Since the last instalment of this column a fortnight ago, there have been several league matches as well as a Humanities-themed ‘Tabletop’. This period was particularly fruitful for the Black’s Head (Bletchingdon), who have now leapt up to third spot in section one off the back of consecutive victories. Firstly, they narrowly despatched the White Hart (Eynsham) 69-65, and then followed up that hard-fought success with a convincing 65-50 triumph over an out-of-sorts Royal Sun (Begbroke).

The Black’s Head serves as a terrific example to any folks out there thinking of forming a side and looking to join the leagues.

Established just a few seasons ago, they struggled to win in their first dozen or so outings, but once they understood the nuances of the format and the question setter, they started to post some positive results. Along the way they have picked up silverware but, above all, they are an extremely enthusiastic and hugely- committed side.

By contrast, it was not a great two weeks for the North Oxford Conservative Club (Summertown). Although they performed well in finishing a creditable fourth in the Humanities Tabletop, ahead of all the other section one sides, they lost their league match seven days earlier to the Green Road Club, 72-65, allowing the victors to open up a two-point lead at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, in the premier section, it was business as usual for the main protagonists. The Ploughman’s Bunch! (Wolvercote) retained the leadership of the division after convincingly defeating the Gardener’s Arms (North Parade) 79-60, whilst Far From The Madding Crowd (Oxford City) kept up the pressure after breezing past the Seacourt Bridge (Botley) 82-63. The Plough (Wolvercote) remain in third place after overcoming the Black Swan (East Oxford), albeit narrowly, 73-66.

The Humanities Tabletop last Thursday evening proved a very enjoyable affair. The contest developed into a two-horse race entering the last round with The Ploughman’s Bunch! and Far From The Madding Crowd tied on 120 points apiece.

The Bunch! secured a dramatic last-gasp win after edging the round 56-55.

This week sees the resumption of league fixtures and I for one will be watching events in Bletchingdon with great interest as hosts the Black’s Head, go in search of a hat-trick of wins, this time at the expense of the Green Road Club.