About Paul Stone

A newcomer to the game (only been playing since 2005!) I played for the Fox Steventon (until 2016) and through the cajoling of Martin Sheridan and Graham Barguss setup the first proper website building on what Graham Brown had done with just scores which has now redeveloped into this version including electronic scoring (thanks to James Barguss!) I also previously took the snaps on finals night and created the Aunt Sally TV section on YouTube. Oh, and I got us on the telly with Mud Men on the History channel and promoted Aunt Sally at my wedding! In 2024 I got on Radio 5 Live's Gordon Smart show talking about Aunt Sally and its history and on BBC Radio Oxford at the World Aunt Sally Championship. In 2023 after returning to the committee they voted me as Chairman. I'll do my best to improve the League.

Author Archive | Paul Stone

Twixmas – a good time to think about the AGM!

By Paul Stone on 28th December 2023 in Newsletter, Special Events

As it’s now Twixmas (between Christmas and New Year apparently!) and that means it’s fast approaching AGM time on the 15th January AND rule 26 says any items for the AGM need to be in writing to the Chairman 14 days before, you might like to get a glass (or mug) of something, sit down for a bit and think of how we can improve our marvelous game.

Please get your suggestions, comments or observations in to the Chairman either by email chairman@abingdonauntsally…. or comment on this post as it appears on our Facebook @AbingdonAuntSallyLeague or facebook.com/OfficialAbingdonAuntSally and if you’re not following why not? 🙂

Of course, if you’d like to help run the league, even in a small way, we will always welcome new (or old, or young) faces onto the committee – so have a think about what you could help with even if you don’t want to be officially a committee member.

At the moment we really could do with a website revamp so if you know, or know someone who knows WordPress/MySQL/PHP come and help – otherwise we’ll have to pay someone – more at the AGM. If you don’t have technical skills we still need people to help organise and administer the league – most of the effort happens from Registration Night (11th March) to league start (May) then competition organising and then run up to Presentation Night so it’s not an all year effort for everyone.

Oh and if any teams have trophies from 2019 or 2022 please let us know – we didn’t get all the trophies back in for Presentation Night this year which means we are losing track partly due to the disruption of non-playing previous years. It’ll be a shame if we have to charge the previous winners/runners up for replacements.

In the meantime I hope you’ve all had a great break and enjoy the New Year,

Looking forward to 2024, hearing from you and seeing you at the AGM,

Paul Stone
Chairman

2023 Founders and Legends Trophy Results

By Paul Stone on 13th October 2023 in Newsletter

Founders and Legends Trophy

Thankfully we were able to get the Founders & Legends trophy played on a dry but chilly October evening. Many thanks to the 27 entrants and to Abingdon Conservative Club and particularly Micky Neal for organising at such short notice after the original postponement. Special thanks to the 27 entrants which was exactly the same number as in 2022!

There were a few surprises on the night with early exits for 2 of the likely favourites, Phil Adams losing out to Tony Barrett and Barry Parker losing out to Colin Brind in their first round matches. There could have been another big surprise when Dave Dix met Stuart Wilson. Stuart won the first leg 4-3 and then Dave edged home 3-2 in the second leg before setting 3 dolls in the final leg. Stuart responded by hitting his first 3 dolls, but then failed with his next 3 so to 3 sticks a piece which saw Dave emerge victorious and Stuart rueing the missed opportunity. The second round saw the first 5 of the night when Brian Clapton defeated Tony Barrett in 2 straight although the first leg was only decided with a 1 stick shoot out.

The quarter finals brought together 2 interesting ties with a clash of the Clapton’s and Dad Brian earned bragging rights beating son Leigh in 2 straight legs and with a very impressive 5 with hi s second leg throw.

it was also a battle of the Stevie Sports pair when Colin Brind just edged out last year’s title winner and teammate Derek Fletcher.

The semi finals brought together Dave Dix and Colin Brind and Dave secured his place in the final winning 3-2 and 4-3.

The second semi final saw surprise packet and league sponsor John Pownceby winning in 3 legs against Brian Clapton who had played so well on the night and makes you wonder how well he would score over the season if he played a little more often!

The final was a little predictable despite John’s fine form on the night there was no stopping Dixie and he won in two legs although both legs went to 3 sticks before John succumbed and Dave clinched the Founders & Legends Trophy for 2023.

A really enjoyable and well supported and competitive night played in a really good spirit and despite the cold a fitting conclusion to our outdoor Summer season.

Thanks to everyone for making it happen.

Looking at the ol’ scoreboards…..

1st Round (byes for C.Smith, M.Neal, L.Clapton, J.Miles,P.Barrett)