Won 12, lost three, aggregate points scored – 1159.

These are the identical records of the top two teams in the Premier Section, namely the Chester Arms (Oxford) and the Six Bells (Headington), as the league campaign enters its final round of fixtures this Thursday.

The Chester had their opportunity to clinch the title in their penultimate match, and against their arch rivals, but a failure to identify Popeye as the ‘Sea Hag’s’ adversary handed the narrowest of victories to ‘the Bells’. Standing in their way now is fellow elite section side, the Bell (Grove), while the Six Bells travel the short distance to Begbroke to take on the Royal Sun.

Both title contenders begin as favourite, and the destination of the trophy may well boil down to two factors; the ability to capitalise on their opponent’s failure to answer their own questions, and thereby snatch valuable bonus points; and, of course, bottle.

Meanwhile, up in the north of the county, the two leading protagonists in the Northern Division also share very similar statistics for the season. Lying second, the Rock of Gibraltar (Enslow Bridge) are assured an additional two points due to the withdrawal of the Highwayman, so nothing less than a win for front runners, the Blue Boar (Chipping Norton) will suffice, and they do possess the much superior aggregate points score. At least they only have a few yards to travel (literally), as they seek some local neighbourly love from fellow ‘Chippy’ outfit, the Chequers.

With the Green Road Club (Kidlington) and the Green Dragon (Haddenham) having already secured the honours in the Oxford and the East Divisions respectively, the one remaining unresolved issue is who walks off with the spoils in the West.

Reigning champions, the White Hart (Eynsham), are in pole position due to a two point advantage over second, but they need to successfully negotiate a very tricky tie at a rejuvenated, and in-form, Gardener’s Arms (North Parade). In addition to praying for a slip-up, the Windrush Club (Witney), currently occupying the runners-up berth, must overcome the Crown (Church Enstone), and with a handsome score.

Warming up nicely for the exploits ahead, the Chester Arms managed to land the ‘Comedy’ Tabletop last Thursday, at the Kidlington Green Social Club, following a last round haul of 64 points from a possible 72. This after half a dozen contenders had fought nip and tuck throughout.

I detected a small glint in their collective eye when the Chester realised their last-ditch effort had relegated you know who into second place. You guessed it – the Six Bells.

Congratulations to the Rock of Gibraltar and the White Hart on winning the legs at their respective venues; unfortunately their efforts were not quite good enough to take the victor’s laurels.

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