Oxfordshire's hopes of lifting the Atherley Trophy in the English Women's National Inter-County final were dashed as they crashed to a 142-93 defeat against Lincolnshire at Reading.

Oxon enjoyed success on only one of the six rinks as Lincs took the trophy for a record fourth time.

A battling 22-20 victory by Oxford & District's Mary Shepherd and her teammates Mavis MacVicker, Jackie Gray and Carol Nall prevented Oxon being white- washed.

Trailing Cath Smith's four 8-2 after six ends, Shepherd rallied her side with a double and a four to slash the gap to 9-8.

However, they then conceded a single and a treble to fall 13-8 behind just after halfway.

Shepherd's side rallied in great style, collecting 11 shots over seven ends to forge 19-17 ahead.

A treble saw Smith inch 20-19 in front with just two ends left. But, summoning up a stunning finish, Shepherd swooped with a double and single to seize the spoils by two shots.

Unfortunately her heroics were not repeated across the green as Lincs, who blazed out of the blocks to lead 16-0 overall after the first end, dominated the five other rinks.

Oxford City & County's Jenny Gleeson felt the might of Grimsby's world fours champion, Amy G Monkhouse, who motored 16-0 clear after only four ends and powered on to win 31-9.

Leading 5-4 after seven ends, Banbury's Ann Norton saw Spalding's Gloria Haney rattle in an amazing 17 shots over ten ends en route to a 22-14 success.

Banbury's Stella Amos was sunk 24-15 by England international Penny Strong, while City & County's Jeanette Berry fell 21-12 to Olive Wells.

Chipping Norton's Barbara Pearce was edged out 24-21 by Boston's Sheila King to complete a disappointing day for Oxon.