OXFORDSHIRE boosted their Premier Division hopes of staying up by claiming a maiden victory of the season.

Gwent were beaten 23-13 at Bicester and the three additional bonus points breathed new life into their challenge with two matches remaining.

The ladies B got the hosts away to a good start as Cali Birch, Shirley Castle, Hazel Prowton and lady-of-the-match Kim Ledbury (17.28) secured a 4-2 win.

It was followed by the best performance of the season from the men’s B side, who won 9-3.

John Newland was the pick of their players, averaging 26.89 to claim the man-of-the-match prize.

It gave Oxfordshire a commanding 13-5 advantage heading into Sunday’s matches.

The cushion was extended by ladies A, who ran out 4-2 winners.

Clare Bywaters and Deta Hedman shared the lady-of-the-match crown after they both averaged 23.48, while Casey Gallagher and Rebecca Rose also triumphed.

The men’s A clash was keenly contested and ended in a 6-6 draw, which sealed an emphatic overall victory.

Stuart White provided the undoubted highlight as he averaged 31.72 to beat Martyn Freeman.

It not only earned a 4-3 win, but also netted £750 for the highest average across the Premier Division over the weekend.

Brendan Kearns, Josh McCarthy, Nick Cobb and Sean Holley also tasted success.

The final point came from Preben Krabben, who fought back from 3-0 down to win 4-3 with another average over 30.

Oxfordshire’s next match is away to high-flying Lancashire on April 26-27.