Sally outsider has shock win (From Oxford Mail)

Sally outsider has shock win

6:00pm Tuesday 12th July 2011 in News

AN unexpected and controversial result has rocked the first World Aunt Sally Singles Championship.

The traditional pub game is played almost exclusively in Oxfordshire. But the new world champion comes from Gloucestershire, a result which has dented county pride.

The championships happened at the Charlbury Beer Festival on Saturday, where Trevor Dyer, of Paxford, near Chipping Campden, claimed victory over dozens of other leading aunt sally players.

Mr Dyer, who is chairman of the Chipping Norton Invitation Aunt Sally League, said: “It is a bit surreal. It does not sit comfortably on my shoulders because I know I am not the best player in the world.

The modest 57-year-old champ added: “I am not too bad but there are players better than me. I just won it on the day.”

Mr Dyer received a trophy and £100, which he said he would use to buy a gift for his wife.

He added: “I hope I will be there next year to defend the title, but I expect there will be some heat from the other players trying to take it off me.”

Charlbury Beer Festival Committee member Nick Millea said: “The Oxfordshire Aunt Sally players will have to up their game for next year.

“It is a bit like Cardiff City winning the FA cup in 1927. They were the only team from outside England to do so.”

The championship, which will now be held annually, was opened by Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron, who threw the first stick.

Mr Millea said: “It was a great endorsement to have the PM open the event. He hit the target on at least one occasion.”

About 3,000 people attended the festival, which also featured music, morris dancing, children’s entertainment.