OXFORDSHIRE stayed in the British Inter Counties Championship Division 1 title hunt as they beat Hampshire 22-17.

Pete Hall sealed the hardfought win at Bicester ExServiceman’s Social Club to keep them third, just five points off the top.

Laura Ross (22.10) was the lady of the match as the women’s B team got the hosts off to a strong start with a 4-2 success.

Karen Hill, Sandra Cox and Kim Ledbury also tasted victory.

Man of the match Geordie Grant (27.83) helped his side off to a fast start in the men’s B clash.

Simon Key and Brendan Kearns also came out on top to make it 3-1, but Hampshire fought back and only a win from Darren Hammond in the last match earned the hosts a 6-6 draw.

Eamonn Lilly and Mark Burns were Oxfordshire’s other victors.

Clare Bywaters hit a 180 and a 155 checkout en route to collecting a point, but Deta Hedman provided the only other succes as the women’s A team lost 6-2.

After losing the first two matches, Preben Krabben got the men’s A started.

Glen West, Sean Holley (28.56) and Stephen Wright (28.74) followed suit.

Josh McCarthy, Ade Larner (30.29) and Hall finished the job for a 7-5 win.

Oxon visit rock bottom Somerset next month.