Having spent Winter 1 (pre-Xmas) battling their way out of Division Two, Defence Academy 1 blazed out of the blocks to take a commanding lead at the halfway point in the premier league of Winter 2. Despite three defeats on the return journey, they managed to retain their pre-eminence to the end and set up a Play Off Final to decide the overall Winter League County Champions against holders Brackley 1.
The standard in the top flight was arguably the best in depth it has been for a good few years and Nuffield 2, in at this level for the first time, can count themselves a touch unlucky at encountering so many tough sides week on week. Still, they gave a good account of themselves and I’m sure their players will do all they can next Winter 1 to get another crack at the top table.
Abingdon 1 found themselves in the alien environment of Div 2 but fair play to them, their elite level performers rocked up each week determined to erase memories of the previous season’s relegation. They won all 14 matches amassing 247 points from a possible 266. With the growing stature of Kacper Kwiecinski and the return from injury of Nigel Rowe, they will be hopeful of no repeat disasters come the next instalment.
Division Two contained a very odd set up with 3 sides from the Abingdon Club but despite obvious complications with selection etc they managed quite admirably to fill three of the top four positions! They were denied a podium clean sweep by runners up Thame 1 whilst at the opposite end of affairs, Carterton 1 and Hithercroft 2 now face life in the next tier down.
In Division Three, Defence Academy 2 reappeared for the first time in a while and last day heroics at Wallingford ensured they snatched the title from the racquets of Harwell 2. Banbury West End overcame all manner of challenges including flooded courts and a (temporary) new home at Bloxham School to finish a creditable fourth but is was long hard slog for Wallingford in many ways and they will be doubtless grateful for a drop-down next time around.
DA2 will now contest the overall Division Three title against Hithercroft 2.
The most exciting season end finale came at The Oxfordshire Health and Racquets Club where home outfit Nuffield 2 faced off against Abingdon 4 with the two teams locked on 144 points apiece.