THE Champagne remains on ice but the Royal Sun (Begbroke) came very close to securing the title in the West last Thursday when they made the short trek to Wolvercote to take on Premiership big guns, the Ploughman’s Bunch.

Taking the lead with their second answer, they were not to relinquish it until the penultimate pair of questions; too late to make amends though as they succumbed 79-81. Another trip in two days’ time should prove more fruitful as they are odds-on to defeat the Royal Blenheim ‘B’ (Oxford City) and complete the successful defence of their championship crown.

Another side on the verge of divisional honours is the Plough (Wolvercote). A pivotal round five, which they nailed 14-3, helped them to victory over Premier Section rivals, the Royal Blenheim ‘A’, 81-75.

A run of five straight wins has elevated the North Oxford Conservative Club (Summertown) to top spot, their latest, a 75- 70 success over the Gardener’s Arms (North Parade). One point only now separates the Con Club from the Black Swan (East Oxford) in third with the pair due to meet in the last match of the season. It would be even tighter had the Black Swan not faltered in their most recent encounter with the Black’s Head (Bletchingdon), sharing the spoils 68-68. Another outfit putting their early season travails behind them is the Green Road Club. That’s now six on the bounce for the Kidlington outfit, their latest victim, the White Hart (Eynsham), was defeated 73-65.

The Windrush Club (Witney) have been in good form of late being way too strong for the Royal Blenheim ‘B’, beating them 79-40.

Another remarkable night for the Woodman (North Leigh). It’s now four wins in a row, with the 68-64 triumph over the Chandos Arms (Oakley) achieved after reversing a 14 point deficit.

Elsewhere, the Blue Boar Bees (Chipping Norton) suffered a rare setback as they were beaten by the Seacourt Bridge (Botley), 68-75, whilst next-door neighbours, the Chequers, fared much better in overwhelming the Sun (Hook Norton), 74-47.

The Eight Bells (Long Crendon) ended their losing streak at the expense of the King’s Arms (Wheatley), taking the tie 74-67.

Race to grab the championship title is under way Fixtures and further details can be found at oxfordshirequizleagueco.uk