Last Thursday saw a break from the regular Quiz League schedule. Periodically, instead of the usual two-team match-ups, sides gather at various pubs around the county to contest for silverware in a series of themed ‘Tabletops’.

The first of these was held in mid-October when sides’ geographical knowledge was tested: the subject for the evening being ‘Round Britain’. The victors were those wily old foxes from Botley, the Seacourt Bridge. Last week, teams lined up for the latest instalment, the ‘Telly Tabletop’, facing the usual mixture of pictures, questions and musical extracts covering TV history from 1960 to the present day.

The question on everyone’s lips was could the reigning Premier Section Champs, the Plough (Wolvercote), shrug off the disappointing start to their League campaign, and register a first win of the season? They certainly seemed determined, putting out two sides at the Green Road Club (Kidlington). Sadly, they were to fall short.

Over at the Gatehanger’s Inn (Ashendon), the King’s Arms (Wheatley) continued their resurgence by winning that leg with an impressive 154 points, nudging out form side, the Rock of Gibraltar (Enslow Bridge). Meanwhile, at the Blue Boar (Chipping Norton), the scoring was surprisingly low, although the hosts came out on top, posting 142. There was a very tight affair at the Windrush Club (Witney) where only seven points separated the entire field, the Black’s Head (Bletchingdon) edging out the home team, 153-152. However, it was the Kidlington venue which provided the top scorers. In spite of valiant efforts from the Plough, their ‘A’ side finished runners-up, failing by three points to catch overall winners, the Bell, who scored 163. The men from Grove may not get out much, but they were worthy victors.

With the return to league fixtures, and having played each other in the opening weeks, the Premier section sides now face teams from the lower divisions. Although they will be expected to emerge victorious, there are potential banana skins. Could the King’s Arms surprise third-placed Hatchet (Childrey) who were very below par last time out? And, in the most eye-catching contest, the Plough visits a Blue Boar side boasting a hitherto unblemished record. The ‘Chippy’ outfit will be determined to maintain their lead at the top of the North Division but defeat, and the winners of the Rock v Crown (Church Enstone) clash could find themselves sitting on top.

In the West, leaders, the Black’s Head, have a tough trip to the Six Bells (Headington); can the sides below them take advantage in, what are, quite winnable fixtures? Furthermore, can newbies, the Highwayman (Kidlington), open their account and overturn the White Hart (Eynsham)?

In the East, the only other unbeaten side, the Green Dragon (Haddenham), visit the Gatehanger’s Inn fresh from their first league success; a home win would really open up that Division.

Finally, in the Oxford section, front-runners the Conservative Club, have an opportunity to gain revenge over recent conquerors, the Windrush Club. A further slip-up, however, and the Seacourt Bridge could overtake them, if they get through a tricky tie against the improving Black Swan (Oxford).