Veteran Colin Henwood turned the clock back to land his second singles title at the Morrells Oxford & District League finals night at Romanway, writes John Gaisford.

It was 21 years ago that Henwood won his first title, and loyal servant that he is, he still plays for the George, Littlemore.

But he, and opponent Phil Wilkins (Cricketers), will be the first to admit it was a sub-standard final and a long way off the fireworks expected from what is normally the highlight of the evening.

Wilkins, who appeared in five finals on the night, started off reasonably by setting four, which proved too much for Henwood.

The second leg went to three sticks after both scored three, but Henwood clanged off all three to make it one leg apiece.

When Henwood could set only two in the decider, it looked all over. But Wilkins could do no better than a single doll to the gasps of the 400 onlookers.

Wilkins fared better in the GRA Oxford Stadium pairs with partner Dennis Sellar.

They overcame a first-leg setback to defeat Pete Dempsey and Robert Townsend (Kidlington SC) 2-1, and Wilkins secured his third title when superb play from Kevin Baker and Sellar, who both hit five and six, saw Cricketers lift the Monty Greenaway Shield against Blackbird Leys SC. However, as in the GRA singles, the big one was again to escape Wilkins as George A proved just too strong for Cricketers in the premier team event, the Morrells Cup.

Wilkins did his bit with 5, 4, 4, but a telling six from Kevin Giles in the deciding leg just swayed the verdict for George.

Paul and Dave Townsend proved too strong for Paul and Phil Wilkins in the Parent & Child Trophy, winning 2-1.