DARTS: Oxon squander big lead to suffer agonising loss
Oxfordshire let slip a commanding lead as they crashed to a 19-17 defeat against Cambridgeshire in the British Darts Organisation Inter-Counties Championship Premier Division.
Oxon led 8-2 at one stage in the clash at March United Services Club, but Cambridge-shire fought back to take victory.
The ladies’ B won 4-2 with wins from Cath Birch, Hazel Prowton, lady-of-the-match, Irene Richardson (20.04 average) and Babs Manning.
The men’s B then drew 6-6 with wins coming from Keith Bedding, Phil Addison, man-of-the-match Kevin Wilkins (26.80), Paul Farnes, Sean Holly and Simon Tricker as Oxon ended the first day 10-8 ahead.
But Sunday started with the ladies’ A losing 5-1 with Linda Jones (21.65) the only winner.
Then the men’s A drew 6-6 with Oxfordshire’s wins coming from man-of-the-match Pete Hall (28.14), Barry Stratford, Ade Larner, Ronnie Anderson, Roger Haines and Nick Cobb.
Olly Varney (29.68) had a tremendous game against former world champion and England captain Martin Adams (32.06).
Varney had a dart bouncing out at a crucial stage of the game, allowing Adams to take the leg and the match.
OXFORDSHIRE take on Middlesex in the BDO Youth Championship at the East Challow British Legion on Sunday (12 noon).
Oxon Under 18: L Bower (Oxford Pipework Services) capt, T Baughan, M Burns (Bybridge Construction Ltd), S Cooper, S Pollard, J Lucas (Marlborough Club Didcot), Ashley Coggins, Adam Coggins, R Hancox (The Oxford Barber), G Tizzard (Plough East Hendred), D Lockyer, T Meadows, S Lewis.
Oxon Under 18 Ladies: A Curtis (DRD Roofing) capt, N Slay (Pete Jones), K Moore (Oxford Pipework Services), N Meadows (Bodicote Stores & Post Office).
Oxon Under 16: C Inness (Red Lion Marston) capt, D Ford (Polenez Hotel Blackpool), O Highton, T Gore (KB Brickwork), K Smith, S Turner, D Spinks.
Story By: Oxford Mail