The Gentworks Oxford & District League Division 4 match between Westcott A and House Club A was summed up on the scorecard as “Close Encounters of the Three Frame Kind!” writes DAVID WHITE.

That was because two frames were decided on a re-spotted black and one on the black in an exciting contest that finished 3-3.

The first re-spot was in the opening frame which saw the home side go ahead when Pelham Sparks beat Brian Field 70-63.

Sparks also took the second frame more easily, 60-22.

House Club drew level thanks to Alan Cox, who beat Brain Hawes 50-31, 43-29, with Cox taking the second on the black. Had Hawes potted the black, a re-spot would have been necessary in that frame too!

From 2-0 down, House Club moved into a 3-2 lead when Tony Nichols beat Andy Huxley 53-32 and looked on course to win the final frame as well.

However, Huxley picked off the last four colours to come from 22 behind before claiming the frame on the second re-spot of the match.

The league is at the halfway point now, and Littlemore RBL C’s 4-2 win at bottom club Aynsham A ensured they remain unbeaten at the top of Premier & Division 1.

Indeed, they extended their lead to five points, because the two teams below them, Fieldside A and Riley A, both drew.

GENTWORKS OXFORD & DISTRICT SNOOKER LEAGUE Premier/Section 1: Eynsham A 2, Little-more RBL C 4; Fieldside A 3, Abingdon RBL A 3; New Club A 4, Riley D 2; Riley A 3, Thame A 3; Riley C 4, New Club B 2. Highest breaks: J Stone 57, N Blossom 44, D Howard 35, A Mahmood 31.

Div 2: Green Road A 2, Abingdon Con 4; Littlemore A 6, Riley F 0; Riley E 2, Eynsham B 4; Riley G 2, Ashton A 4; Woodstock A 2, Witney B 4. Highest breaks: A Ali 53 and 44.

Div 3: Cowley Con A 4, Headington RBL A 2; Cowley Con C 5, East Oxford Con A 1; Eynsham C 1, Oracle A 5. Highest breaks: C Jones 24, B Hayward 21.

Div 4: Headington RBL B 5, Oxford Bowls Club B 1; Oracle B 4, Eynsham D 2; Oxford Bowls Club A 2, Littlemore RBL 4; Westcott A 3, House Club A 3; Yarnton RBL A 2, Witney D 4. Highest breaks: J Brooks 22, M Jacob 19 and 18.

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS Walt Bradbury Cup: G Wright bt P Chester 3-0.

Sherman Pairs: P Chester & G Wright bt T Bowles & D Brooks 2-1.