Oxfordshire's promotion hopes were dashed as they went down 20-16 to Shropshire in their final British Inter-County Championship Division 4 encounter.

Needing victory at the Anstice Memorial Club, Madeley, near Telford, to have a chance of overhauling Gloucestershire for second place, Oxon led 13-11 going into the men's A match.

But despite putting up a brave fight with a 24.28 team average they went down 9-3 to a very strong Shropshire line-up, which included former world champion Ted Hankey.

'The Count' posted a 33 average to beat Jon Jukes, who went down fighting with 29.20.

Steve Foster (25.47) was Oxon men's A's man-of- the-match.

It left Oxon in third place, ten points adrift of Gloucs.

Oxon had started well with the ladies B winning 4-2.

Nicola Curzon (16.70) claimed her second lady of the match award in only her fifth game.

Oxon men's B drew 6-6 with Keith Bedding (24.64) taking the man-of-the-match award as the visitors finished the first day 10-8 up.

Oxon ladies A drew 3-3, with Paulette Guy (20.46) taking the lady-of-the-match award.

But the men's A team found their counterparts too strong in the finale.