Oxford Sports got their tactics spot-on to cause a huge shock and win the Ladies 3-Pair Division 1 titl.e Going into the final match of the season against defending champions Oxford City, Sports knew that only a win would do - and a convincing one at that.

And their 7-2 success proved more than enough to lift the crown for the first time since 2002.

City will look back at their penultimate match with basement side Bicester, where they only put out two pairs - forfeiting three rubbers.

That result gave Sports a real lift, and they produced some fine tennis to brush aside City, champions for the last two years, and clinch top spot.

City end the campaign in third.

Sports' victory was not only down to playing better on the day, but also a tactical masterstroke.

Fearing their promising juniors Amelia Milsom and Holly Hoare may struggle together at No 3 pair, Sports split their regular top pair up, playing Cressida Henderson with Milsom and Karey Coltart with Hoare.

And it worked a treat.

Henderson and Milsom were unbeaten at first pair, while Coltart and Hoare won two rubbers at second pair and veteran duo Jane Westell and Maggie Edwards also claimed two successes at No 3.

Barbara Gibbins and Esther Symmonds won both City's rubbers at top pair, but it proved in vain.

RESULTS 3-PAIR LEAGUE Ladies Div 1: Oxford City 2, Oxford Sports 7.

Men's Div 2: Banbury A 7, Witney B 1. Div 3: North Oxford E 8, Brackley 1.

2-PAIR LEAGUE Men's Div 3: Southfield 1, Phyllis Court 3.