THERE was a thrilling victory for Forum J over their A team in the second round of matches in the Oxford & District League’s Aubrey Hughes Handicap Shield.

Receiving 155 points from the A team of Karl Bushell, Ryan Hambridge and Joseph McKenna-Jones, the J side of Marcin Jedrzejowski, Eddie Carter and Ed Lush squeezed home 417-413 in the group clash.

Forum A then took on their F team – this time without Bushell – and suffered another defeat, failing by 24 points to overcome their handicap of 130.

Vikings B’s Rob Cleese, Mike Aistrop and Paul Borrowdale overcame their handicap of 137 to beat Bicester C 415-409.

With the overall result depending on the doubles, Bicester lost the first game only 11-9 and became favourites. However Cleese and Borrowdale dug in and won the next two games 11-2 and 11-3 to nick the verdict.

In the same group, Forum D had a similar fright before despatching their E team by seven points.

Vikings C’s team of Conor Savage, James Speedy and Serogo Tabuni, given a start of 113 points, won by 12 points against Forum B.

AUBREY HUGHES HANDICAP SHIELD

2nd week results: Forum J 417 (155), Forum A 413; Forum A 405, Forum F 429 (130); Vikings B 415, Bicester C 409 (137); Forum D 372, Forum E 365 (0); Vikings C 417 (113), Forum B 405; Forum H 420 (275), British Rail 440; Gladiators B 426, Holton B 362 (75); Holton C 430 (117), Gladiators A 395; Holton A 398, Vikings D 334 (10).