BLACKBIRD Leys Bowls Club’s Warriors just failed to make the knockout stages of the national Champions Cup following a brilliant display at Event City, Manchester.

Representing Oxfordshire, as their men’s Superleague champions, the Warriors finished runners-up in a tough group.

In their opening match, they went down 7-2 to Castle WMC, Yorkshire, who have won the competition in nine out of the last ten years.

The Oxon club then edged out leading Welsh team, The Shamrocks, 5-4.

The final group game, which the Warriors had to win to stand any chance of progressing, was against Temple Bar, from Cheshire – and they duly romped home 8-1.

Oxon’s hopes of progressing were dashed when the Yorkshire champions also beat Temple Bar 8-1 to top the group and progress to the knock-out stage.

GREENE KING & ODDA CUP DRAWS

Men’s 7-a-side(Tues, Aug 30, 8.30pm, 401 best of 3, straight in): Democrats Club v Chequers Inn B, Vikings Social Club v Littlemore Rugby Club C, Corner House v Kidlington Green SC B; Donnington CC v Peachcroft SC, Kidlington Green SC A v Kings Arms Wantage, George Bar C v Six Bells or George Bar D, Six Bells Mill St v Challow RBL, North Oxford CC v Cricketers Arms C.

Ladies’ 7-a-side (Wed Aug 31, 8.30pm, 501 one leg, double to start): George Bar C v Blackbird Leys Bowls Club, Red Lion v Kidlington Green SC, Crown Inn v Florence Park CC, Blackbird Bar A v George Bar A.

WEST Oxford Democrats Club are seeking an additional team to play in the Winter League on Tuesday nights and an extra women’s team on Wednesdays.

Those interested should call 01865 247806.