JON Jukes starred as the men’s A team won, but it was not enough for Oxfordshire as they lost 19-17 away to Somerset.

The result against the basement side saw them lose ground in the British Inter Counties Championship Division 1 title race.

The trip to Pill, near Bristol, began with a 4-2 loss in the ladies’ B matches.

Somerset won six in a row in the men’s B clashes, but Oxon took five on the spin to draw 6-6, including man-of-the-match Darren Hammond (26.84).

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The Ladies’ A lost 4-2, with Deta Hedman, named England ladies captain for 2015, and Casey Gallagher their winners.

Jukes (29.91) shone as the men’s A roared back to win, but just fell short of rescuing the overall result.

Leaders Devon visit Bicester on April 25-26.