Former world doubles No 1 Julie Bradbury helped Oxfordshire to a winning start in their opening Inter-county Championship match, writes DICK HASHMAN.

Bradbury was unbeaten in her four matches as Oxon triumphed 9-6 away to Warwickshire 2nd.

The county under 13 and 15 teams were outplayed by Nottinghamshire, losing 19-1 and 20-0. Ellie Jackson gained the lone win in an under 13 singles.

In the opening round of the Five Disciplines League, the county's premier team event, Banbury, Evenlode A, Park and Gosford Hill are the early leaders of Division 2.

Banbury's maximum 150 came courtesy of a walkover from newcomers Feathers B, whose team were all attending a 21st birthday celebration of one of the club's top players an unfortunate conflict which left Feathers B without a point.

Mark Sheldon and Rob Prior were too strong in the men's singles and doubles disciplines as Evenlode A cruised past Abingdon B 138-97, the mixed and both women's events being halved.

Park took third place with a 135-92 demolition of hosts Oxon Schools A, while Gosford Hill B edged out Eynsham 98-90 in a low-scoring match.

Nick Carter of Vale was involved in two close Oxford and District League matches both of which finished in 5-4 victories.

Carter combined with Sian Game to spearhead a 3-1-1 team win over Redefield B in Mixed Division 3B, and in Men's Division 4, Carter and Ryan Owen were unbeaten in another 3-1-1 success against Abingdon C.