Prize money has been increased this season in the Oxford and District League sponsored by Kennington Bowls Specialists, which gets under way today.

The winners of each division will pick up £100, with £75 going to the runners-up.

In Division 1, champions Carterton get to sit out the first week, while main rivals Summertown and Banbury Central go head-to-head.

Banbury Chestnuts will be looking to continue their climb up the divisions with a tricky opener at home to City & County, relegated to Division 2 last season.

In Division 3, Witney Mills will be looking to start strongly after the disappointment of last year, as will Morris Motors and Witney Town in Division 4.

All three narrowly missed out on promotion in the final game last season.