It's business as usual in Division 1 of the Kennington Bowls Specialists Oxford & District League, with last season's top four clubs occupying the same positions at the halfway stage.

Defending champions Carterton suffered a slight setback in their latest outing, losing a close-fought contest away to a battling Bicester team.

This defeat still keeps them five points clear of nearest rivals Summertown, who themselves had a good win at home to Thame. Third-placed Banbury Central recorded a useful win over bottom side West Witney, which still leaves fewer than six points between the two sides.

South Oxford and City & County are staking their claim for a swift return to the top flight, both picking up points away from home to occupy the top two slots in Division 2.

In Division 3, Charlbury caused the shock of the day, taking an amazing five points from leaders Cotswold away from home.

East Oxford also put on a great performance, beating promotion rivals Chipping Norton to go above them into second place.

It's also very close in Division 4, with only half-a-point separating the top two teams.

Witney Town jumped to the top above Oxford University Press after a 4-2 win at Chadlington.

RESULTS

Division 1

Banbury Central 90 (5), West Witney 69 (1): J Tee 25, H Williams 17; I Whelpton 12, P Latter 18; L Campion 26, P Maisey 15, P Norton 27, B Ealey 19.

Summertown 90 (5), Thame 75 (1): R Hewson 13, G Lazuruk 23; G Allen 19, J Green 14; M Charlett 24, R Hesketh 18; C Allen 34, R Slater 20.

Bicester 86 (4), Carterton 81 (2): A Hall 19, R Clanfield 16; K Taylor 20, B Sparkes 22; P Hooley 21, A Wise 23; C Stephens 25, S Richens 20.

Division 2

Headington 74 (1), City & County 89 (5): R Pyniger 18, M Philpott 22; J Floyd 26, B Slatter.

Blackbird Leys 72 (2), South Oxford 84 (4): H Payne 18, N Woodward 15; M Gleeson 17, G Joiner 29; R Brain 26, G Young 14; G Roper 11, B Moss 26.

Woodstock (1), West Oxford (5).

Division 3

Cotswold 65 (1), Charlbury 92 (5): G Powell 24, J Stevens 16; M East 17, R Thornton 18; M Brain 13, K Fawdrey 34 ; N Satchell 11, C Hurst 24.

Bloxham 76 (3), Kidlington 76 (3): A Nicholls 25, J Denton 17; D Morse 20, A Ryder 15; J Lucas 21, P Fitzgerald 23; T Gardner 10, D Lloyd 21.

East Oxford 99 (5), Chipping Norton 57 (1): L Eltringham 23, J Martin 13; G Kerr 37, L Bulard 11; N Rae 24, J Quinn 9; L Vaughan 15, K Field 24.

Division 4

Begbroke 65 (1), Hanborough 83 (5): D Nash 20, G Busby 16; F Cato 18, I Beckett 21; G Phillips 10, C Oliver 20; E Woodmore 17, M Gardner 26.

Chadlington 72 (2), Witney Town 91 (4): C Smart 18, V Comley 14; P Radbone 16, B Buckingham 24; R Arthur 16, M King 35; P Heath 22, C Sparrowhawk 18.

Morris Motors 82 (5), Florence Park 68 (1): B Adams 25, I Gray 18; M Cook 21, J Simmons 14; B Tucker 15, A Thomas 17; P Gibson 21, T Patterson 19.