Oxfordshire’s promotion hopes in Division 1 of the Rileys British Inter-Counties Championship appear to be over after a 20-16 defeat at home to second-placed Surrey.

Oxon were 11-7 down after the first day’s play at Challow Royal British Legion, but fought back gamely to tie the scores before eventually succumbing and dropping to fifth in the table.

The ladies B team opened proceedings, losing 4-2. Their victories came from lady of the match Sandra Cox (16.99 average) and Babs Manning (16.95).

Things got worse for Oxon when the men’s B went 3-0 down, before Phil Addison (25.67) pulled one back.

Surrey piled on the pressure by taking the next three games, but Kit Young, Ronnie Anderson and Olly Varney gained Oxon three more points.

The next game was lost, before man of the match Jon Jukes (26.59) captured the last for the home side.

Oxon’s fortunes quickly improved on Sunday when their ladies A team put in one of their best performances of the season against a strong Surrey side, winning 5-1.

Karen Williams (22.10) got them off to a great start and Louise Carroll and Linda Jones made it 3-0.

Surrey stopped the rot in the next, before Oxon’s Deta Hedman saw off England international Apylee Jones 3-1 in a high-class encounter Hedman took the lady of the match award with a 25.70 average, while Jones’s average was 24.67.

Julie Newman squared the match score at 12-12 by taking the last game.

Surrey proved too powerful in the men’s A battle, taking the first game before man of the match Stuart Dutton (29.32) levelled matters again.

The visitors then stepped on the gas to capture the next five games and clinch the match before Joe Palmer managed to halt the slide.

Andy Thomas and Preban Krabben also won for Oxon, but Surrey had the last word in the final game.

* Oxfordshire are looking for new youth team players for next season at under 18 and 21 level. More information from Nigel Bower 01865 873615 or 07916 126686.