WITNEY D progressed into the next round of the Gentworks Oxford & District League’s Colin Cutler Memorial Trophy by the skin of their teeth.

Their preliminary round tie at Highfield B went to a tie-break after the teams drew 3-3.

After a draw for lots, Witney’s John Butcher scraped past Highfield’s Jim Schoenemann by a single point, 68-67.

Schoenemann had earlier beaten Gary Cowlin 73-31, 71-46, while Tony Hicks triumphed twice for Witney, defeating Mick Kennard 75-57, 71-41.

A battling break of 45 from Mick Bayliss – the highest by a Division 3 player this season – could not prevent Cowley Conservative Club A losing 4-3 at home to Eynsham B.

Bayliss’s break in a 65-27 victorty over Lee Parsons, took the match into a decider.

But then Charlie Siret overcame Chick Wheatley 42-28 to take Eynsham through.

RESULTS

Colin Cutler Memorial Trophy 1st round: Oxford Bowls Club B 0, New Club B 4; Rileys B 0, New Club A 4; Highfield B 3, Witney D 4; Eynsham A 1, East Oxford Con 4; Cowley Con A 3, Eynsham B 4.