)); having another look at it, we can (and now will) hold the Division Four 'open singles' competition on that night too (sadly, it does mean if any ladies want to enter the 'open' competition, then it's down to them to decide on which one they wish to compete in - ie, the ladies or open singles).  The entry form for the singles competition is attached.  Please have it completed and returned to me by the 14th August - along with £1 per person entry form.

Phil Allen

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With the chase for the league title now, more or less, done and dusted, the fight for premier division survival hots up - as does the challenge for the Division One title, with the ultimate promotion which goes with it!

Shakespeare B played hosts to their 'landlords', the Shakey A , and after overcoming a first couple of - dare I say it! - shaky legs, (the second being a three sticker), the home side claimed all five points to put them on the brink of the league title.  Dougie Revitt's 21 has elevated him to top of the 'leaderboard', overtaking team mates Bobby Allen and Pete Dempsey in the process.  Second-placed Tiddington Cricket Club also struggled to get going, losing the first leg at home to the Bell A, but then upped a gear to grab the remaining four legs.  Graham Bristow and Pete Shepherd with 18 apiece and Pip Goulding with a six in his 17, came to their rescue.  Despite that 4-1 defeat, and with the help of the Shakey A's 5-0 loss, the Bell remain in pole position at the top of Division One.   Brian Gough continued his improvement in his form of late with 17 for the visitors.  Dave Reast hit his second 19 in successive weeks for the Rose and Crown but was still unable to prevent a 3-2 defeat at the Ex Services B.  The Crown A travelled up the hill to the Pheasant, set in every leg, and, with the help of 18 dolls from John Lehane, they won three of them.

In Division Two, Brill S&SC B were unable to raise a side, so their opponents the Nut Tree have been awarded the five points.  Their closest rivals, the Red Cow won their local derby against the Lion 4-1 - with the help of 15 dolls from Ian Cantwell. - and keep alive their hopes of promotion!   The White Horse, with three 3-stickers, made an evening of their visit to the Barley Mow - but still returned home on the wrong end of 3-2 scoreline - but still won the beer leg and kept alive their hopes of promotion!   Nick Cherry, skipper of the Bull Inn A, shone with 19 dolls - but still, they lost 3-2 at home to the Ashton Club. 

With both Launton S&S and the Highfield Social Club winning their relative matches 4-1, they've extended their leads by an extra point over the Brill S&SC A and the Chandos Arms who met in Oakley, with the Club winning that one 3-2.  Robert Taylor's been hitting some much better form lately and, with his 19 on Wednesday, he's now shot to the top of the Division Three individual averages.  Dan Kimber hit 14 dolls (including a blob!) in his five legs for the Fox Souldern but, with Jason Harris hitting 15, Norman Brock 14 and Bill Mellis 13, the Highfield snatched a 4-1 victory.  

Just when they needed to put up a good showing, Long Crendon VH fell rather flat and didn't score well at all.  In their local derby at Chearsley Cricketers they lost all five points - and, with the Ex Services A winning all five away at the Divas - they've also lost their second place.  Rick Gumbert hit his second successive 16 for the Ex's.  

 Sixer - Pip Goulding 

Phil Allen

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FOUR A SIDE DRAW

With 23 teams entered into the four a side competition to be played on Wednesday 27th July, it's too many to have at just two venues, but not quite enough for four.  It would be much better to do it with just two 'cos the two winning teams then go straight through to the final.  BUT, the last time we did it with eleven teams at a venue, we started at 8.15 and still didn't finish till about 11.15 - far too late!!

So, we have opted for four venues, with the winners at each going through to the semi finals - with the dates for those yet to be decided.

The results of the draw made at our recent committee meeting are shown in the attached document.

Normal 8.30 start time.  Each match will be the best of three legs, with any drawn leg going to a three sticker (then to one if necessary, and then back to six again should the need arise) before going on to the next leg.

Phil Allen

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On a perfect summer's evening, Shakespeare B took a trip up the M40 for a pleasant evening's aunt sally at Tiddington Cricket Club and, whilst they didn't get it all their own way, to return home with a 3-2 victory is what they would have been at least hoping for.  With the Cricket Club taking the first three legs 'to get used to the set up', the visitors sneaked into a 3-0 lead.  But then the hosts came good - they set a frightful 21 in the fourth leg and 16 in the final leg - and the visitors fell apart!  All in all, a terrific, pleasant evening.  Elsewhere, Crown CoO A, fearing the drop from the Premier to Division One - and playing in the pleasant air conditioned surrounds of the Ex Services -  put together their third consecutive winning performance to beat Ex Services B 4-1 - and that, despite a creditable 19 from Karl Budd.  Dave Reast also came up with 19, and Struan Kenton 16, for the much improving Rose and Crown who travelled to and beat a weakened Shakespeare A 4-1.  With that defeat and the Bell A winning 5-0 at home to the Pheasant, the fight for the Division One title is now a close one - level on points and just four dolls between the Shakey and the Bell.  Brian Gough and Ray Rowe shone for the Bell with 18 apiece - Goughy hitting a six in their first leg.

It remains tight at the top of Division Two with both the Nut Tree and the Red Cow achieving 3-2 victories - the Nut Tree at the White Horse and the Red Cow at 'home' to the Bull Inn A (the game was actually played at the Bull because the Red Cow is currently closed).  Roger Herbert came good with 16 just when his colleagues needed him!  The Ashton Club got off to a great start at Brill S&SC B, getting themselves into a 2-0 lead - but then things went 'down the hill' from thereon.  Level at two legs apiece going into the last, and the home side won it on a three sticker.  'Young' Ashley Young did himself proud though with a creditable 14 dolls for the visitors.  "A wonderful evening for aunt sally" as was reported.  Another tight match was at the Lion; they won the first leg against the visiting Barley Mow on a three sticker - and then, eventually, locked on two legs apiece, the visitors sneaked the last by just the one doll.

In Division Three, table toppers, Launton S&S won the first and last legs at Chandos Arms but lost those in between - eventually going down 3-2.  Meanwhile, the Highfield SC made up a little ground on them with a 5-0 home victory over Brill S&SC A - at the same time, leapfrogging them into second place.   With Andy Thomas hitting 15 and John Plested 12, Butchers Arms recorded a much needed 4-1 triumph over those just above them, Crown Twyford - but still remain anchored at the bottom.  There are some very good players in Divisions Three and Four, one of those being Barry Reynolds (Crown CoO B) who came up with 16 on Wednesday.  Mike Robertson, who hasn't played much at all this season, weighed in with a terrific 14 for Chandos Arms, as did team mate Robert Taylor.

Rick Gumbert, another of those better players in the lower divisions, hit 16 to help the Ex Services A to a 4-1 victory over their local rivals, the White Hart.  Charlie Govier - with 13 dolls on Wednesday - is another doing a great job 'plying his trade' for Long Crendon Village Hall in their first season in the league.  They did appear to be on their way to a much needed five points at Marsh Gibbon VH Two but, at 3-0 to the visitors, the home side stepped it up a gear and won the last two.  

Sixer - Brian Gough.

I have seen a sign on the Bicester Road in Launton - by the school and the entrance to Launton Sports and Social - saying the road's going to be closed between 9 pm and 5 am on Monday - Wednesday next week (18th - 20th).   You should be OK getting there, but it's getting back out!  You have been warned!

Phil Allen

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In the singles on Wednesday, because we had 40 entrants in the Premier and Division One competition, we had to use four venues, with the winner at each going through - thus resulting in the need for semi finals.  They will be played on finals night.  Those to go through in each competition are:

Premier and Division One

Clive Lampitt (Rose and Crown)

Kevin Powney (Ex Services B)

Pete Litten (Shakespeare A)

Wayne Walker (Ex Services B)

Division Two

Andy Cox (Ashton Club) will play Dave Gardner (Bull Inn A)

Division Three

Robert Taylor (Chandos Arms) Will play Steve Golder (Launton Sports and Social)

In Division Four Chearsley Cricketers extended their lead at the top of the table with a 5-0 victory over the visiting White Hart whilst their nearest rivals, Ex Services A, dropped two points at the Blacks Head.  Long Crendon Village Centre, with a similar 5-0 home win over Bull Inn B, took advantage of that slip up by the Ex's and leapfrog them into second place.  Marsh Gibbon Village Hall One, using the maximum nine players, came good at home in their derby against Marsh Gibbon Village Hall Two (who used eight players) and won 4-1.

Phil Allen

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At our last two AGMs it was proposed and accepted that we should do our utmost to run a ladies' singles competition. Entry Forms can be provided on request. If you have any interested ladies (registered players), please have the completed form returned to me - as soon as possible ideally, but certainly by 31st July.

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In the Premier and Division One on Wednesday, Shakespeare B, at home to the Rose and Crown, got off to a great start with a 20 leg (including a six from Pete Dempsey) and then a 22 in the next - with the first three hitting five apiece.  Bobby Allen's turn to hit a maximum at the start of the third as the Shakey set 19 this time round.  Going quite comfortably for the home side but they only set 16 in the final leg.  Anchorman, Dave Reast, needed four to draw and five to win for the visitors - he got the four.  The resulting three sticker went in favour of the Shakey.

An eventful game indoors at the Ex Services.  Courtesy of our roving reporter, here's the outcome:

"What another great evening of aunt sally on Wednesday, great throwing and great enjoyment with the Bell A team.

The ever improving Bell team, with the added experience of two Bicester aunt sally legend’s, Eddie Jones and Brian “Goughy“ Gough, had the shortest away journey in the league, stumbling across Sheep Street into the Exes.

With Darren “3 a leg” Moore starting off with his usual, we thought it was going to be a tough night, but maybe the short journey meant they weren’t quite lubricated enough and we snuck into a 3-0 lead…

Then came the first highlight of the evening, after a steady set of 14 by us, Darren “3 a leg“ Moore started with his benchmark.  Then up steps Bell skipper, Dan Jobling, cool as you like, captain’s innings and “ BOOM “💥 off comes six dolls!!!   His first one ever in 15 years of throwing!!  Absolutely brilliant 🤩 and everyone, us included, is absolutely over the moon for him.

Second highlight, newly recruited to the Black Bull (now Exes B team), Dave Puddle, steps up and does the same - bang 6 dolls!!

Overall, (3-2 to the Ex's), a fair result, but made by the two sixers on the night. In my humble opinion, that's what the game is all about."

Elsewhere, up on the hill, Tiddington Cricket Club close the gap for second place in the table by 'stuffing' The Pheasant 5-0.  Pete Shepherd with 20 and Pip Goulding 17 did the damage once again.

With a number of the Shakespeare A team away playing golf, a much stronger looking Crown CoO A took full advantage, winning 4-1 on home soil.  

In Division Two, a weakened Red Cow 'forfeited' their top spot as they went down 3-2 at Brill S&SC - the 'highlight' of that one being all the home side scored three in the fourth leg!  The Nut Tree took full advantage and won 4-1 at the Barley Mow, losing the beer leg.  Dave Crook came good with 14.  The Ashton Club are not throwing in the towel yet as they got the better of the visiting White Horse 3-2 and remain close behind in third place- Joe Young with 16 and Brian Loverock with 14.

In Division Three, despite a six from Norman Brock in the first leg, Highfield Social Club were unable to knock Launton S&S off the top of the table as they went down 4-1.  On the flip side, with their 3-2 victory at the Fox Souldern, Brill S&SC A leapfrog above Highfield into second place.  Chandos Arms took full advantage against an 'out-of-form' Butchers Arms side and took all five points.  

The swapping around at the top of Division Four continues as an under par Ex Services A went down 3-2 at Marsh Gibbon VH Two whilst Chearsley Cricketers grabbed all five points at home to the Bull Inn B.  Once again Marsh Gibbon VH One were only able to muster five players; but, full credit to them, they travelled to the Blacks Head and left with a 3-2 win.  

Sixers - Bobby Allen, Pete Dempsey, Dave Puddle, Dan Jobling, Norman Brock

Phil Allen

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With Pip Goulding (22) and Pete Shepherd (21) putting in a couple of decent performances - including a six each as well - Tiddington Cricket Club, on home soil, took three points off the Ex Services B.  Phil Smith with four, Pip with five and Pete with his six, were the home side's only scorers as they set 15 and won the first leg.  They also set 15 in the third leg, which was eventually drawn - and then Clare Walker rose to the occasion for the Ex's, hitting all three in the three sticker and giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.  The hosts then piled on the pressure and won the remaining two legs.  With Dougie Revitt (20) and Lee Wanless (18) both throwing well, Premier Dvision table-toppers Shakespeare B had no difficulties in beating the visiting Pheasant 5-0.  In the fight for top spot in Division One, Shakespeare A travelled to the Bell and, with Pete Litten excelling himself with 20 dolls (and no six in it), the Shakey got the win (by 3 legs to 2) they were chasing.  Likewise, the Crown A travelled to the Rose and Crown and, thanks to Callum Cooper's 16 (including a six), left with three points.

In Division Two, despite 16 dolls for Paul Gough in his first game of the season, the White Horse were unable to leave the Red Cow with a win - although they did manage to pinch the last two legs.  With the Nut Tree going down 3-2 at home to the Ashton Club, the Red Cow's victory puts them a point clear at the top.  Bull Inn A put some decent leg scores together to secure a much needed 3-2 victory on their travels to the Barley Mow.

Two nil down at Brill Sports Club, Division Three table-toppers Launton S&S got their act together to win the last three - the final leg on a three sticker.  A much improved Highfield SC won 5-0 at the Butchers Arms to close the gap on the leaders - Jason Harris continued his great run of form with 18 dolls   Likewise, Robert Taylor's scoring well of late, hitting 17 for Chandos Arms on their travels to Crown CoO B.  Fox Souldern struggled to put any decent scores together as they went down 4-1 at home to Crown Twyford.

With Rick Gumbert and Tracey Denton hitting 13 apiece - and young Zak Vear having a terrific evening with 11 (including a 5 and a 4) - the Ex Services A returned to the top of Division Four.  Previous toppers Chearsley Cricketers won their first two legs very comfortably at Marsh Gibbon VH Two, but then went to pieces!  The third leg did the full circle - 6 sticks, then 3, down to 1 and back to six - and the home side won it.  They also secured the fourth after a 3 sticker - but lost the final leg - also after a three sticker.  Long Crendon VC travelled to the Blacks Head Bletchingdon, probably expecting to get a win there, but, despite Charlie Govier's 12 dolls, went down 3-2.  My apologies to Barry Moss (Blacks Head); last week against Bell B he hit a six - and I didn't spot it on the result sheet.  Sorry about that!

Sixers - Callum Cooper (Crown CoO A), Pip Goulding (Tiddington CC), Pete Shepherd (Tiddington CC), Barry Moss (Blacks Head).

The draws for the singles competitions to be held on 6th July are below

Phil Allen

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It was requested at our summer league AGM a couple of years ago if we could arrange our competitions (singles, pairs and four a sides) so that each venue's winners progress straight through to the final - thus doing away with the need for a semi finals evening.  That really does depend on the number of entries received - hence, how many venues are required.  In the recent pairs competition we were able to do as requested.  Those who won their way through to the finals were:

Premier and Division One

Karl Budd and Kevin Powney (Ex Services B) will play Pip Goulding and Pete Shepherd (Tiddington Cricket Club)

Division Two

Andy Draper and Terry Hawkins (Barley Mow) will play Dave Gardner and Nick Cherry (Bull Inn A)

Division Three

Dick Pike and Matthew Holmes (Crown CoO B) against Bill Mellis and Jason Harris (Highfield SC)

Congratulations to them all.

In the top of the table Division Four clash, Chearsley Cricketers, drawing 2-2 at the Ex Services, won the vital fifth leg.  After their 5-0 whitewash over the Divas, Long Crendon VC join Chearsley at the top, just one doll behind - Charlie Govier with 13 dolls doing the damage.  With Doug Schultz hitting 17 and George Deans 15, the White Hart went a little crazy to take four points at home to Marsh Gibbon VH Two.  In a tight match at Bell B - the first leg going to a one sticker, the second to a three sticker (both won by the visiting Blacks Head) - Barney Thurby (12) and Dave Moss (10) helped the visitors to a much needed 4-1 victory.  Olly Carvell's 11 for the Bell (including a five in the third leg - oh, and a blob in the last!) were just not enough to gain further team points.

Phil Allen

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Morning all, my apologies but I really should have notified you before last night's matches - but it slipped my mind!

Because of the number of entries in the Division Two and Division Three pairs next week (15th June) - and I foresee them taking about two hours - they must start at 8 o'clock.  Would you please notify all players concerned. 

The Premier and Division One will start at 8.30.

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

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Tony Owens passed away earlier in the week. T O, as many of us knew him, played his aunt sally for many years with the Black Bull B team.  He will be greatly missed and, on behalf of the League, I send our condolences to his family.  For those who would like to attend his funeral, it will be held at Aylesbury Vale Crematorium, Watermead, Aylesbury on Friday 1st July at 2.30 pm, followed by a wake in the nearby Watermead Inn.

On another Wednesday, threatened by heavy downpours, it actually turned out to be another pleasant evening weather-wise.

With some "help from my friends" - Pete Dempsey (18) and Doug Revitt (17) - Shakespeare B continued their winning streak, 5-0 away at Crown CoO A, whilst all the other matches finished 4-1 in favour of the home sides - Ex Services B v Pheasant Inn, Bell A v Rose and Crown, and Shakespeare A v Tiddington Cricket Club.  The Ex's were comfortable at 4-0 up but then lost the beer leg!  Guess, if you're going to do it, do it where it's cheaper - at the Club!  Aunt Sally generally is about aiming for the maximum (six in every leg);  Dave Fry though, has his own account of how it should be played!  Read on -
"Just to let you know I took part in an Aunt Sally scientific experiment last night to see if I could possibly miss with every stick that I threw, Parky, a team mate of mine, had tried the same experiment a couple of weeks back but it was all in vain for him when he inconceivably hit with one of his sticks!  It went perfect for me last night though, getting as close to the doll as I could, I was determined not to make the same mistake as him and be stupid enough to hit it!

I used all my Aunt Sally experience & knowledge gained over the years to score the perfect minimum!!

The scorers tried desperately though to thwart my attempt by cruelly scoring me one in the first leg; luckily though, I have such good team mates that they were having none of that!

The closest I got was in the first leg when I nearly hit Billy on the head, I was just trying to remind him with that stick that the minimum was definitely on!!

To be honest, I feel that missing on the night with all 33 sticks ('cos we had a 3 sticker) is probably harder than scoring 33.  Thinking of taking on Roger Goodall in the Oxford League in a minimum contest, reckon I have got his measure!

Anyway, I was just wondering if, as I was taking part in an important scientific experiment last night, you could actually give me my average for the season in my throws last night, think we won 3-2 then!! 
Playing indoors at the Ex's, quite frankly with the Glitter Ball on the Aunt Sally throw last night, 'It was Murder on the Dancefloor'🤣"

Despite 15 from Pete Shepherd and 13 from Pip Goulding, a rather weakened Tiddington CC side were unable to cause too many problems for the home Shakespeare A side.  Eighteen dolls from Brian Gough and thirteen for Ray Rowe saw the Bell A to a close-ish home victory over the Rose and Crown.

With Liam Fisher back at the helm and hitting 12, the Red Cow came good just when they needed it.  With John Clutterbuck chipping in with 10 dolls in his four legs, they won 4-1 at home to the Nut Tree - and got themselves back on top of Division Two.  With a 4-1 win at home against the Barley Mow, the Ashton Club are hot on their heels - Dave Wheeler (12), Andy Cox and Dave Smith (11 apiece) helping their cause.  The White Horse still want to be part of that promotion chasing group (!?) and, despite two three sticker legs, they took all five points at home against the Barley Mow - with Dave Futter hitting 17 and Mav Giles 15.  Despite losing the first and last legs at home to the Bull Inn A, Brill S&SC B won that one 3-2 - with anchorman Jon Vaile hitting 13.

Division Three leaders, Launton S&S were heading for a clean sweep at home to Fox Souldern but then 'threw away' the final leg.  Still, 4-1 keeps them three points ahead of Brill S&SC A  who also won 4-1, away at the Butchers Arms - doing just the same thing, losing the last leg.  With Mr Consistency on the night, Norman Brock, hitting three in every leg and then all three in the third leg three sticker, Highfield Social Club had a convincing 5-0 home win against Crown CoO B.  Chandos Arms, at home to the Crown Twyford, were leg apiece, then two consecutive three sticker legs followed - both teams winning one.  So, tied at two legs each, the Crown set 14 in the final leg - too many for Chandos who could only muster 11.  Robert Taylor had himself another relatively good evening with 15.

Although not scoring particularly well on Wednesday, Chearsley Cricketers secured a 4-1 victory at home to Launton S&S Divas and now top the table.  Rick Gumbert's 14 dolls for the Ex Services A were not enough to prevent a 3-2 defeat on their travels to Long Crendon VH.  Despite a waterlogged pitch at the White Hart, George Deans and his merry band of men (and Gina!), ensured the match went ahead - well worth it for them as they beat the visiting Blacks Head 4-1.  In what was described by Lewis Wilson as a 'Great night', Marsh Gibbon VH One won 4-1 (with two 3 sticker legs amongst it) against Bell A.  Paul Symonds hit 12 for the home side. 

PAIRS COMPETITION

This coming Wednesday are the pairs competitions in the Premier Division, Divisions One, Two and Three.  Because of the number of entries in the Division Two and Division Three pairs - and I foresee them taking about two hours - they must start at 8 o'clock.  Please get players to their respective venues by 7.50.

Premier and Division One will start at 8.30.

Phil Allen

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Despite sixes from Kevin Powney and Andy Poppitt, Ex Services B were still unable to take a point off Shakespeare B.  Lee Wanless had his best aunt sally evening for a while with 18 dolls for the Shakey, well supported by Bobby Allen and Doug Revitt with 17 apiece - as did Kev Powney for the opposition.  Terry 'Sid' Bagnall hit 20 but his team - the Crown CoO A - were still unable to prevent a 4-1 defeat at home to Bell A.  Eddie Jones hit a six in his total of 13 for the visitors.  The inconsistent Pheasant are having problems stringing together any decent leg scores and went down 4-1 at home to Shakespeare A.  Tiddington Cricket Club took the long trek to the Rose and Crown and, despite losing the final leg on a three sticker, still managed to win 3-2 - Pip Goulding hitting 17 for them, with Clive Lampitt replying with 16 for the hosts.

In Division Two, without lead off man Liam Fisher, the Red Cow struggled at the Ashton Club and fell to a 4-1 defeat - and relinquished their top-of-the-table position to the Nut Tree who won 4-1 at home to The Lion - Bob Price excelling himself with 15.  Rolling back the years a little, Dave Futter hit 17 for the White Horse at Bull Inn A - including a blob in the vital beer leg!

In Division Three, Stevie Golder's on fire for Launton S&S this season.  His 20 on Wednesday helped his team to a 5-0 home victory over the Butchers Arms.  Chandos Arms have, by their previous standards, had a terrible start to this season.  Nevertheless, they got it together this week at the Fox Souldern with Robert Taylor pulling the strings with 19 dolls, including a six in the third leg.  John Fitsell threw well too with 16 for the Chandos.   With Mike Horn (16), Jeff Flasck (15) and Lee Mason (14) all throwing well, Brill S&SC A had an easy 5-0 home win over Crown CoO B.  Highfield Social Club were relatively comfortable at the Crown Twyford winning the first two legs, scoring 14 on each occasion, but then lost the third on a three sticker.  They put that hiccup to one side and won the remaining two legs - again scoring 14 in each.

In Division Four, with Tom Gadsby (15), Daren Vythelingum (13) and Paul Kingsman (11) excelling themselves, Chearsley Cricketers continue their climb up the table after a 5-0 win at the Blacks Head.  Ex Services A are still at the top as they beat Bull Inn B 4-1.  In a local derby at the Bell, it was touch and go (2-2) going into the final leg, and then the White Hart won that 'vital one' on a three sticker.  Marsh Gibbon VH One did themselves proud by travelling to Long Crendon VC with just four players.  Understandably I guess, 'cos they were two players short, they went down 5-0.

Cup and Plate Semi Final Draws - to be played on 17th August

Knockout Cup

Crown CoO A v Shakespeare A (on neutral ground)

Ex Services B v Shakespeare B (on neutral ground)

Knockout Plate

Rose & Crown v Pheasant Inn

Bll Inn A v Brill S&SC B

Intermediate Cup

Brill S&SC A v Ex Services A

Launton S&S v Bull Inn B

Intermediate Plate

Fox Souldern v Crown Twyford

Long Crendon VC v Chandos Arms

Pairs Competition 

The draw for the Pairs Competition to be played on 15th June is on the Fixtures page.

Sixers - Andy Poppitt, Kevin Powney, Eddie Jones, Robert Taylor

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

Some rather close cup ties this week but no real shock results.

League Cup 

Shakespeare A lost their first leg at home to the Nut Tree but then, with the aid of a six from Erik Poslusny in the third leg, went on to win it 3-1.  

It as touch and go in the Ex Services B and the Bell A tie.  The Ex's were two nil up - winning the second leg on a 3 sticker - and then the next two went to the Bell (both 15-14).  So, level pegging and into the decider.  Karl Budd (with his second six of the evening) set the Ex's up nicely for an "out-of-reach" total - but they still only managed 12.  That was equalled by the 'travelling' Bell side.  The second 3 sticker of the evening - and a 3-2 win - went the way of the Ex's.  

The Crown CoO A against the visiting Red Cow was another tie to go to the wire.  The first two legs resulted in 3 stickers with each team winning one.  Twas then two legs apiece, going into the fifth.  With a six from Phil Baker and a couple of fives (Jed Launchbury and John Hudson), the Crown set 23 - too many for the visitors.

A great evening and a great tie at Tiddington Cricket Club where they took on the Shakespeare B.  With fives from Bobby Allen and Lee Wanless, the visitors set, and won the first leg 23-14.  The tables turned.  With lead off man, James Morrison, throwing out of his skin, and a five from Pip Goulding the hosts set 20 in the second - too many for the Shakey.  Squeaky bum time, the visitors came back to win the next two to take the tie 3-2.

League Plate

All the ties finished 3-0.  The Pheasant won at home against the Barley Mow whilst the other three ties resulted in away wins - Brill S&SC B at the Ashton Club, Bull Inn A at the White Horse and the Rose and Crown at the Lion.

Intermediate Cup

The Ex Services A did well to pinch a 3-2 victory at the Highfield Social Club.  Two of those legs went to 3 stickers (with the visitors winning both) - and they then went on to win the final and deciding leg 15-10.  

Bull Inn B were another team to get through, with a 3-2 home win over the Butchers Arms.

Launton S&S continued their great run of form to win 3-0 against the visiting White Hart, as did Brill S&SC A against Crown CoO B.

Sixers - Karl Budd (2), Erik Poslusny, Phil Baker

Phil Allen

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On what has been, weather-wise, the worst conditions I have ever played aunt sally in. I just couldn't wait for the playing side of the evening to finish.  And, much to my surprise - but, at the same time, very grateful to all of you - every match was played.

In the Premier and Division One, the Bell came up with their 'customary' and took a leg off Shakespeare B.  Already 3-0 down, they set a 'massive' 10 in the fourth leg and the home side fell one short.  But, as ludicrous as this game can be, in response to the Bell setting ten again in the final leg, the Shakey, with the help of a six from Pete Dempsey, responded with a 24.  Despite the weather conditions, Bobby Allen still managed a creditable 19.  Tiddington Cricket Club lost their first leg at home to Crown CoO A on a three sticker but made amends in the fourth when they reversed the tables and won the three sticker.  Pete Shepherd (17) and Pip Goulding (15) batted well for the Cricket Club with John Lehane replying with 16.  Both the Pheasant and the Rose and Crown struggled in the conditions up on Brill hill but the home side came out on top by 3-2.  Save the best til last!  The ideal place to be playing in these conditions?  Yes, indoors at the Ex Services.  The 'newly formed' B side were there, hosting the Shakespeare A.  Despite 21 dolls from Karl Budd (including a six), the remaining scores did not match the pristine conditions!  Setting in the final (and beer) leg, Karl got his six but the team only totalled 12 - but still won it by one doll.  "Very wet and cold indoors at the Ex's" were the comments on the score card!

Both the Red Cow and the Nut Tree, with 5-0 away victories at the Barley Mow and the Bull Inn A, retain their positions at the top of Division Two and are doing their utmost to get promoted.  Another 'as reported on the score card' from Brill S&SC B, "Pouring with rain, Brill coped better in the conditions.  Despite losing the first leg 7-8 on a 3 sticker - Chalky hit 3 in the 3 sticker".  Yeh, Kerry 'Chalky' White hit 14 to help the home side to a 4-1 win over the White Horse.  Conditions couldn't have been as bad as reported anyway - the home side managed two legs of 16!  The Lion at home to the Ashton Club went to the wire.  Two legs apiece, going into the final one which the home side won by just one doll.  Joe Young (with 13 for the Ashton) and Simon Nicholson and Pete Busby (with 11 each for the home side) were the stars.

Lee Mason (17) and Mike Horn (14) made the best of Brill S&SC A's visit to the Crown Twyford, winning 5-0 and leapfrogging up into second place in the table.  Although they didn't have it all their own way at the Crown CoO B - drawing 2-2 going into the final leg - Launton S&S held it together, won the leg 10-6 and the match 3-2.  Steve Golder continued his great run of form with 13 and tops the division's individual averages.  Highfield's visit to Chandos Arms followed the same format - 2 each going into the last and they won that one to clinch the match 3-2.  Robert Taylor showed some promise (!) with 14 while Jason Harris was close on his heels with 13.  In Division Three's remaining match the Fox were too good for the Butchers Arms by 3 legs to 2.

In Division Four Long Crendon Village Centre got themselves back to winning ways with a 5-0 home demolition over a five player White Hart team - Charlie Govier hit 17 and team mate Graham Boswell 14.  All in all they hit a very creditable 53 dolls.  In a tight one at Marsh Gibbon Village Hall, after a 1 sticker in the first leg and a 3 sticker in the last (both of which the Ex Services won),  they eventually scraped through 3-2 to keep them top of the table; but only on dolls scored as the Bull Inn B achieved a 5-0 away to the Launton S&S Divas.  Moira Nye with six and Sarah Riley with seven did their utmost to get something for the Divas but Chris Mack with 11 and Nick Whitburn (8) were having none as they set their eyes on promotion!!??  Chearsley Cricketers seem to have similar ambitions as they got maximum points on their travels to the Bell.  Stuart Burnham and Adam Lazaruk both mastered the conditions as they hit 12 apiece.  Marsh Gibbon VH Two were another team to get all five points as they travelled - with only five players - to the Blacks Head.  I was asked last week (by a player I met after not seeing him for quite some time) why he'd not yet been mentioned in any of my reports to date.  I quipped that he'd 'not done anything worthy of a write up'.  Wittingly, he replied "if only to say I got a blob Phil".  So - as I do try to oblige - Matt Orlando scored relatively well with 7 (and it did include a blob), in that match at Bletchingdon!  Any further requests?

Sixers - Karl Budd, Pete Dempsey

Cup and Plate competitions this coming Wednesday.  Despite publishing the draw just two weeks ago, I still get asked who's playing who.  So, here it is again.

League Knockout Cup

Shakespeare A v Nut Tree

Ex Services B v Bell A

Crown CoO A v Red Cow

Tiddington CC v Shakespeare B

Intermediate Cup

Highfield SC v Ex Services A

Bull Inn B v Butchers Arms

Launton S&S v White Hart

Brill S&SC A v Crown CoO B

League Knockout Plate

Pheasant v Barley Mow

Ashton Club v Brill S&SC B

White Horse v Bull Inn A

The Lion v Rose & Crown

Intermediate Plate

Crown Twyford v Blacks Head

Chandos Arms v Marsh Gibbon Village Hall Two

Marsh Gibbon Village Hall One v Long Crendon Village Centre

Bell B v Fox Souldern

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

On a very wet Wednesday, up until about 4 o'clock, fearing that we may be getting a few fixture postponements; but, in the end, all was well and, probably the warmest aunt sally evening we've had so far this season.

After an early scare - a drawn first leg which they won on a three sticker - Shakespeare B, 'away' to their A team counterparts, hit 97 dolls, sufficient to take all five points and keep them on top of the table.  Phil Allen with 20, Bobby Allen with 19 (including a six) and Doug Revitt (18) did the damage.  Elsewhere, Karl Budd rose to the occasion with 23 dolls (also with a six) to help the Ex Services B to a 5-0 win over the Rose and Crown.  Our third six of the evening went to Pip Goulding (Tiddington Cricket Club) who totalled 19 as they went to, and beat, The Bell 3-2.  John Hudson, also with 19, was another to hit a bit of form for the Crown as they also won 3-2, at home to The Pheasant.

In Division Two, the White Horse, on home soil - and, despite 14 from an up and coming Dave Futter - were 'thrashed' 4-1 by the Barley Mow - and lost their top spot.  The Red Cow now occupy that position after their 5-0 home win over near neighbours, The Lion; Liam Fisher with 15 in the four legs he played and Liam Merchant with 13 in his four legs, doing the damage.  Joe Young rolled back the years, hitting 16 to help the Ashton Club to a 5-0 over the five man visiting Bull Inn A.  Brian Loverock also weighed in with 12 for the home side.  The Nut Tree, keen to get themselves back up into the top flight (!), also got maximum points, at home against Brill S&SC B and now occupy second place.

With Steve Golder, Derek Richards and Haydn Marks throwing well, Launton S&S now top Division Three after their maximum points at home to Crown Twyford - winning the fifth (and beer) leg on a one sticker.  The Highfield's 4-1 home win against Fox Souldern has, 'at the flick of a switch'. lifted them from bottom of the table up to fourth place.  With both Bill Mellis and Jason Harris back for the Highfield, and playing well, watch this space - they'll be up challenging at the top soon!  

With 13 dolls from Tracey Denton and 10 from Rick Gumbert, the Ex Services A saw off any 'threat' from Launton S&S Divas to take all five points and to remain at the top of Division Four.  With a full squad of nine players, Bull Inn B were also on their way to maximum points at home to the Blacks Head - but then, disaster; they lost the 'beer leg'.  Still, four points keeps them in second place - one above Bell B who, with a terrific eleven dolls from Ryan McNally, won 3-2 away at Marsh Gibbon VH Two.  Another team to 'throw away' the beer leg was the White Hart, at home to a five player Marsh Gibbon VH One.  They were four legs up and then threw away that vital one.  George Deans did himself proud though with 13.  In the 'local derby' in Long Crendon, it was two legs apiece when the visiting Chearsley Cricketers took control and pinched the fifth.

Sixers - Karl Budd, Bobby Allen and Pip Goulding.

I sent the Pairs entry form out a couple of weeks ago.  Would you please have it completed and returned to me (with the money) by next Sunday (22nd May).

Phil Allen

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Good afternoon all,

No real "headline makers" in any of the cup matches this week; that accolade must surely go to the landlord of the Launton Arms (formerly the Black Bull) who has decided that he no longer wants aunt sally - or any members of the teams - at 'his' pub.  Both sheds and pitches, at what has been our 'home of aunt sally' and the finals night venue for a number of years, have been taken down.  The Divas had already moved up the road to Launton Sports and Social (did they know something?!), and the A team have now moved to, and will be playing their home games, indoors at the Ex Services - and renamed appropriately as Ex Services B.  No dramatic changes to the fixtures list but I have attached a revised one, really just showing their new name.

I think the biggest upset in the cup games was the Bull Inn B team's 3-1 win over Chandos Arms, despite Robert 'Curly' Taylor's six in the third leg - the leg they won.  Well done to Emma Johnson for weighing in with a vital 4 dolls!

The draws for the next round of the knockout cups and the first round of the plates, to be played on 25th May has come out as follows:

League Knockout Cup

Shakespeare A v Nut Tree

Ex Services B v Bell A

Crown CoO A v Red Cow

Tiddington CC v Shakespeare B

Intermediate Cup

Highfield SC v Ex Services A

Bull Inn B v Butchers Arms

Launton S&S v White Hart

Brill S&SC A v Crown CoO B

League Knockout Plate

Pheasant v Barley Mow

Ashton Club v Brill S&SC B

White Horse v Bull Inn A

The Lion v Rose & Crown

Intermediate Plate

Crown Twyford v Blacks Head

Chandos Arms v Marsh Gibbon Village Hall Two

Marsh Gibbon Village Hall One v Long Crendon Village Centre

Bell B v Fox Souldern

Phil Allen

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Hi all,

Firstly, many thanks to all who have already started to use the revised result card; it's made it much easier on my part.  To the others, I'd be really grateful if you'd do likewise.  For those who submitted a photo of the scoreboard, initially, it's great to, at least, get the result through - but, firstly, the names are either just nicknames, initials, and/or no surname, and then there are no players' total scores - and, in the event of a three sticker, I can't clearly work who eventually won it.  So please, do your utmost to print off and use the revised result card.

On another very chilly Wednesday evening, Shakespeare B won convincingly at home to Tiddington Cricket Club.  Dougie Revitt 'resumed' his outstanding form of the past few seasons, hitting 21, including a six in the final leg.  Teammate Pete Dempsey was close on his tail with 19.  For the visitors, Graham Bristow hit a very creditable 18.  'Pub sharers', Shakespeare A also won 5-0 on their travels to the Rose and Crown.  Steve Payne, with his second consecutive 16, and Martin Wanless with 14, shone for the travellers.  Dave Reast replied with 15 for the struggling home side.  The Pheasant, although not scoring particularly well themselves, still took the honours at home to the Bell A  by three legs to two.  The same can be said of Crown A who hosted their match against Launton Arms A .

In Division Two, with Dave Futter and Baz Bazile hitting 14 dolls apiece, the White Horse won 3-2 on their visit to the Nut Tree, for whom Jetty Hall clanged off 17.  The Red Cow set themselves up for a terrific evening with 20 dolls in their first leg away at the Bull A - Liam Fisher and John Clutterbuck both doing the damage with 5 apiece - and then, despite the scores dropping dramatically, they still travelled back to Chesterton with a 4-1 win.  Likewise, a 4-1 win for The Lion who travelled to the Barley Mow.  Mick Leonard (The Lion) and James Kirkland (Barley Mow) finished with 14 dolls each.

In Division Three, the Fox Souldern (with 14 dolls from Chris Hartwell and 11 from Dave Hazell) got the better of last week's 'team of the week', Crown B by 4-1 - Dick Pike and Nick Paterson both hitting 13 for them.  The Fox now occupy top spot, just above Launton S&S, who also won 4-1, at home against a currently struggling Chandos Arms.  Steve Golder, loving it in his new role (as anchorman) in his new team, hit 17, including a six.  Despite 17 dolls from Bill Mellis and 11 from Norman Brock, the Highfield SC could not prevent Brill S&SC A  winning 4-1 too.   

Chearsley Cricketers, in their first game of the season in Division Four, hit 58 dolls (13 from Daren Vythelingum and 11 from Paul Kingsman) on their way to a 4-1 victory at Marsh Gibbon VH One.  

Sixers - Dougie Revitt (Shakespeare B) and Steve Golder (Launton S&S).

A reminder, it's cup week this coming Wednesday.  There are two knockout cup competitions - the League Cup which comprises those teams in the Premier, Divisions One and Two, and the Intermediate Cup for those in Divisions Three and Four.  The draws for the first rounds are as shown below.   

League Knockout Cup
Shakespeare B v Rose & Crown
Crown CoO A v White Horse
The Lion v Tiddington CC
Barley Mow v Nut Tree
Red Cow v Bull Inn A
Brill S&SC B v Bell A
Pheasant Inn v Shakespeare A
Launton Arms v Ashton Club

Intermediate Knockout Cup
Fox Souldern v Brill S&SC A
Launton S&S v Marsh Gibbon Village Hall
Bell B v Crown CoO B
Ex Services v Blacks Head
White Hart v Long Crendon VC
Rising Sun v Butchers Arms
Crown Twyford v Highfield SC
Bull Inn B v Chandos Arms

Same format (ie any six from nine); can be changed each leg.

Best of five legs

Any drawn leg to be decided by a three sticker before going on to the next leg.

Attached are the entry forms for the singles, pairs and four a side competitions,  Please return the completed forms (along with the entry fees) to the secretary by the dates shown on each form.

Phil Allen

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Morning all, at last we have lift off - and, albeit, a little chilly, the weather was kind to us too!

For many (those who didn't play last year) it would have been a complete change of format - but, thankfully (apart from the White Hart who had a couple of players suffering from Covid), everyone else managed to get a side together.

Shakespeare B (the old White Lion team) travelled to the Rose and Crown (the old Muddy Duck lads) and secured a five-nil victory - Bobby Allen and Dougie Revitt hitting 19 apiece.  Launton Arms were coasting, 3-0 up at the Bell, but then lost their last two - Karl Budd another to hit 19.  Another team 'coasting' were Shakespeare A.  Four-nil up against Crown A, they go and 'give' the beer leg away!  John 'Loony' Lehane (Crown) rolled back the years with 19 and Tony Nichols was hot on his heels with 18.  Tiddington Cricket Club and the Pheasant were touch and go, winning alternate legs, and drawing 2-2 leading into the fifth (and beer) leg.  The Cricket Club, in no mood to give that one away, set 19 - far too many for the visitors who could only muster 9.  Another to hit 18 was Pip Goulding (Cricket Club).  Four scores of 19 and two of 18 and not a six amongst them!

The White Horse got off to a flying start with a 5-0 victory over the visiting Ashton Club - Dave Futter (14) and Mav Giles (11) starring for the Horse.  With Richard Cooper also hitting 14, the Nut Tree got the better of the Barley Mow by four legs to one.  Terry Hawkins also hit 14 for the Barley Mow.  In the other Division Two matches, Brill S&SC B won 3-2 away at the Red Cow and, an electrical fault at the Lion Wendlebury, meant they had to forfeit their game against Bull Inn A.

Crown CoO B, with a 5-0 victory and 61 dolls, show they're going to be a difficult side to beat in Division Three this season - Barry Reynolds and Richard Pike (13 apiece), and Matthew Holmes (12) and Nick Paterson (11).

In Division Four, the Ex Services did well to 'conjure up' a 4-1 home win over the Blacks Head Bletchingdon - Barny Tharby hitting 14 for the visitors and Tracey Denton (12) for the hosts.  But, still topping the individual averages in the WHOLE league is Matt Toomey (Bell B) who hit 8 dolls in his two legs - an average of 4.00!  Well done Toomey (as he likes to be called)!

Phil Allen

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Everyone ready?  Just three days til blast off!  And we're looking as though we may have some decent weather for it!

Morning all,

Just over a couple of weeks to go, winter woollies at the ready!

It is very unfortunate but the Rising Sun, Ickford are unable to get a side together.  That now means we only have nine teams in Division Four - requiring a 'Bye' each week.  Not an ideal situation.

I do have someone looking into raising another team - but how successful is he going to be?!  Let's throw it open - can anyone amongst you, especially those who have registered more than twelve players, come up with another side?  Don't worry about only having one pitch - they won't clash at home. 

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!

Phil Allen

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With just under a month to go, guess it's time for an update, and to start to get ourselves and our venues ready for the new season.

Sponsorship of the League

1.  As communicated previously, Lodge Garage unfortunately had to withdraw their sponsorship of the league, due to the impact of Covid on the economic situation over the last couple of years.  Our first step to replace the donation we had received previously from them was to enquire in general with all the teams and venues involved in our league - and what a response we had!!   The committee and myself were overwhelmed, and I am pleased to say that we have received several donations from individuals, venues, and businesses or companies that players are involved with or, in fact, own - and the amount received has more than compensated for previous years' donations.

2.  I would just like to say how  grateful the league is to all who have offered to help -  Clear Vision Financial Services, The Fox and Goat at Tiddington (even though they now can't get a side together for this season!!), Otmoor Electrical Ltd in Ickford, and a few other businesses who have asked to remain anonymous, have been the largest donors - plus some individual donations from players themselves which has been gratefully received.   So, please give a thought to using our sponsors if you need some financial advice, fancy a pint away from Bicester or need any quotes for electrical work !!

Constitution of the League

3.  As expected really, after the couple of years we've just gone through, the number of teams for the forthcoming season has dropped from the 40 we had in 2019 to 34 this year.  That's not too bad actually - but, of course, 34 is not divisible by 8; so, what that does mean, is that we will need to have three divisions of 8 and one division of 10.  And then, because the division of ten will have 18 league fixtures (as opposed to 14 for the others), it prevents them from having their own singles, pairs and four a side competitions - although, it may be able to arrange something for the 14th and 21st September.  I'll get a better idea as the season progresses and will keep you informed.

4.  A copy of the fixtures list (with venues shown at the bottom) is attached.  I've gone through it with a 'tooth comb' but I'm only human!  So, please study it carefully - especially so if you have more than one team playing at your venue and let me know as soon as possible of any clashes.

Knockout Cup draws

5.  There are two knockout cup competitions - the League Cup which comprises those teams in the Premier, Divisions One and Two and the Intermediate Cup for those in Divisions Three and Four.  The draws for the first rounds to be played on 4th May were made at the committee meeting held on Wednesday evening and came out as shown below.  It is rather unfortunate that, because we have 18 teams in Division Three and Four, we need two preliminary games.  They will be Chearsley Cricketers at home against Long Crendon Village Centre and the Bull Inn B at home against Launton S&S Divas.  Would you please play those on Wednesday 13th April?

League Knockout Cup
Shakespeare B v Rose & Crown
Crown CoO A v White Horse
The Lion v Tiddington CC
Barley Mow v Nut Tree
Red Cow v Bull Inn A
Brill S&SC B v Bell A
Pheasant Inn v Shakespeare A
Launton Arms v Ashton Club

Intermediate Knockout Cup
Fox Souldern v Brill S&SC A
Launton S&S v Marsh Gibbon Village Hall
Bell B v Crown CoO B
Ex Services v Blacks Head
White Hart v Chearsley Cricketers or Long Crendon VC
Rising Sun v Butchers Arms
Crown Twyford v Highfield SC
Bull Inn B or Launton S&S Divas v Chandos Arm

League Rules

6.  The revised can be found bu using the RULES button.in the menu.

Result reporting

7.  The result card template is attached.  Team captains are asked to print their own (seven home league games and a couple in readiness for cup matches).  Immediately after the game, the winning captain is responsible for sending to the league secretary by WhatsApp, a photograph of the completed result sheet.  There is then no need to post it.      

Closure of the railway bridge into Launton

8.  Please be aware that the bridge into Launton will be closed from Monday 28^th March until the end of April to vehicle traffic.  The pedestrian pathway will still be open.  At our committee meeting this week we tried to arrange as many fixtures as we could to avoid teams having to travel into Launton, but, with some venues having more than one team, it wasn't always possible.  Access to Launton will be possible through Stratton Audley, and from the Blackthorn direction.  There will be traffic lights at the Blackthorn Road/A41 cross roads to help alleviate entry problems from that side

Phil Allen

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Sadly, the 2021-22 indoor league season has come to an end - but, what a way to finish!  Two terrific evenings - plenty of banter with a little bit of aunt sally thrown in!   Well done and thank you to everyone involved.   I've got that very deflated feeling already, eagerly looking forward to October!

Almost forgot, Colin Baldwin came up with a magic six on Tuesday - well done Colin!

A list of 'how it finished' is attached.

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

Sixer - Tuesday - Colin Baldwin.

Now let's get ourselves prepared (winter jackets at the ready) for the summer league which starts on 20th April.

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

Sadly, we're drawing to a close in this 2021/22 indoor league season - just the finals nights to come this Tuesday and Wednesday.  But what a way to finish off, on both nights this past week.

I did say last week that the Tuesday Handicap League could be won by any of five teams - but, realistically, it was expected to be decided in the 8.55 match between the Bull Inn A and the Red Cow.  However, in their earlier matches, they both dropped vital points - the Bull A drew 3-3 with Bell B whilst the Red Cow won 5-1 against Bell C.  That then meant the Red Cow had leapfrogged to top spot, one point ahead of the Bull (49-48).  Others in contention though were on next - the Ex Services against the Bull B and the Ex's came out of that one with four points - but, actually, whilst that brought them level on points with Bull A, they dropped to third place on dolls.  Bull B are now out of it.  The fifth team in with a shout - and most people had disregarded - are the Barley Mow.  They walloped Mr&MrsFits 6-0 with a much needed 49 dolls.

So, going into the vital last games for each team it now stands

• Red Cow - 49 pts, 525 dolls
• Bull Inn A - 48 pts, 530 dolls
• Ex Services - 48 pts, 527 dolls
• Barley Mow - 46 pts, 525 dolls

Game on!

Bull A v Red Cow - three points apiece with 39 and 41 dolls respectively.

Ex Services lost 4-2 to Mr&MrsFits, scoring just 32 dolls in the process.

Barley Mow walloped Bull B 6-0 - with 52 dolls

The rest is history!  Barley Mow gatecrashed the party, sneaking in by the back door, and finished as champions with 52 points and 577 dolls, the Red Cow runners up with 52 points and 566 dolls.  It couldn't have been any more exciting!  Well done the Barley Mow - and, back in January, they almost withdrew claiming they wouldn't be able to get a side together for the Handicap League!

Not quite in the same 'league' on Wednesday, with the Ashton Club already having won it, the fight for second place was still on.  Again a tussle between five teams.  The Bell and the Unwanted felt they no longer wanted to be a part of that group(!), and 'decided' to lose 6-0 in their first matches!  The Shakey soon followed, coming second (2-4) against the Ashton.  Just The Cherries and the Crown left.  With Karl Budd (27 dolls on the night) and Tony Launchbury (20) doing their utmost, the Crown did as much as they could - 12 points and 105 dolls - the Cherries (with Liam Fisher (21 dolls) and skipper Nick Cherry (19) driving them along, also got the six points they needed, with 100 dolls.  So, again, it was another trophy position that was decided on dolls - 49 points each with 681-654 in favour of The Cherries.  Well done to them too.

Dates for the diary - 

• 8th and 9th March - Finals nights at the Ex Services Club
• 16th March - Challenge match away at Yarnton
• 30th March - Challenge match at home to the Eynsham League
• 31st March - Annual inter league competition at Banbury
• 1st April - 24 Hourathon at the Ex Services in aid of Prostate Cancer UK

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

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

On Tuesday, the Bull Inn A won their way through to the final after defeating the Bell C and the Red Cow and will meet Mr&MrsFits who did likewise against Bell B and the Ex Services.  In the Plate final, Bull Inn B will play the Barley Mow.

On Wednesday, the Crown 'disposed' of the Bell (despite a six from Darren Moore) and then the Ex Services to cement their place in the final against the Shakespeare who defeated the Unwanted and The Cherries.  The Plate final will be between the Misfits and the Unwanted.

A bit of pressure on a few teams this coming Tuesday with any of the top five in with a chance of winning the handicap league title.  But, realistically, it's between the Bull Inn A and the Red Cow - all eyes on Pitch 1 at 8.55 for the clash of the titans!

On Wednesday though, with the Ashton Club having already run away with the title, it'll be interesting to see who gets "the wooden spoon".  The Misfits, next to bottom, are only one point above the Ex Services.  The Misfits meet an improving Crown followed by The Cherries (a much different side in the Handicap League!), whilst the Ex's are up against the Unwanted and already crowned champions, the Ashton.  Place your bets now, please!

Sixer - Wednesday - Darren Moore

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

'Tis rather tight at the top of the Tuesday league table.  Just five points separate the top five teams, and with just two games left, it's"there for the taking".  The Bull Inn A, current table toppers, had a relatively poor week dropping six points (two against the Barley Mow and four against Bull B), whilst their biggest threat, the Red Cow, who didn't throw particularly well themselves, hauled in a maximum twelve.  How fitting that they will now meet in the final game of the league season.

Bit of a different story on a Wednesday night though.  The Ashton Club have run away with the Handicap League; dropping just 12 points in their twelve games so far, they're already 23 points ahead of those chasing the runners up spot - The Cherries, Crown and Unwanted are all level on 37.  Bobby Allen hit 26 (12 and 14) including his first six of the season, Pete Dempsey with 25 (13 and 12), and Phil Allen with 23 (10 and 13), with his first six of the season too.  Dougie Revitt also hit 23 (11 and 12), including his third six of the season.  Despite not having played for a couple of weeks, Eddie Jones still managed double figures in his two matches (10 and 11).  Well done to Dave Vear (Ashton Club) who, despite getting a blob in his previous leg, came back with a vengeance with a five.  

Sixers - Wednesday - Doug Revitt, Bobby Allen and Phil Allen (and Karl Budd's last week which I forgot to add - and that was his third too).

Phil Allen

Morning all,

Despite 21 dolls from James Bateman on Tuesday evening, league leaders Bull Inn A were only able to get two points in each of their two matches.  The Ex Services, one of their closest rivals, firstly did the 'whitewash' over the Bell C and then overcame the Bull Inn A 4-2.  Mr&MrsFits, who haven't had it all their own way in this handicap league, also beat the table toppers 4-2.  With Karl Budd throwing out of his skin - 14 (6,4,4) in that match and then 15 (5,5,5) in their next - Mr&MrsFits also gained maximum points against Bell C.  Another team to drop vital points were the Red Cow.  Ian Cantwell's 22 dolls (13 and 9) did little to help as they also lost 4-2 in both of their matches.  The league title is still up for grabs; with four matches to go, only 7 points separate the top five teams - and with two points for a win, it's still anybody's (apart from the bottom three)!

A mid-season review of the Wednesday night handicaps is required, me thinks!  The Ashton Club got eleven points this week, The Cherries and the Crown ten apiece.  With four games left, and 19 points clear, the Ashton are almost there - but then, they play both The Cherries and the Crown this coming Wednesday.

Dougie Revitt shone once again - 27 dolls (16 and 11 - including two sixes) - with team mate, Brian Gough, and Pete Dempsey hitting 24.

Sixers - Tuesday - Karl Budd

           - Wednesday - Doug Revitt (x2)

Phil Allen

Morning all, with the past Tuesday and Wednesday being the singles competitions, there's very little to report this week.

Tuesday evening saw a relatively decent attendance of 35, with Karl Budd and Nigel King progressing  to the final.  Wednesday wasn't as quite as well attended (31) but, still, a terrific evening was had by all !  Tracey Denton and Tony Nichols contested the semi final on pitch one, with Tony getting through.  And, on pitch two (the group of death!), Dougie Revitt overcame the threat of Pete Dempsey to also get through.

Here are the formats (so far) for the finals nights on Tuesday and Wednesday 8th and 9th March. 

Knockout Cup Final - Red Cow v Bull Inn B (Pitch 1)

KO Cup Plate Cup Final - Barley Mow v Mr&Mrs Fits (Pitch 2)

Two and a half pairs final - (Pitch 1)

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

Triples Final (Pitch 1) - Phil Allen, Keith Lennard, Chris Hill  v Liam Fisher, Kevin Gardner, Olly Carvell

Pairs Final (Pitch 1) - Dave Gardner and Kevin Gardner v Nigel King and Nick Cherry

Singles Final (Pitch 1) - Karl Budd v Nigel King

WEDNESDAY LEAGUE – 9th  MARCH

Knockout Cup Final - Misfits v Unwanted (Pitch 1)

KO Cup Plate Cup Final - Ex Services v Bell (Pitch 2)

Two and a half pairs final - (Pitch 1)

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

Triples Final (Pitch 1) - Eddie Jones, Rick Gumbert, Dave Puddle v Terry Hawkins, Steve Golder, 

Colin Baldwin

Pairs Final (Pitch 1) - Bobby Allen and Dougie Revitt v Eddie Jones and Ray Rowe

Singles Final (Pitch 1) - Tony Nichols v Doug Revitt

Phil Allen

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Totally overwhelmed!   Further to my email earlier this morning, we have reached our target - in fact, with some very generous offers, we're well past it.  

Those of you who have been fortunate enough to have attended one of our finals nights will have seen both the quantity (about 250) and quality of the trophies we provide - and, of course, they cost money.  In addition, on that same evening, with food generously donated by Bidfood, we sell refreshments, and then hand over all profits to the Hummingbird Cancer Support and Therapy Centre.  The problem we have now is that, our two previous contacts at Bidfood no longer work there; so, it may now mean that we'll have to purchase the food - more expense!

Further to that, we have a website which needs regular updating and maintaining.

We will, of course, be very grateful for any further donations - but, firstly I've just wanted to be honest with you all by informing you that we have actually reached the initial target - but could still do with a little more!  If any of those who have already offered donations now want to pull out, please get back in touch with me.

Thank you all once again

Morning all,

Further to our AGM last Thursday, I have received the unfortunate news that Lodge Garage will not be in a position to sponsor the league with a donation, as they have done for the last 2 years.

Further to that, I have received the good news that one of our team captains is willing to help towards this year's sponsorship, which is greatly appreciated.

However, it does leave us short of the full amount we need to continue running things and providing trophies, cups and medals as we do, even with the individual sponsorship of many of the competitions.

The committee and I would therefore like to ask if there are any other captains, or players within teams - or, indeed, any businesses out there - who would be interested in sponsoring the league to help us bridge the gap we now see in the finances.

If you, or any of your players are interested and would like to discuss this privately with me, please get in touch. I can explain how it would work and what we can do to support it from our side, such as advertising a personal business or company as part of the sponsorship.

Any help with this will, of course, be greatly received.

Regards,

Phil Allen

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Morning all.

Tuesday evening belonged to the Bull Inn A who, with a maximum 12 points, leapfrog to the top of the table.  Their first match, against their nearest rivals, the Red Cow, was the 'killer'.  Apart from a six by Liam Fisher (Red Cow) and ten dolls from opponent James Bateman, neither team threw particularly well - but, as we've heard many a time, as long as you do enough to win!  In their second match against a much higher handicapped Bell C, 15 dolls (three 5's) from Nigel King and 11 from Dave Gardner saw them get their second six points of the evening.  Elsewhere, Terry Hawkins hit a maximum six with his first throw, Baz hit 19 (9 and 10) and Olly Carvell shone with 13 (8 and 5).  Well done chaps.   

So, who did Wednesday night belong to?!!  Yeh, the Ashton Club once again.  Eleven points and 98 dolls - two dolls more per leg than the first half of the season!  Brian Loverock did the damage in the first match against the Ex Services with ten dolls.  Individually, there were a few 'shiners' - Karl Budd with 25 (13 and 12), Phil Allen with 22 (11 in both matches), Dave Puddle 21 (12 and 9), Bobby Allen 20 (12 and 8) - and not a six to be seen.

Singles this week.  Just turn up on your 'normal' evening and enter.

Sixers - Tuesday - Liam Fisher and Terry Hawkins

Phil Allen

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"Boring, dull, waste of time, I've got better things to do and every epithet under the sun" - that's how many people view an AGM.  But ours on Thursday evening was far from that.  Forty one in attendance, most of them contributing to a very worthwhile meeting.  

The outcome is that we will play very much as we did in our 'friendly' league last year - 

1. nine players may be used in the match
2. five legs
3. six players per leg
4. players may be changed in each leg if desired
5. in the event of a drawn leg, three sticks and then one stick if necessary - and then staying on one stick if the need arises
6. one point for a win

The minutes of the meeting can be found by clicking the AGM button on the left..

The season will start on Wednesday 20th April.

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Morning all, panic over, the 'missing' Wednesday result sheet was left on the club bar by the scoreboard. 

It's a funny old game!  The Ex Services gained all six points against the Bell but then, despite outscoring the Red Cow in their next match (49-46 with 19 in the second leg), they lost that one 4-2.  But then the Bell go on to beat Mr&Mrs Fits 6-0.  Weird eh?  The Red Cow, with nine points on the night, now find themselves back on top again.  A rather good night for the Bell C, who, with seven points, jumped two places - only six points from top spot!

On Wednesday the Ashton Club bandwagon continues to roll on - ten points out of the possible twelve, a leg of 25 and a total of 106 dolls too!  Dave Wheeler's the 'culprit', spoiling the party with 12 in his first match and then another seven later.  The Misfits had an evening of mixed fortunes, winning all six points against the Shakespeare and then managing just one point against the Unwanted.  

Sixer - Wednesday - Karl Budd

Phil Allen

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'Team of the Week' in the Tuesday Handicap League goes to the Barley Mow who played out of their skin and clocked up all 12 points with wins over the Bell and, the first week's table toppers, the Red Cow.  Colin Baldwin shone with 10 in their first match and nine in their second, with Terry Hawkins and James Kirkland backing him up with 17 apiece.  Those twelve points (and 99 dolls in the process when they should only be getting 72!) takes them from 'next to bottom' to 'next to top'.   Bull Inn A have risen to top spot with ten points on the night - six against the Ex Services and the other four against Mr&Mrs Fits (James Bateman with 19 and Nick Cherry 18).  Karl Budd rattled off a six in his 25 dolls.  Well done.

In the Wednesday Handicap League, a few teams either, appear to be producing stronger teams or to be playing above themselves!  In the twelve legs we've played, with a 14.64 leg average - 176 dolls total.  You can see in the league tables, only two teams have hit less than that - the Unwanted and the Ex's ('cos Tracey Denton's not been playing).  Having said that, leg averages have been calculated over 14 games and, so far, in the handicap league, we've only played four - time will tell and we'll see how it all pans it over the course of 14 games!

The Ashton Club remain top, picking up ten points and smashing 111 dolls (opposed to the 'target figure' of 88 !).  They even hit legs of 23, 22 and 21.  And, in "one's" defence, it's not all down to the handicap they've been given - players, once again, are excelling themselves.  But, as said previously, time will tell.  Rick Gumbert hit 17 (7 and 10) and Dave Wheeler 17 as well (8 and 9).  Others to score well were the Shakespeare with 112 (58 and 54) and theThe Cherries with 100 (57 and 43).  There were only two teams to hit less than "the 88" - the Unwanted (81) and the Crown (86). 

Eddie Jones (Bell) and Martin Wanless (Shakespeare) were our sixers on the night.  Well done chaps.

Sixers - Tuesday - Karl Budd (Mr&Mrs Fits)

           - Wednesday - Eddie Jones (Bell) and Martin Wanless (Shakespeare)

PS:  As you can see, I'm very much on the defensive today!!  To those who are excelling themselves, well done; to those who are on the receiving end, chins up - another ten games to go!

Phil Allen

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Morning all and a belated Happy New Year to you all,

A bit of a change in the format this week with the introduction of the Handicap Leagues.  On Tuesdays, with the handicap included, the target average per leg is 12.  And what happened this week?  The Red Cow, initially 'complaining' they didn't have sufficient handicap, showed off a bit with a 13.3 leg average in their first match and then 14.3 in their second - a little readjusting needed there, me thinks!  The Bull Inn A went a little OTT in their second with 45 dolls (15 average).  Otherwise, pretty satisfied with the handicaps!  Individually, Liam Fisher (Red Cow) was the star of the night with 20 dolls (11 and 9).

What about Wednesday?  Firstly, there's no keeping Dougie Revitt out of the limelight, is there?  Fourteen dolls in each of his two games (28 on the night), and not a six amongst them (5, 5, 4 on both occasions).  Well done Dougie.

Team-wise, 14.6 was the leg average the handicaps were based upon, roughly 44 dolls per match.  The Crown with a 53 (including a 20 leg), the Cherries with a 51 in their first match and the Bell with a 51 (including a 21 leg - with a six from Bill Craig), upset the apple cart a little.  The Ex Services, without Tracey Denton, fell a few short.  The Shakey, with a strong looking side out on the night, were rather rusty, lacking match practice - now wait for the backlash!  

Other sixers on the night were Karl Budd and Dave Reast - well done chaps.

Sixers - Wednesday - Billy Craig, Karl Budd, Dave Reast

Phil Allen

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Afternoon all,

With the success of 'picking any six players from nine' which we operated last summer, there will certainly be lengthy discussions at the forthcoming AGM (Thursday 27th January at 7.30pm at the Ex Services Club) relating to the format  we should use this coming summer - ie that same format or reverting to the original eight players who would then play all three legs.  Last year it was played as a 'friendly' league but, this time around, it will become competitive once again.  Should last season's format be voted in once again, there will be no loaning of players to opponents turning up short and no cases of lowest player throwing again. 

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, please let me know which format you would prefer.  I'll monitor replies to ensure, as I said before, only one vote per team.

Phil Allen

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Listed below are the winners of the trophies shown in our last competitive season before lockdown.  With the current season rapidly coming to a close, it’s now time for me to collect them all in so I can get them engraved.  Would you please return any trophies that you’re in possession of to me on or before Tuesday or Wednesday 18^th/19^th January.

Thank you 

Phil Allen

TUESDAY LEAGUE

League Champions (Cup)                        Red Cow

Knockout Cup winners (Cup)                  Red Cow

Knockout Plate winners (Plate)             Mr&MrsFits

Two and a half pairs winners (Cup)       Red Cow

Singles winner (Cup)                             Karl Budd

Pairs winners (Cup)                               Ian Cantwell and Roger Herbert

Triples winners (Cup)                           James Kirkland, Dave Leopold, Steve Webb

Top Doll scorer (Cup)                           Karl Budd

WEDNESDAY LEAGUE

League Champions (Cup)                        Misfits

Knockout Cup winners (Cup)                  Misfits

Knockout Plate winners (???)                Ex Services

(not sure if there is one)

Two and a half pairs winners (Cup)       Misfits

Singles winner  (Shield)                        Dougie Revitt

Pairs winners (Cup)                               Tony Nichols and Erik Poslusny

Triples winners (Cup)                           Tony Nichols, Erik Poslusny, Andy Grose

Top Doll scorer (Cup)                           Dougie Revitt

Afternoon all,

Here's hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas and now patiently waiting for the New Year - wanting to get back to some more indoor aunt sally.

Having found a few anomalies in the fixtures lists (both Tuesdays and Wednesdays), I've now corrected them.  The 'Revised' lists can be found by clicking the INDOOR button on the menu - please get rid of your old ones and use these (I'll have some available to hand out when we return).

We'll be re-starting next week, on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th, with the handicap leagues - the handicaps are as shown below:

     Tuesdays

            Mr&MrsFits                  0

            Bull Inn A                     1

            Bull Inn B                     3

            Red Cow                      2

            Ex Services                  4

            Barley Mow                  5

            Bell C (was Another)    7

            Bell                               7

     Wednesdays

            Misfits                                    0

            Unwanted                              1

            Crown                                    3

            Bell                                         3

            Shakespeare                          4

            Ex Services                            4

            The Cherries (was Another)   5

            Ashton Club                            8

Have a great (safe) New Year's Eve and I look forward to seeing you all again next week.    

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

Despite a number of players unable to join us this week, we were able to 'field' a sufficient number of teams to ensure the triples competitions were successful on both Tuesday and Wednesday.  

On Tuesday, Phil Allen, Keith Lennard and Chris Hill won their way through to the final where they'll meet Liam Fisher, Kevin Gardner and Olly Carvell.  Wednesday's successful teams were Eddie Jones, Rick Gumbert and Dave Puddle, and Terry Hawkins, Steve Golder and Colin Baldwin.  Well done to one and all.

Sadly, we have to take a break now for a couple of weeks and will reunite again on 4th and 5th January.  In the meantime, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to every one of you - and most of all, stay safe and well.

Sixer - Tuesday - Nigel King

Phil Allen

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Morning one and all,

On both Tuesday and Wednesday it was the last match of the first half of the season - which also concludes what we would generally refer to as the "league season" - and then the semi finals of the Knockout Cup and Plate competitions.  This coming week we have the Triples Competitions and then, after Christmas, we'll contest the Handicap Leagues.

On Tuesday, the Bull Inn B needed to 'thrash' the already-crowned champions, Mr&Mrs Fits 6-0 to have any chance of leapfrogging Bull Inn A to secure second place - and that's hoping Bull Inn A would lose 6-0 against Another (very little chance of that happening!).  Bull Inn B started off well enough, winning the first leg 11-8, but then, with Clare Walker chipping in with a 4 for the champions, they lost the second 14-11 - and then drew the last 11-11.  So, 'goodbye' to the runners up spot.  Anyway, there was no chance the Bull Inn A were going to concede all points to Another, was there?  And they didn't - they actually won all six.  With the assistance of 'new recruits' James Bateman and Colin Baldwin, the Barley Mow got the better of the Ex Services 4-2; in her ten dolls on the night, Tracey Denton (Ex's) almost got her second six of the Tuesday season but missed with the last stick.  Liam Fisher (12) and Ian Cantwell (10, including a six) did their utmost to ensure the Red Cow didn't drop any points against the Bell - and they didn't!

In a terrific Knockout Cup semi final between the Red Cow and Bull Inn A, Nigel King's 13 (including a six) and Nick Cherry's ten were not enough to get the Bull A through to the final.  Liam Merchant's 12 did the damage for the Red Cow as they went through by two legs to one.  Their opponents in the final will be the Bull Inn B who easily defeated Another 2-0.  In the Knockout Plate, Mr&Mrs Fits won their way through with a 2-0 against the Ex Services - Karl Budd hitting 5 and 6 in the two legs he threw - and the Barley Mow did likewise against the Bell.

On Wednesday, the Ex Services needed to beat the Shakespeare by at least 5-1 to leapfrog them in the table.  The 4-2 win they did achieve means they stay as they were.  Baz Bazile and Keith Lennard shone for the Ex's with ten apiece as did Steve Payne, playing his first game for the Shakespeare.  Pete Dempsey seems to have a new lease of life lately; his twelve dolls and Kevin Powney's 11 helped the Unwanted to a 6-0 win over the Ashton Club.

In the Knockout Cup, both the Misfits (against the Shakespeare) and the Unwanted (against the Crown) won 2-0 to progress to the final.  The Ex Services and the Bell did likewise against The Cherries and the Ashton Club.

Sixers - Tuesday - Ian Cantwell, Nigel King and Karl Budd.

Phil Allen

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Afternoon all,

Here's a rarity, the Red Cow turned up with a full team on Tuesday!   But (and there's always a "but"), in their first match of the evening, with Tracey Denton hitting a six in the second leg, the Ex Services snatched two points from them.  (Well done Tracey for the six!)  They didn't fare much better in their second match either, going down 4-2 to Mr&Mrs Fits - who, by the way, with ten points on the night, and only one league match to go, are this season's Tuesday League champions.  Well done to one and all!  James Bateman (Bull Inn A) had a very commendable evening with 11 dolls in each of his two matches.  They won their first 6-0 but then went down 4-2 to the Bull Inn B.  Nevertheless, they still look favourites to finish in second place.  Great credit to Ryan McNally and Chris Hill (the Bell) with five dolls in each of their two matches and to Kayleigh Newbold who, not having scored too well in her previous five legs, hit four in her last leg of the evening.  Well done all.  Persevere, you'll get there!  We can see it getting better each week.

The Unwanted missed their chance to close the gap on the table toppers, the Misfits, when the two teams met.  OK, the Misfits won the first fair and square 18-14, the Unwanted sneaked the second by one doll (14-13) but then, with a great opportunity, failed to get the winner in the third - drawing it 17-17.  Some good individual scores in that one too - Bobby Allen with 14, Dougie Revitt 11, Phil Allen 11 and Pete Dempsey and Tyler Andrews with ten apiece.  Not content with that, Dougie goes on to hit 14 in his second match - a 6-0 win over the Shakespeare and the championship for the Misfits.  Need to get those specs back on Dougie!    Pete Dempsey also improved as the night went on with 13 in his second 'attempt'.  Baz Bazile certainly deserves recognition too for a great evening - nine in his first match against the Crown (including a five in the third leg) and then, with the beer kicking in, goes one better with ten against The Cherries.  Well done Baz.  Good to see Paula Grose back with us again and the Shakey's top scorer with eight in their match against the Misfits.  Well done Paula.

Sixer - Tuesday - Tracey Denton (Ex Services)

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

Sorry, not much of a report this week,  Without match result sheets showing team and individual scores, I haven't got much to go on.  Nevertheless, very good turn outs for the pairs competitions - 38 (19 pairs) on Tuesday and 18 pairs the following evening.

Nigel King and Nick Cherry (Bull Inn A) fought their way through to the final where they'll face Dave Gardner and brother Kevin, also from Bull Inn A.

On Wednesday, Pitch One turned out to be the "group of death" with all three of the Misfits teams (two of them playing each other in the first round), two Bell teams (also drawn against each other in the first round), as well as Phil Allen and Tyler Andrews 'unluckily' up against Bobby Allen and Dougie Revitt - who eventually won in the 'final' on that pitch against Misfit team mates, Brian Gough and Dave Reast.  On Pitch Two, Eddie Jones and Ray Rowe were the victorious pair.

Phil Allen

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MORNING ALL,

Sadly, a bout of positive COVID tests in our area decimated many of our teams this week.  Nevertheless, with a little jiggery-pokery, they were still enjoyable evenings.

On Tuesday, the Red Cow were down to three regulars but, with Mel Cantwell joining in, they managed ten points - six against a three man Barley Mow and four against the Bull Inn B.  Ian Cantwell (11 dolls) and John Clutterbuck (10) shone in the first match, with Ian getting another 10 in their second.  The top of the table clash between Bull Inn A and Mr&Mrs Fits was, as expected, a close call with Mr&Mrs Fits eventually collecting all six points.  Kevin Powney, standing in for the unavailable Karl Budd, looked as though he's played before (!) with ten dolls but the real "star of the show" was Steve Golder with 12.  He followed that in their second match with another nine - a decent night out Steve!  

On Wednesday, despite a couple of decent throws from Terry Hawkins (13 and 10 - including a six in his first match), and 11 from Tracey Denton in their first match, the Ex Services still only managed to get two points on the night.  

This coming week it'll be the Pairs Competitions.  Whilst the pairs have already been selected there will be some disruption because of the recent positive Covid tests.  Adjustments - and the draws - will be made on the night.  Just turn up on the night - before 7.30.

Sixer - Wednesday - Terry Hawkins

Phil Allen

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Morning all,

The Mr&Mrs Fits, with a maximum 12 points (and 81 dolls in the process), gained a point over their nearest rivals, the Bull Inn A, on Tuesday evening.  In their first match against the Barley Mow, they hit a commendable 44 dolls - Karl Budd and Billy Atwell with 10 apiece, with the opposition's young lead-off man, Harry Whaites, replying with seven.  No problems in their second match either - all six points against the Ex Services with Billy Atwell excelling himself with another 10.  Meanwhile the Bull Inn A easily overcame the Bell in their first match with all six points.  Not quite as easy when they came up against the four-man Red Cow, as they dropped a point with a draw in the second leg.  The third leg was rather close too but Nick Cherry, now playing for the Bull against his "old team", managed to hit the winner with his last stick.  

We can certainly see some improvement within the Bell and Another teams, who, as I've said before, are there week in, week out.  Matt Toomey was the 'star' last week with 13 dolls (6 and 7).  Well done ladies and gents, keep it up.

Potentially a big game to commence proceedings on Wednesday evening with the Misfits up against the Crown.  OK, the Misfits ran away with the first leg 16-7 but the other two were rather touch and go - just one doll in each case (12-11 and 14-13 (eleven dolls from Dave Reast) and all six points to the Misfits).   With 14 dolls from Brian Gough (including a six in the second leg) and 11 for Dougie Revitt. their second match (against The Cherries) was a much easier one - all six points and 50 dolls.  With Pete Dempsey in decent form these days, hitting 22 dolls on the night (12 and 10), the Unwanted also gained maximum points against the Ex Services and the Shakespeare.  Tony Nichols was another to hit a six, in his 11 dolls against the Ashton Club.  Aimee Sheehan had a terrific evening with 18 dolls - eleven of those in the Bell's first match, against The Cherries.  Well done Aimee.

Sixers - Wednesday - Brian Gough and Tony Nichols.

Phil Allen

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Morning all,