FOUR-TIME winners of the overall Wessex League, Westlecot missed out on a final pace in this season’s competition at Oxford City and County last Sunday.

A disappointing end against Kingsthorpe (Northamptonshire) saw them lose out 67-62 after 18 ends.

The two foursomes to suffer the most were Kyle Anderson and Neil Smith’s rinks, Anderson’s quartet winning just five of the 18 ends in their entire match.

Smith’s quartet were 10-0 up at one point but were pegged back to 16-16.

Westlecot captain John Anderson said: “Whilst being gutted to get so close, I am immensely proud of the guys who turned out and gave their all for the team.

“I had players who only played a few games and who played in every game or almost every game, but I thank each and every one of them for doing their best for Westlecot.

“We were flying at the start (of the season), winning six out of six (east regional games) then got brought down to earth against Oxford City & County, but pulled our socks up against Rugby and West Berks (in the playoffs).”

RESULTS Westlecot v Kingsthorpe at Oxford C&C Rink 2: Denis Holborow, Shaun Hicks, Terry Walton & Mel Biggs lost to Mark Tompkins 12-18. Rink 3: Craig Hatherall, Craig Morphet, Mikey Titcombe & Neil Smith drew with Vernon Gearey 16-16. Rink 4: John Anderson, Tom Pittuck, Dave Godwin & Kyle Anderson lost to Ben Sharpe 12-20. Rink 5: Paul Kistle, Keith Williamson, Chris Cheesley & Ian Jefferies beat Mick Sharpe 22-13.

Score: Westlecot lost to Kingsthorpe 67-62.