CHIPPING Norton landed the Oxfordshire Indoor Bowling Association fours title for the first time since 1989, with a 21-15 victory over Oxford City & County at Carterton BC.

Richard Barnett’s rink of Steve Witcombe, John Cox and Paul Robbins proved too strong for the City quartet of Sam Watts, Mervyn Gleeson, Chris Earl and Mike Petersen.

Chipping Norton started strongly and took the lead, which they never relinquished, picking up a four points, followed by a three, as they charged to 12-4.

However, City didn’t give up and fought their way back into the tie to set up a nervy finish.

On the 13th end, with Chipping Norton poised to pull clear by seven or eight shots, Petersen’s last wood hit the head at a good pace to move some woods and the jack.

That saw him pick up a crucial two points to cut Chipping Norton’s lead to just three.

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The 17th end was forced dead by the persistent Petersen when the Greystones team once again looked to be in control.

With three ends to play, Chippy led by a point at 16-15 and eased the pressure with two singles on the 18th and 19th.

City were up against it and needed a three on the last to force an extra end.

However, with City looking to hold two, Peterson’s last effort moved the jack back to three waiting Chipping Norton woods as they took the match 21 shots to 15.

HEADINGTON’S Gary May and Watlington’s Sam Watts have been selected for an England junior international trial.

They will play at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, on May 25 for the chance to compete for their country.

RESULTS

SHORT MAT BOWLS

County singles: winner AJ Brown; runner-up B Barnard.

Pairs: M Davies & L Woodward; N & G Davies.

Triples: N&G Davies & AJ Brown; M&J Cole & F Clarke.

Fours: N&G Davies, AJ Brown & S Faulkner; A Sirett, D Gessey, N Pratley & C Hasker.

League playoff: Wootton; North Leigh.

Wantage and District Ladies singles: K Dickson; V Thornhill.

Open singles: AJ Brown; J Bradbury.

Pairs: J Bradbury & L Woodward; M&J Cole.

Triples: D Watts, L&S Orlando; K Dickson, S Gallagher & N Cole.

Fours: D Watts, L&S Orlando & P Cheese; K Dickson, S Gallagher, N Cole & M Davies.

Knockout cup: Wootton; Warborough.