The first half of the Four Oaks and District League finished with the leaders of all three divisions remaining undefeated. In the first division Sutton Sports had a convincing 8-1 home victory over fourth placed Old Oscott Arrows to keep them four points ahead of both Sportsmans Rest and Boldmere Sports, while at the other end of the table Red Lion Flights moved off the foot of the table with a 7-2 home win against Cross Keys Arrows. Sportsmans Rest were made to work hard for their close 5-4 success over Cross Keys PPA.
In division two leaders The Fox had a bye, their nearest rivals Fox and Dogs reduced the arrears to four points with a 6-3 away win against Aston Social. Deer’s Leap Stags lost their home tie with Oscott Social 5-4, but their M.Deathridge recorded the only maximum of the week.
Drakes Drum played hosts to Brookvale and completed their first half in division three with a 6-3 win to keep them in pole position. Second placed Safe Harbour had a bye. Sutton Town F.C. had to win the last two games to overcome Reddicap Tavern and finish 5-4 winners.
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On the fixture card for the Forest of Arden Winter League was the first round of the League Cup. The biggest winning margin of the round was 12-3 which was obtained by both Sheldon Arrows and Olton RBL, who in turn defeated Greville Arms and Victoria Flights.
Other winners going through to round two were, Riley’s Red Arrows, Old Bill and Bull, Rileys Flights and Greville Arrows.
The league’s Christmas Knockout, which was sponsored by Riley’s Bar, Solihull was a huge success with Tony Randell taking the £100 first prize in the main competition after beating Andy Hutchings (£50) 5-4. Hutchings had taken an early 2-0 lead only to see Randell fight his way back into the game and then go on to win it.
Losing semi finalists Ian McFarlane and Pat Sinnett each received £25.
In the first round losers competition the final was again a very close 5-4 verdict with Bob Nixon claiming the £50 first prize after beating Phil Randell, who collected £30. John Burdett and Brian Twist lost out in the last four and picked up £5 each.
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At the half way stage of the Small Heath League’s season Mitre are in the number one spot with ten points and although Beaufort Social Club have the same number of points they have an inferior average and have played one more game than Mitre.
In the most recent fixture Mitre and Beaufort both won 6-3, Mitre at home to Emerald Club and Beaufort away to Custard House. Third placed Potcheen Still lost ground on the leading duo as they went down 5-4 away to Wagon and Horses.
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The majority of teams in the Gulp League have now played 19 fixtures and with the season fast drawing to an end Tribe are leading the field on 34 points, four more than their closest rivals Lions, who in turn are two points ahead of Trotters and St Andrews.
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