The Oxford Mail Quiz League is back, with the first set of games in 2002 providing some neck-and-neck results.

The league tables across all the divisions are becoming extremely close which should ensure an exciting series of games towards the end of the season.

This week's highest score was achieved by The Red Lion, of Haddenham, who won their match against the Clifden Arms 80-50 and in doing so secured a two-point lead at the top of the East Division.

The North West division remains extremely tight with several of the teams having games in hand but first place in the division has been claimed by last year's winning team The Blue Boar, thanks to a 73-41 victory over The Bell.

In the Oxford Division, the students of St Cross College posted an impressive 75-62 victory over division leaders The Jolly Postboys and in the Bicester & Kidlington Division, the Bicester Civil Service continued to pull away from the pack with a 73-55 win over The White Hart.

This Thursday will see the first round of The Knock Out Cup which has thrown up many interesting pairings. They include a match between the leading team in the Oxford Division (The Jolly Postboys) and the leading team in the Bicester & Kidlington Division (Bicester Civil Service).

The Jolly Postboys have the home advantage and we anticipate a very keenly fought match.

Updated league tables, results and news can now be accessed on our website, www.inspiredquizcompany.-co.uk -- click on the Oxford Mail logo.