Oxfordshire will be without former World No 1 Deta Hedman for the weekend’s home BDO Iner- Counties Championship Premier Division clash with Warwickshire.

Hedman, who showed her recent good form by beating major rival Trina Gulliver 4-3 in the England Classic final in Selsey, Sussex, will be in Canada with Oxon teammate Casey Gallagher representing England in the World Cup.

The absence of Hedman and Gallagher allows Sandra Cox to return to the ladies’ A and Julie Newman joins her after being promoted from the B side. Karen Hill steps in to fill her shoes.

Hedman’s success in Sussex was matched by Oxfordshire county A player Josh McCarthy, who beat Connor Levett to take the youth title at Classic event.

Oxon men make changes for their tussle with Dean Lockyer moving up to the A team where he is joined by Kevin Lowe, who was not available for the season’s opener. Brendan Kearns returns to the men’s B outfit.

The games will be played at the Ex-Services and Bicester Families Club, Sheep Street, Bicester, and will start at 11am on both days.

OXON TEAMS

Men’s A: A Barrett (Oxford Blue Print), N Cobb, S Holley, P Krabben, E Lilly, D Lockyer, K Lowe, J McCarthy, L Russell, A Stevens (Corner House Headington), S White.

Men’s B: M Burns (Paddy Walsh), D Hammond (Blue and Green Marine), M Kearns (Windrush Club), B Kearnes, J Mulley, J Newland, D Newman (Duke of Cumberlands Head), J Palmer (The Blacks Head), S Robinson, N Russell, J Russell, A Thomas (ACG Labels).

Other squad members: P Addison (Ex-services and Bicester Families Club), K Bedding (KRC), M Breakspear, J Jukes, A Larner (Witney Trophy Centre), P O’Sullivan (Valley Eng Ltd), G Manning (Sandvik Coromant), M Stocker, T Tricker.

Ladies A: C Bywaters, S Castle (KRC), S Cox, R Rose |(KFC), K Ledbury, J Newman (Duke of Cumberlands Head).

Ladies B: Cali Birch, Cath Birch, T Borton, N Curzon (Witney Trophy Centre), B Grant (Chinnor Marquees), K Hill.

Other squad members: T Hamilton, D Hedman (Oxfordshire Executive Chauffeurs), C Gallagher.