Headington A produced a terrific performance to lift the Oxford & District League Cup – and deny Banbury Central A a second successive double under the floodlights at Hanborough.
After the disappointment of finishing runners-up to Central in the league, Headington were fired up for the final and eased to victory by 45 shots – winning on all four rinks.
Central never really got into their stride and trailed from the first end in the decider of the competition sponsored by S&J Timms Cleaning Services and Rub A Dub Dub Laundrette.
Mark Charlett’s rink led Headington’s charge, taking an early lead against Middleton Cup teammate Mark Sykes on the way to a 24-13 win.
With Charlett’s four stretching their lead and Headington adapting better to the damp conditions, a strong finish on captain Craig Nicoll and Nick Rae-Welsh’s rinks also added comfortable 26-15 and 20-11 wins respectively for Headington.
However, the biggest shock came at the conclusion of the match between Headington's Howard Watts and Central's Mick Andrew.
Andrew’s rink looked set to post Central’s only success, sitting four up going into the last end.
Headington held six shots with one wood still to come, but Watts managed to move the jack a few inches for a ‘hot-shot’ eight to claim a 23-19 win.
Nicoll said: "I'm really pleased with the team’s victory.
"It's good to see two years of putting a team together is finally coming to fruition.
"Everyone played their part throughout the season and for it to culminate in winning the League Cup is very satisfying. Roll on 2009!"
It was the second time Headington had lifted the League Cup, and their second success in a week after they lifted the Oxfordshire Bowling Association's Hawker Cup the previous weekend.
Headington A 93, Banbury Central A 58 (Headington skips first): N Rae-Welsh 20, L Campion 11; H Watts 23, M Andrew 19; M Charlett 24, M Sykes 13; C Nicoll 26, J Tee 15.
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