Oxfordshire came from behind to secure an exciting draw with Dorset in the opening match of their Inter-County Championship Division 1 campaign at Challow Royal British Legion.

After the first day’s action, Oxon, who were relegated from the Premier Division last season, trailed 11-7, but a sterling effort from their ladies A team hauled them back into the contest.

In the end, they went close to snatching an unlikely victory.

Opening the contest on Saturday, Oxon ladies B drew 3-3 thanks to wins from the lady-of -the-match Cali Birch (20.31), Cath Birch and Irene Richardson.

Oxon Men’s B suffered a disastrous start, and found themselves 5-0 down before man-of- the-match Andy Thomas (25.77) scored their first win.

This was followed by victories from Shaun Holley, Wes Topley and Graham Manning, but they still lost 8-4 to leave the home side trailing 11-7 at halfway.

On Sunday, Oxon Ladies A brought the scores level with a super 5-1 win.

Deta Hedman led the way on her debut, and further wins followed from lady-of-the-match Louise Carroll (23.86), Karen Williams, Linda Jones, and Julie Newman.

With the score standing at 12-12, Oxon then took the lead when Jon Jukes (26.92) won the first game of the Men’s A contest. He also lifted the man-of-the-match award.

The contest see-sawed as neither side could establish a commanding lead.

Wins from Nick Cobb, Ade Larner, Pete Hall, Preben Krabben, and Stuart Dutton put Oxon one up with one to play.

But Dorset won the last to snatch dramatic draw.