BANBURY Cross player AJ Docherty won the Oxfordshire Indoor singles championship with a thrilling 21-20 victory over Ade Kemish (Oxford City & County) in the final at Chipping Norton.

Kemish looked set for victory, when he sprinted ahead 18-11 ahead after 19 ends.

Docherty began to find a better length and three ends later he was only two shots behind but holding a two to tie the score.

Another positive shot from Kemish with his last wood trailed the jack a foot or so to pinch two shots for an apparent 20-16 lead.

But the last two ends were dominated by the Banbury man, who clinched the title when his opponent’s last wood fell short.

In the over 60 singles final, Nigel Galletly (Banbury Cross) cruised home 21-9 against Keith Mobley (Oxford & District).

Banbury clinched their third title when they beat Carterton in the pairs final.

After a tight first 11 ends, Docherty and Lee Wilkinson pulled away to beat Paul Sharman and Steve Aldren 24-16.

In the first of their six finals played last week, Banbury lost the fours 18-10 to Carterton.

It was not until the 15th end that Carterton began to assert themselves with Andy McIntyre and Paul Sharman playing the shots that eased them into a 12-8 lead.

With four of the last five ends going Carterton’s way, there was no way back for Banbury skipped by Docherty.

The season’s finals, which all feature Banbury players, conclude next Monday. The over 60s pairs is at Oxford City & County at 12 noon, followed by the triples at Chipping Norton that evening.