A devastating finish from Oxford City & County trio Robin Hewson, Mike Petersen and Alan Ley saw them reach the last four of the triples at Charlbury on Tuesday.

It looked as though Banbury Borough's side of John Philpott, George Moon and Oxfordshire selector, Calvin Carpenter could win it, but the Oxford threesome held on to triumph.

Oxford had stormed ahead 15-1, only for the Banbury side to cut their lead to nine shots with four ends to play.

However, Oxford held on to complete a 20-13 win against the Middleton Cup trio.

West Witney's triple of Glyn Coggon, Gerald Coombs and Harry Williams fought back to beat the Cotswold trio of father and son David and Shane Cooper, and Gary Watts 20-15.

Leading 9-1 after four ends, it looked good for the Cotswold trio.

However, the Witney team stormed back to take the next seven to lead 14-9.

The remaining seven ends saw the shots shared as the Witney side eased home.

Carterton's Stuart Richens, Robert Clanfield and Baden Sparkes took early control against City & County's Brian Slatter, Paul Lopez and Len Lacey.

With three ends left and only three shots separating the teams, the Carterton squad scored a three and two twos to run out 21-11 winners.

The Headington trio of Paul Mabbutt, Ian Henwood and Craig Nicoll won a tight tussle 19-14 against South Oxford's Mike Rockett, John Guest and Mick Holland.

Leading 12-2 after eight ends, the Headington outfit seemed to be cruising.

Six winning ends on the run brought South level at 12-12, only for a killer five on the 17th end to leave them needing seven on the last end to force an extra end.

But the Headington side held their nerve.

On Monday, Mabbutt and Headington teammate Shaun Claridge reached the last four of the pairs with a 25-14 win at Carterton.

Trailing 10-9 to Burford Town's Paul Dowley and Steve Witcombe, they fought back for victory.

Carterton duo Sammy Timms and Robert Clanfield won 18-17 win against Blackbird Leys father and son pair of Herbie and Bobby Payne.

The Carterton pair were never more than six shots in the lead, only winning nine ends to their opponents 12.

Headington's Mick Nash and Mark Charlett beat Shiplake's David Hall and Trevor Beaumont 27-8.

Headington's Keith Woodward and Chris Nicoll lost 23-7 to defending champions, Keith Holloway and Richard Redford of Banbury Borough.

The fours were scheduled for yesterday, while the singles competition takes place tomorrow.

The county winners progress to the national finals at Worthing.