Banbury West End are odds-on to book their place in the next stage of the National Club League after a 4-2 victory over Derby's David Lloyd Club in the West Midlands Division.

The result maintained West End's unbeaten record, and with just three matches to go, they are all but into the next round.

Two terrific performances by their top players Richard Bloomfield and Nick Gould, set West End up for victory.

Bloomfield, playing at No 1, was in fine form, as he comfortably saw off his opposite number.

But former Davis Cup player Gould was made to work a lot harder to record victory in his match at second singles.

Although Pete Russell was edged out in a tight match, a hard-fought victory for Russell Boulton at No 4 against a player with a higher rating, gave the Adderbury-based outfit a 3-1 lead as they went into the final round of rubbers.

But West End did what they had to do in the doubles, winning one and losing the other, to keep their 100 per cent record intact.

Captain John Spratt said: "It's early days, but it's looking good so far.

"We are just hoping that we can continue to put out a strong team each week, as it's very difficult for players with all their other commitments to play in all eight matches on random weekends throughout the spring."

However, things for the other Oxfordshire club in the event are not so rosy.

A 6-0 home defeat against Sutton means that Oxford Sports have yet to win a match in the South Division.

Promoted from the Oxfordshire League last season, Sports were drawn in a tough group, and without any professionals, have been up against it right from the off.