Witney made a faltering start to the defence of their Division 1 title when they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Thame A.

Thame's Paul Evans (+40) raced away from Terry Cook (+20) to win 200-142 before Mark Boyson (+70) sealed Witney's fate by beating Chris Warren (+70) 150-83.

Gavin Wright (-10) stopped the clean sweep by out-scoring Damien Kyte (+100) by 200-178.

HCC A went down to newcomers Riley and beat them 2-1.

Star of the show was Doug Howse (-90), making his first appearance in the league since 1990. He showed his class against Riley's Ian Traill (+100) by squeezing home 200-198.

Newcomer David Lo (+100) showed that he was a player to be reckoned with when he out-scored veteran Terry Walsh (+80) 150-75 to level the match.

In the decider, John Williams (+60) eased past Allan Copelin (+90) 150-112.

Fieldside, who finished third in Division 1 last season, fell 2-1 to Morris Motors, who were relegated to Division 2.

Fieldside, who were without their anchor man Paul Robinson, won the the opening game when Mike Chapman (+100) edged out Roger Tomlin (+70) 150-114.

Doug Baker (+70) levelled for Motors, beating Norman Woodcock (+70) by the same score before Bob Hayward (+70) outlasted Bob Chivers (-40) 200-130.

Keith Maskens (+60) gave Ashton a nerve-jangling opening win against CCC B when he snatched his game from Brian Mabbutt (+10) 200-199.

Colin Simpson (+50) levelled for CCC B when he saw off Peter Fenn (+60) 150-131.

But captain Terry Chambers (-10) took Ashton to victory when he defeated John Simpson (+40) 200-156.

Results: Witney 1, Thame A 2; Morris Motors 2, Fieldside 1; Eynsham 1, Oracle 2; Riley 1, HCC A 2; Thame B 1, CCC A 2; CCC B 1, Ashton 2.