AN excellent display from Tom Baughan could not prevent Oxfordshire losing 22-16 away to Durham in the opening Division 1 match of the British Inter-Counties Championship.

Baughan produced the top average of 28.16 in the whole match – playing for their B team – but Oxon could not match the hosts’ all-round play.

Following a minute’s applause in memory of Oxon player Ryan Bull, who died during the summer, the visitors made a flying start with their Ladies’ B team triumphing 4-2, thanks to wins from Emma Everett, Cali Birch – returning to the side after two years – Cath Birch and lady-of-the-match Sue Burns (15.18).

Despite Baughan’s heroics, which included a super 121 check-out, Oxon Men’s B team slumped to an 8-4 defeat, their only other wins coming from skipper John Russell, Darren Hammond and debutant Chris Howse.

Trailing 10-8 at the end of the first day, Oxon needed a big performance from their Ladies’ A team.

But they lost 5-1, the only win coming from England star Deta Hedman.

The six-point deficit was too much for Oxon Men’s A to make up as Durham clinched the tie by winning four of the first five matches after Neil Russell had won for the visitors.

Oxon finished strongly as Lee Russell popped in a 4-3 win, while Sean Holley, Kevin Lowe, Ade Larner and Geordie Grant recorded wins.

Then Paddy Kearns walked away with the man-of the match award with his 4-2 win and an average of 27.46.

Long-serving Keith Bedding’s 100th game for Oxon was marked by a presentation.

Oxfordshire next take on London at home at the Bicester Ex-Servicesmen’s and Family Club on October 1 and 2.