BICESTER B edged past Holton C by just three points to get their Aubrey Hughes Handicap Shield campaign off to a winning start.

Despite giving away a lead of 148 points in the group stage clash, Bicester’s team of Graham Butcher, Adrian Bishop and Tony Wong triumphed 417-414.

Barry Gibson excelled for Holton, but it proved in vain.

British Rail started 235 behind visitors Academy A, but still won.

In a tight match, the hosts managed to gain advantage in the doubles to claim a 438-429 victory.

Jeff Rigby, Anthony Gorman and Michael Harrison led Bicester A to a 439-413 win over Forum E, making light work of their handicap of 189.

Vikings A started 93 points behind Gladiators B at home, but triumphed 415-383, thanks to Lorne Lonie, Dom Juiwong and Rob Cleese.

It was a similar victory for Holton A at Begbroke, who started 95 points behind, but still won 430-396.

Andrew Flint, Jeremy Flint and Ross Henderson helped Forum B beat Gladiators A.

Despite giving away a start of 108 points, they clinched a 426-389 victory.

However, there was mixed fortunes for Forum’s other outfits.

The F team of John Duncalfe, TakWa Yau and Maurice Chambers could not make the most of their 148-point headstart in losing 432-391 to Vikings B.

Forum’s C and G teams played each other, with the former claiming a 432- 352 victory, despite starting 165 behind.

Vikings C overcame Forum H by 96 points, making light work of a handicap of 48 to triumph 414-318.

RESULTS

Group stage: Bicester B 417, Holton C (+148) 414; Bicester A 439, Forum E (+189) 413; British Rail 438, Academy A (+235) 429; Vikings A 415, Gladiators B (+93) 383; Begbroke 396, Holton A (+95) 430; Forum C 432, Forum G (+165) 352; Forum H (+48) 318, Vikings C 414; Forum F (+148) 391, Vikings B 432; Gladiators A (+108) 389, Forum B 426.