BOWLS: Carterton boost bid to avoid relegation in Oxford League

The hosts triumphed 4½-1½ thanks to convincing wins from Baden Sparkes and Remmy Clanfield, but Robbie Clanfield’s rink had to settle for a draw after dropping five shots at the 17th end.

Banbury Central A are still in danger of the drop after losing 4½-1½ at home to the newly crowned champions Headington A.

The hosts were ahead on all three rinks after 18 ends, but only Nigel Galletly held on for victory, having been eight shots clear with four ends to play.

Headington captain Mark Charlett skipped his rink to victory over the final three ends while Nick Rae-Welsh drew level with Will Campion with his last two woods.

West Witney ensured their survival with a 6-0 win at South Oxford, Paul Skidmore’s 24-shot success proving the highlight.

Kidlington’s confirmation as Division 2 champions was delayed by a 4-2 away to a strong Shiplake team.

Jim Bland’s home rink produced one of the comebacks of the season.

Trailing by seven shots at halfway, they took control, and a five-shot win on the final end grabbed victory both on their rink and in the match itself.

However, Witney Mills will need to win on all four rinks – and by an almost unheard of 72 shots – if they are to deny Kidlington the crown.

Surprise of the day came at Adderbury where the bottom team defeated promotion-chasing Witney Town 5-1.

Three big wins for the home side, especially Phil Gladden’s 17-shot margin, ensured that the promotion and relegation issues will not be decided until the final week.

Charlbury are confirmed as Division 3 champions, with their draw at Hanborough and Blackbird Leys defeat at Headington.

With Bicester down and Central now safe, the final relegation place lies between Chadlington and Blackbird Leys, who meet in their last match, with Leys knowing that two points will be enough to stay up.

Hanborough and Headington now vie for the final promotion place.