Oxfordshire failed to reach the quarter-finals of the Middleton Cup by just two shots.

After wins over the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, Oxon were waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the Berkshire v Hampshire match on Saturday, which would decide their fate in Group 3A. The result was a 126-110 win for Berkshire, whose 17-5 points haul meant that they tied with Oxfordshire on 60 points but won on shot difference.

Although the result was disappointing for Oxon, new manager Bob Gilkes felt they had performed better this season than for several years.

Gilkes said: "There has been a breath of fresh air throughout the camp this season and a real will to succeed. It has been a real team effort but Alan Ley's rink of Norman Wallace, Barry Lambourne and Alan Pew have been outstanding.

"They won five out of five this season, including the trial, and they have done a superb job."