Five points behind with only six questions remaining, the Premiership title aspirations of the Royal Blenheim ‘A’ (Oxford City) looked somewhat forlorn.

However, a spirited last ditch effort saw them sneak home, 72-70, against an unlucky, but ultimately deflated, Royal Sun (Begbroke) whose own designs on championship honours in Section One now look to be just about over.

The Royal Sun possess the best average score of all the sides in their division but three defeats by margins of four or less are undoubtedly going to prove costly.

The Blenheim ‘A’ meanwhile remain second, one win behind the Plough (Wolvercote) who notched up their tenth success (from 11) of the campaign in trouncing the Black Swan (East Oxford). Losing skipper, Captain Conway, was heard muttering grumpily about the round on Children’s Television, but the 85-46 scoreline would suggest that there were other significant gaps in his side’s collective knowledge on the night. Needless to say, this setback also put paid to the Swan’s outside chances of landing the silverware.

Bereft of any match report, I can only assume that the Gardener’s Arms (North Parade) may have been a tad under-manned as they entertained the Green Road Club (Kidlington). Their recent good form certainly suggests that the 54-72 hammering they suffered was a little surprising to say the least. Nevertheless, a great result for the victors and they appear to be on track to justify the tag of bookies’ favourites. They do not appear to have the hardest of run-ins although they have been known to falter in the latter stages in the past.

Very much still in contention, also in Section One, is the Black’s Head (Bletchingdon). Front runners since day one, they maintained their challenge with a comprehensive display at home to the Royal Blenheim ‘B’. Their 68-47 triumph bodes well as they encounter the same opponents in the final round. For both the Black’s Head and the Green Road, scoring aggregates may yet be what divides them so every correct answer is vital.

The only remaining obstacle in their paths, other than each other, is the North Oxford Conservative Club (Summertown). With a patchy set of performances to date, they posted back-to-back wins after overcoming the Seacourt Bridge (Botley), 70-58. They may yet upset the applecart so their tie with the Black’s Head this Thursday could prove to be of the utmost significance for both outfits.

In the one remaining match up of last week, the Ploughman’s Bunch! (Wolvercote) enjoyed a fruitful trip to Eynsham, downing their hosts, the White Hart, 85-61. Neither side has much left to play for but they can both take credit from the fact that this was the highest scoring contest of the evening.

If you would like to enter a side in the Winter Leagues beginning in mid-October, please visit our website at www.oxfordshirequizleague.co.uk or email me at quinnd@hotmail.co.uk