OXFORDSHIRE marched on at the top of Middleton Cup Group 3A by completing a hat-trick of wins with a convincing victory over Isle of Wight at Banbury Central.

Following their triumphs over Berkshire and Hampshire, it means Oxon will be crowned group winners if they beat Middlesex at Lady- gate, Ruislip, on Saturday.

Oxon won on four of the six rinks against Isle of Wight.

Calvin Carpenter's side of Nick Welsh, George Moon and Mark Sykes provided their biggest win with a 27-12 success.

Not far behind was Alan Ley's rink of Jim Gamage, Barry Lambourne and Robin Hewson, who ran out 29-16 winners.

Captain Baden Sparkes's side of Lee Young, Stuart Richens and Robert Clanfield also had a comfortable success, winning 26-16.

Oxon's fourth winning rink was skipped by Colin Whitehead, who took over following the late withdrawal of Mark Charlett.

Whitehead's line-up of John Philpott, Sammy Timms, Andy Wise battled to a 19-16 win.

Oxon were out of luck on the two other rinks.

Greg Moon's side of Keith Holloway, Les Campion and Gary Lucas went down 20-9, while Alan Prew's crew of Spencer Townsend, Richard Redford and Ryan Buckett were beaten 22-14.