I must offer my apologies to the Black’s Head (Bletchingdon). Each time I praise a side for a recent performance or comment favourably on a run of success, the mockers appear to be automatically put on them for their next outing. In honour of the Black’s Head having battled their way to third spot in Section One on the strength of back-to-back victories, they were accorded acclaim last week and, furthermore, I indicated a quiet fancy that they might have overturned Section One pacesetters, the Green Road Club (Kidlington) when the two met on Thursday.

Unfortunately, the curse had already been placed upon them and they succumbed by 59 points to 71. This victory, accompanied by defeat the same night for nearest challengers, the North Oxford Conservative Club (Summertown), leaves the Kidlington outfit four points clear with three games to go. That setback for the Con Club came against Far From The Madding Crowd (Oxford City).

Again without Coles (this time holidaying in Lowestoft – a spirited performance was not sufficient to fend off defeat, going down narrowly, 66 to 71. This latest triumph for Far From The Madding Crowd has enabled them to maintain the pressure on the Ploughman’s Bunch! (Wolvercote) at the top of the Premier Section.

They beat the White Hart (Eynsham), 80-60, and thereby retained a two-point cushion.

This week’s clash between the leading protagonists may well help to determine the destination of the title, perhaps more so should the Wolvercote side emerge victorious. The Plough (Wolvercote) are just about hanging onto the coattails of their rivals, assisted by a hard-fought success, 72-68, over a gutsy Royal Sun (Begbroke).

In the only other game of the night, the two sides yet to register a win this season, met at the Seacourt Bridge (Botley). Unfortunately for the visitors, the Gardener’s Arms (North Parade), they sent out a below-strength line-up, and it showed, as the hosts ran out comfortable winners, 78-50. Perhaps the Gardener’s can finally break their duck when they go to the White Hart this Thursday.

  • For any of you out there looking to enter a team for the Winter League, which begins on October 18, or indeed if you are simply interested in joining an existing side, please visit our website at www.oxfordshirequiz league.co.uk where you will find relevant contact details.

Questions supplied by James Carr