With their 78-65 victory over the Seacourt Bridge (Botley), the Plough (Wolvercote) confirmed their superiority in the Premier Division of the Summer Leagues as the curtain finally came down, last Thursday, on the present campaign.

Their final standing records 13 wins from 14 starts with just the reverse at the Royal Blenheim ‘A’ (Oxford City) in round eight blotting their copybook.

It has been a particularly difficult season for them, having to cope with the tragic loss of one of their teammates, but there is something slightly refreshing about them returning to the top of a tree that has been dominated in recent times by their stablemate, the Ploughman’s Bunch!

So, a massive well done to Jo (for playing and, in particular, reading), occasional skipper ‘The Cat’, proper skipper Vince, Nancy (the brains), Howie, newbie Ruth and anyone else who turned out for them. Oh, and also to Tim the landlord.

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For their part, deposed champions The Bunch! were at pains to point out that they had outscored all their rivals. Indeed, but they did lose six of their matches so perhaps there is a question mark about their big match temperament.

Having said that, ‘The Pad’ missed a considerable number of games and his recent return prompted three straight wins, the third of which was last week as the Royal Blenheim ‘A’ were edged out 84-83 in an absolute belter.

The Green Road Club (Kidlington) entered their one remaining fixture with the Section One championship already secured. They have added a touch of steel to their make up this year and they did not allow any complacency to intrude even in this dead rubber, taking the tie 72-69 from the Royal Sun (Begbroke).

Defending titleholders, the North Oxford Conservative Club (Summertown), experienced a disappointing end to their unsuccessful defence. Their 65-70 loss at home to the White Hart (Eynsham) meant they slipped out of the runner’s up berth to finish fourth overall.

For the White Hart, a decent conclusion to a season in which they should have performed far better. Three wins is a poor return, but perhaps selection issues were a major contributory factor.

Second place was occupied by the Gardener’s Arms (North Parade), emphatic 78-50 conquerors of the Black Swan (East Oxford). After a period in the doldrums, it’s good to see them competing for the silverware and they can look forward to the winter with particular relish.

The high point for the Royal Blenheim ‘B’ was their demolition seven days previously of the luckless Black Swan. The Black’s Head brought them back down to earth, however, sweeping them aside 67-51, assuring the Bletchingdon outfit of their highest ever placing, third. Perhaps they may feel slightly disappointed, though, having opened their account with five consecutive victories.

This week is Finals Night and then a fortnight break before hostilities are resumed in mid-October for the Winter saga.

If you would like to enter a team, please visit our website at www.oxfordshirequizleague.co.uk or email me at quinnd@hotmail.co.uk

 

JAMES CARR'S QUESTIONS

  1. In terms of area and population, which is the smallest country in the European Union?
  2. In the Dr Hook song, what is the name of Sylvia’s mother?
  3. What form of transport beginning G takes its name from the Byzantine Greek for ‘small tail’?
  4. Bob Guccione died in October 2010. Which magazine did he found in London in 1965 to compete with Playboy?

 

 

Answers: 1. Malta;  2. Mrs Avery; 3. Gondola; 4. Penthouse.


 

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