OXFORDSHIRE boosted their promotion hopes with a convincing 21-15 victory away to Gwent in Division 1 of the BDO Inter-Counties Championship.

They also picked up three bonus points to move within one point of second place and an automatic promotion spot.

The visitors got off to a great start when their ladies’ B team triumphed 4-2, led by Laura Ross’s win with a 17.17 average.

After a slow start, Oxon men B’s team were boosted by the returning Simon Tricker, who smashed out a 3-2 win with an average of 27.39.

In-form Tom Baughan claimed a second man-of-the-match award, with an 28.57 average as they fought back for a 6-6 draw, which put Oxfordshire 10-8 up overnight.

Oxon ladies A went down to a 4-2 defeat with only wins from Deta Hedman (24.64) and Sandra Cox, who beat Welsh international Jan Robbins.

So, going into the Men’s A contest, the match was all square.

Oxon’s Preben Krabben opened with a 4-1 win.

Gwent hit back before the visitors took the next four games through of man-of-the-match Lee Russell (27.30), Stephen Wright, Pete Hall and Geordie Grant. They went on to complete a 9-3 success.

Baughan had the highest average of the weekend taking £100, while Hedman won £50 for the highest ladies’ average.