HEADINGTON A won their second successive league and cup double as they battled to victory over Banbury Central A.

The defending champions triumphed 62-52 under the floodlights at Kidlington to retain the Bowls Oxfordshire League Cup.

Both clubs were celebrating a successful season in local and national competitions, with Banbury making their first appearance in the final for seven years.

The event lived up to expectations, with just two shots separating three of the four rinks.

Headington were quickest out of the blocks and were slightly ahead on all four rinks after six ends.

After 12 ends there were just six shots in the game, though, helped by Nigel Galletly’s rink edging in front for Central.

It built to an exciting climax, as both sides adjusted to the floodlights and the changing green conditions.

Headington tried to extend their lead, while Central battled hard to narrow the gap.

Will Campion’s rink picked up nine shots in the last six ends to seal a one-shot victory for Banbury, but Mark Charlett matched that finish.

The Headington skipper’s rink ended Central’s hopes of a late victory, claiming a decisive 20-12 shot win.

Charlett said: “The final was played in great spirit, and was a fitting climax to the league season.”

Headington claimed the Hawker Cup earlier in the campaign.

SCORES

Headington A 62 – Banbury Central A 52: M Charlett 20, AJ Docherty 12; N Rae-Welsh 15, K McNeil 13; H Watts 13, N Galletly 12; J King 14, W Campion 15.