OXFORDSHIRE’S efforts to battle their way through the snow for the English Short Mat Bowling Association’s Inter-County Championship Premier Knockout preliminary round tie against West Sussex at Wey Valley, Guildford, were rewarded with a 22-18 victory.

Oxon came out on top 172-169 on shots to secure a quarter-final tie at home to North Yorkshire or Somerset, whose match was postponed because of the bad weather.

Dave Wiggins starred for Oxon with a brace of singles wins, 21-7 and 14-7.

There was also a double success for Anne Sirett, Neil Pratley and Chris Hasker in the triples with 9-5 and 12-3 scorelines.

OXON DETAILS

Singles: D Wiggins won 21-7 & 14-7, D Hancock lost 13-11 & drew 14-14.

Pairs: G Cross & AJ Brown lost 23-6 & 17-11, M Davies & B Barnard lost 9-8 & won 12-11.

Triples: L Orlando, G Davies & R Wiggins won 18-5 & lost 15-4; A Sirett, N Pratley & C Hasker won 9-5 & 12-3.

Fours: E Hasker, J Bradbury, M Davies & M Keevil won 11-8 & lost 18-4; L Hancock, T Mills, N Cole & L Wood-ward drew 9-9 & won 8-5.