PROMOTION to the national level edged closer for North Oxford after their winning run was extended to four matches.

The squad dropped just one set in the six matches at rivals Maidenhead to move two points clear in the Regional Open Men South West (East).

Jeff Hunter’s 7-6, 6-4 victory against Andrew Flynn was all the more impressive given he was recovering from the flu.

Captain Jack Rooney survived a scare in the final singles rubber.

After cruising to a 6-1 win in the first set, he slipped to a 6-4 loss in the next – only the fourth set North Oxford had dropped in 51 played across the campaign.

But he hit back to claim the decider 6-2, before both doubles matches were clinched 6-3, 6-3.

The side will fancy their chances of securing another victory when they host rock bottom Cirencester at Banbury Road North Sports Ground on Sunday (noon).

LATEST TABLE

Regional Open Men SW (East)

P Rubbers W Rubbers L Pts

North Oxford 4 46 2 8

Windsor 4 32 17 6

Beckford 4 31 18 6

Maidenhead 4 29 20 6

Gt Missenden 4 24 24 4

Salisbury 4 14 34 2

DL Milton K 4 10 38 0

Cirencester 4 8 41 0