Oxfordshire clinched promotion for the third consecutive year, but just missed out on the Division 2 title.

They were pipped for a third crown on the trot by County Durham, who finished a tantalising one point ahead of them.

Oxon's last fixture of the season was away to Northumberland and they finished the first day all square at 9-9.

The ladies' B team drew 3-3, Paulette Guy (16.97) taking lady-of-the-match. Irene Richardson and Iris Doyle were their other winners.

The men's B also drew their match, 6-6, with man-of-the-match shared by Ronnie Anderson (26.37) and Paul Freeman (26.37). Gary Price, Les Radford, John Fowler and Paul Champ also won.

Oxon went ahead for the first time after a 4-2 triumph by the ladies' A team, thanks to Louise Carroll (23.48, lady-of-the-match), Linda Jones, Sandra Cox and Denise Pape.

So with score standing at 13-11, Oxon's men's A team pressed home the advantage, taking five of the first six games with wins from Stuart Dutton, Pete Hall, Jon Jukes, man-of-the-match Roger Haines (30.06) and Ronnie Anderson - his second win of the weekend.

Northumberland staged a fightback, winning the next five games, before Olly Varney - playing his 223rd game for the county - clinched the match 19-17.

With three bonus points, the final scoreline of 22-17 was just one point away from clinching the title, but after an excellent performance and promotion in the bag, Oxon were not too disappointed.