INTER LEAGUE COMPETITION 2025
Congratulations to the Oxford side in winning the Inter League competition at Banbury. In a packed hall at General foods club and played under Banbury rules where the throw is six inches longer and no three sticks until the final leg if needed, Oxford were drawn against Banbury in the first leg and set 20 in the opening leg which Banbury matched. Banbury set 20 in the second leg which proved to be no problem for Oxford as they passed that with out anchor man Kevin Baker needing to throw. Going into the final leg knowing that a draw will see them though Oxford were chasing a set of 23. A good start with James, Andy & Scott all hitting 4 each, Martin chipped in with a couple and a 4 from Mark left Kevin G whipping off five dolls to win the leg and game with Martin C and Kevin B not needing to throw.
Next up were Bampton who set the opening leg with 18, in return anchor man Baker was left one to win and he whipped off the doll with his first stick. Oxford set 23 in the second leg which was not quite enough as Bampton sneaked past that by the odd doll with 24.
Final leg Oxford set with an impressive 27 which was more than enough to secure the leg and game and a place in the final.
In the final Oxford faced holders Bicester who set the first leg and after six players they had 18 on the board, however two fives from their last two players boosted that to an imposing 28. A slow reply from Oxford meant the chase was over after six players had thrown. Oxford set and won the second leg with a set of 23. Final and deciding leg Bicester set but could only muster up a score of 17, their lowest score of the night and in return Oxford raced past that with two players to spare to finally get their hands on the shield after six years.
It was an impressive performance in which captain and anchor man Kevin Baker only had to throw in five of the nine legs.
TEAM
Back Row
Kevin Giles, Scott Thompson, Martin Cook, James Morrison, Martin Giles
Front Row
Andy Beal, Kevin Baker, Mark Bayliss
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