OXFORDSHIRE’S Premier team suffered a nail-biting three-shot defeat against Surrey after they finished level on points in their English Short Mat Association Inter County Competition Group 3 clash at Bisley.

The two counties ended the match on 20 points apiece, but Surrey took victory 174-171 on shots.

Oxon had led 14 (142)-10 (133) going into the last run of the mats.

But Surrey fought hard to take three of the matches, with Oxon’s only win coming from the four of Luke Sims, Bob Cummings, Neil Davies and David Wiggins with a 14-8 success.

Earlier, Trevor Brown took both his singles for Oxon.

Surrey 174 (20pts), Oxon 171 (20)

(Oxon details)

Singles: T Brown won 15-7 & 18-8; AJ Brown won 13-6 & lost 13-12.

Pairs: J Bradbury & Les Woodford lost 16-10 & won 12-11; M Keevil & A Dickson won 15-13 & 14-10.

Triples: M Davies, C Hasker & Bob Barnard won 11-10 & lost 10-8; G Cross, N Davies & D Wilson lost 15-12 & 10-7.

Fours: A Sirett, G Davies, R Claridge & P Skidmore lost 8-6 & 10-3; L Sims, B Cummings, R Wiggins & D Wiggins lost 16-4 & won 14-8.