Oxfordshire Ladies' suffered a disappointing start to County Week as they lost 6-3 against Buckinghamshire in Group 2 in Worthing.

Bucks' first pairing Claire Hamilton and Helen Lawson were in awesome form with three straight set victories, while their second pair of Julia Bone and Jemima Hayward dropped only two sets to Oxon's first pairing of Lizzie Jelfs and Imogen Watts, and Oxon's second pair, Caroline Jones and Mandy Knowle.

"Bucks are one of the toughest opponents we're likely to face," said skipper Collinson who teamed up with Cressida Henderson at third pair.

"Their first two pairs were very strong and the third pair not so, that's probably why we all beat them."

Collinson who is leading the county for the first time added: "But we're hoping to do better against Hertfordshire today."

Oxfordshire's men made an encouraging start following last season's relegation, with an impressive 8-1 victory over Cumbria in Group 8 at Southsea.

Indeed, but for Jon Maskens and Andrew Smith losing a final set tie-break in the last match, Oxon would have completed a clean sweep.

Oxon's other two pairs Ian MacDonald & Christian Petersen and skipper Tom Greenland and Robin Ashby, both dropped a set against Cumbria's top pair, but won all three of their matches.

They continue their promotion bid today against South of Scotland.

OXON RESULTS WOMEN L Jelfs & I Wyatt won 6-7, 6-3, 6-1; lost 5-7, 6-3, 1-6; lost 4-6, 2-6. C Jones & M Knowle lost 4-6, 3-6; lost 6-3, 3-6, 1-6; won 6-3, 6-0. L Collinson & C Henderson lost 3-6, 4-6; lost 4-6, 2-6, won 6-4, 6-2.

MEN I MacDonald & C Petersen won 7-5, 6-3; won 7-6, 6-2; won 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. T Greenland & R Ashby won 6-1, 6-4; won 6-3, 3-6, 6-2; won 6-4, 6-4. J Maskens & A Smith won 7-6, 6-2; won 6-4, 7-5; lost 4-6, 6-4, 7-6.