OXFORDSHIRE stayed top of Division 1 in the BDO Inter-Counties Championship with a tight 20-16 victory over London at Plumstead.

It was a close affair throughout, with the hosts making a good start by taking a 3-0 lead in the ladies’ B match.

But Oxon stormed back through Laura Ross, Gina Freshwater and Trina Blackman to secure a 3-3 draw.

The visitors built up a useful lead when their men’s B triumphed 8-4.

Oxon’s Josh McCarthy levelled the match, before man-of-the-match Simon Tricker, with an outstanding average of 30.06, Neal Russell and Pete Smith claimed further victories.

London hit back before Keith Bedding, Andy Jones, Simon Key and Kevin Lowe gave Oxon an 11-7 lead at the end of the first day.

That advantage was reduced to 13-11 after the London side won the ladies’ A match, despite wins for the visitors by Leanne Jennings and Deta Hedman, who beat Leanne Topper.

The hosts levelled 13-13 after taking the first two men’s A contests.

But Oxfordshire stepped up a gear with five straight wins from Jon Jukes, Pete Hall, Kieran Smith, Tom Baughan and Geordie Grant.

Preben Krabben sealed Oxon’s win, before Ade Larner gained another point when recording four maximums in his victory.