West Witney caused a major shock by ending Headington A’s bid for a fourth successive Oxford & District League Cup triumph with a 70-62 win in the semi-finals at South Oxford.
An impressive start was key to West Witney’s success as they sprinted out of the blocks to forge ahead on all four rinks and establish a 22-shot cushion at ten ends.
With only 18 ends played in the competition, sponsored by S&J Timms Cleaning Services and Frances Baker, of Rub-A-Dub-Dub Laundrette, Headington staged a strong fightback, but were unable to prevent West Witney winning by eight shots.
West Witney won on three of the four rinks to make it third time lucky after losing in the semi-finals for the last two years.
Harry Williams’s four led the way with a 19-13 victory over Jason King.
Kevin Alder’s side saw off Nathan Lewis 23-19 and Paul Skidmore’s team defeated Howard Watts 17-13.
Nick Rae-Welsh’s Headington four beat Trevor Prew 17-11, but it was all in vain.
West Witney’s win sets up a west-Oxfordshire final under the floodlights at Kidlington on Thursday, September 5 after Carterton swept aside Banbury Chestnuts 75-50 in the other last-four clash.
Carterton reached the final for the first time by coming from behind after Chestnuts led after seven ends.
The Banbury side were unable to maintain their advantage though, and Carterton rallied strongly before pulling away to win by 25 shots.
Carterton, who were breaking a run of semi-final exits, won on three of the four rinks and drew on the other. Tim Warner’s four shone with a 19-7 victory, while Robbie Clanfield’s side romped home 21-11.
David Clanfield’s rink triumphed 19-16, while Gordon Walker’s side were held to a 16-16 draw.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
Headington A 62, West Witney 70 (Headington skips first): N Lewis 19, K Alder 23; N Rae-Welsh 17, T Prew 11; J King 13, H Williams 19; H Watts 13, P Skidmore 17.
Carterton 75, Banbury Chestnuts 50 (Carterton skips first): T Warner 19, D Munslow 7; D Clanfield 19, R Maries 16; G Walker 16, B Ray 16; R Clanfield 21, A Northcote 11.
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