Not for the first time this season Middlesex CBA managed to turn a winning position into, not only a defeat but a comprehensive rout when they played Oxfordshire CBA in the last Home Counties League match at the Oxford City and County BC last Saturday afternoon.

5 changes from the originally selected side had to be made and this possibly did not help, but this 5th defeat from 6 games played probably should have been avoided and not even the glorious weather could lift the mood after the game. 

Middlesex CBA got off to a reasonable start on an excellent playing surface and at 5 ends were only 6 behind (30-36). Middlesex CBA then seemed to take control pulling level at 10 ends (56-56) and then opening up a lead at 15 ends (89-77). After that it all went wrong and from a position where 18 or 20 points were there to be had, Middlesex slipped away as Oxfordshire CBA stormed back to finish 9 shots in front, 114-123, winning on 4 rinks and drawing on 1 to take 19 points to Middlesex's 3.

Top rink for Middlesex were Steve Flain (Wealdstone), Les Massey (Pymmes Park), Brian Hearn (Century) and Andy Knott (Masonian) who won 24-14. Frank Oliver's  (Century) rink picked up the remaining point in a 18 all draw.

After the match Brian Hearn picked up his flash for playing 3 Home Counties Games.

This defeat completes Middlesex's campaign in the Home Counties League for 2007. 32 points gained, including the 10 for beating Sussex, means that on average less than 2 rinks won each match. A total of 52 players were used in the campaign which should give the Team manager and Selectors much to ponder over the close season as they seek to build a winning formula for the 2008 campaign. 

Tony Waller