Oxfordshire A beat Worcestershire 26-10 at Benson to clinch top spot in Group 2 in the English Short Mat Association Inter-County Competition.

With other results going Oxon's way, their 214-131 success on shots means they finish at the head of the section with a match still to play Now they will be looking to continue their good form into the knock-out rounds.

Norman Cottrell took his opening singles 19-9, but John Cole was pipped 13-12.

Both Oxon fours won, though, with Peter Collett, Matthew Edwards, Mick Evans and Bridget Evans storming in 13-0, and Delia Dews, Les Gray, Mary Cole and Jim Moore winning 16-5.

In the second session, Jan Hayward and Barry Hayward took their pairs 13-10, while Betty Dibley and Kay Dickson triumphed 20-7.

In the triples, Don Sirett, Andrew Brown and Eric Hasker won 18-7, but David Sims, Edith Knight and Rodney Knight went down 10-5.

Cole triumphed 21-9 in the third session, but Cottrell was edged out 14-11.

Both fours repeated their earlier success with Collett, Edwards, Mick Evans and Bridget Evans posting an 11-4 win and Dews, Gray, Mary Cole and Jim Moore easing home 14-5.

The visitors shared the points in the last session.

OXON DETAILS

Singles: Norman Cottrell won 19-9 & lost 14-11; John Cole lost 13-12 & won 21-9.

Pairs: Jan Hayward & Barry Hayward won 13-10 & 10-7; Betty Dibley & Kay Dickson won 20-7 & lost 16-10.

Triples: David Sims, Edith Knight & Rodney Knight lost 10-5 & won 13-11; Don Sirett, Andrew Brown & Eric Hasker won 18-7 & lost 9-7.

Fours: Peter Collett, Matthew Edwards, Mick Evans & Bridget Evans won 13-0 & 11-4; Delia Dews, Les Gray, Mary Cole & Jim Moore won 16-5 & 14-5.