OXFORDSHIRE finished the season with a defeat, but did just enough to avoid relegation from Division 1 of the BDO Inter-County Championship.

The 22-14 loss away to high-flying Dorset left them relying on results from elsewhere and they finished just two points above Gwent.

Knowing every match could be vital, the Ladies’ B team got the visitors off to an excellent start.

Cath Birch and lady of the match Allyson Thomson (20.59) won the first two clashes and there were also victories for Emily Baldwin and Cali Birch in the 4-2 success.

Simon Tricker won the opening Men’s B encounter, but they were quickly on the back foot.

After three straight defeats Ade Larner stopped the rot, while man of the match Stuart White (25.40), Andrew Thompkins and Brandon Richardson reduced the damage.

The 7-5 defeat meant the scores were level at 9-9 overnight.

The second day began disastrously, with the Ladies’ A team suffering a 6-0 whitewash.

And Oxon’s prospects grew bleaker as Dorset also took the first five matches of the Men’s A clash.

But Sean Holley stemmed the flow, beginning a streak of four wins from Pete Hall, Larner and Richardson, who was man of the match (27.09).

Preben Krabben claimed the visitors’ final point in a 7-5 loss, but the disappointment was short-lived as other results on the final day went their way.

It ensured Oxfordshire will be playing in Division 1 next season.