The curtain finally fell on another successful Rabbits Winter League on Sunday. Although the title had been decided some weeks ago, there was still plenty to play for, with second and third positions still up for grabs, as well as the 'coveted' wooden spoon. Champions Mark Edwards and Terry Davies had sewn up the silverware early, after going unbeaten for much of the season, but on Sunday, after perhaps taking their foot off the pedal, they suffered their second successive defeat. Perhaps it also had something to do with the fact that Terry appeared to have started his 'celebrations' a little too early! Nevertheless, while they could relax, safe in the knowledge that the championship was already theirs, below them the battle for places was intense. Indeed, before the start of play, any one of four pairs could have claimed runners-up spot, including captain Chris Smith and his partner Mike Hale, who were favourites to do so. But as the saying goes, 'it's a funny old game', and as they fell by the wayside, John Hunt and Macky Harts were quick to take full advantage and leap- frog them into second place. Big Dave Morgan and John Murphy also slipped down the table following a final week defeat, leaving Jerry Whitehouse and Mike Gillet to join Smith and Hale in a tie for third place, both on 14 points. And so, as a large contingent watched from the comfort of the clubhouse, it meant these two pairs had to return to the course to do battle in a nail- biting sudden death play-off. As they disappeared over the hill, news was received that the first hole was halved after Gillet holed a tricky putt, and after that, it was soon all over, as he and partner Whitehouse finally wrapped it up on the second. It was a nerve-jangling finale to the season, and no doubt the nerves were also jangling at the other end of the table, where three pairs had still been in contention for the spoon. Mike Munro and Chris Davies were first to avoid it after securing a valuable half against Dafydd Evans and Steve Maytum, while Bill Beynon also did his chances a power of good as he and Roy Morgan (sub for George Pegg) came in with a vital victory. It left Tony Andrews and Steve Cole (sub for Paul James) also needing to win, or at least gain a half for a play-off, but it was not to be, as they finally succumbed in a close fought match with Hunt and Harts. Back in the clubhouse, the trophies and prizes were later presented by captain Chris Smith, who congratulated the winners and also reminded the Rabbits that their next competition would be the Duffy Cup and Joe Williams Shield on Sunday, March 9. They also have their annual outing to look forward to in April, but even before that, the Three Counties Summer League starts in earnest at the end of next month.