League champions Banbury Central A survived a huge scare before beating local rivals Banbury Chestnuts by two shots in the Oxford & District League Cup.

At one stage, Central, who suffered an early exit last year, trailed by 29 shots in the first round of the competition, sponsored by S&J Timms Cleaning Services and Rub A Dub Dub Laundrette.

But former captain Mark Sykes and veteran skip Les Campion helped Central rally to a narrow victory by picking up important wins on their rinks.

Holders Oxford City & County A once again defeated their B side to set up a tie tonight against Kidlington, who they conquered in last year’s final.

Kidlington went through after scraping a two-shot away victory against West Witney.

Headington A face Division 1 rivals Carterton, who beat new boys South Oxford B.

OXFORDSHIRE start their Middleton Cup build-up with two internal trials in the next week.

The county’s leading players will be in action at Oxford City & County on Saturday (2pm) and at Banbury Borough (6.15pm).