2004 Summary

2004 was always going to be an interesting affair with the all conquering Harriers aiming to stay one step ahead of the ever improving Angels and the dark horses of the season- The Croughton Cougars (who had to travel a long way simply to make the games). The other new team to take to the field this season was the Spirits- whilst the name was new, most of the faces were familiar being drawn from two of the returning teams, the Oddsox and the Greensox. With a complement of nine teams, a long season loomed and staying power looked likely to be the key to a winning season.



Week one saw a couple of key match-ups, with Angels1 registering their first ever win over the Devils, the Cougars powering over Angels 2 by 45 to 9 and the Harriers defeating the Spirits. It was clear who the top teams were going to be this season.



By mid-season a rather familiar pattern was emerging as the Harriers lead with Croughton, Angels1 and the Devils close on their heels. The Spirits were still in touch with the leading pack, and bridged the gap to the four way battle between the Beavers, Greensox, Oddsox and Angels2.



As the season reached its conclusion the title would swing on the Harriers-Cougars re-match. Alas the Cougars were unable to field a team towards the close of the season, so the Harriers took the title by default with a record of 14-2, followed by the Cougars in second and Angels1 in third. At the other end of the table the Beavers and Oddsox lifted themselves clear from the battle at the bottom. Despite finishing on the same standings, the Greensox headed Angels2- who consoled themselves with considerable on-field improvement from their 2003 season.



Elsewhere, throughout the season an ever increasing number of teams attended tournaments. The most notable results were:

• the Angels won the Rec. C tournament in Bristol, beating the Ascot Blues in the Final, a total of four Oxford teams attended the tournament)



• Oxford Ladies team "Oxford Blue Belles" won the plate competition at Single Sex Nationals.

As ever the committee worked extremely hard to organise all of the things which most players take for granted. Plans for moving to two divisions in 2005 look to hinge on whether the Cougars will return and the league can attract a 10th team. Next season will also bring a standardisation of the level of umpiring across the League, and the possibility of a new venue. There is much to look forward to!
Author: Chris Dore