OXFORDSHIRE will have to strengthen their side if they are to survive in the Premier Divsion next season.

That's the message from Oxon legend Olly Varney following the weekend of joy in Staffordshire.

Varney, 68, was the Oxon men's A team man of the match with an average of 27-plus, but some of his teammates struggled.

"We appeared to be having trouble with our doubles; I think we we were trying too hard," he said.

"I've played against a lot of the top players over the years, so I seem to be able to cope with the pressure."

Varney, who turned in his first man-of the match performance of the season, will be competing in the Premier Division for the first time, having played in Oxon's debut in the championship 35 years ago.

"I'm quite pleased," said Varney understatedly. "I never thought I would play for Oxon at this level, but the team has come together well under county secretary Steve Babu and chairman Jim Jukes.

"But if we are to hold our own next season, we'll need to strengthen our side, and from what I hear several players will be be joining us from other counties.

"It's a great time for Oxfordshire."