Oxfordshire were beaten 117-104 at Sussex in their latest Home Counties League clash.

In a match which was delayed after two horses got loose on the M25 as their horsebox crashed on the morning of the game, Oxon paid the price for a slow beginning and end.

The first five ends saw the visitors 35-27 behind, but Oxon hit back to lead 59-53 after ten.

They maintained a six-shot lead after 15 ends, but a disastrous next three saw Sussex for Oxfordshire move 102-92 ahead.

With the last three ends going 15-12 in the home team’s favour, the horse had already bolted and it was too late to shut the stable door as the hosts won 18-4.

The rinks skipped by Mark Charlett and Kevin Alder were victorious for Oxon.

RESULT

Sussex 117 (18pts), Oxon 104 (4)

(Oxon rink scores)

Rink 1: B Bloomfield, T Beaumont, R Barnett, M Charlett won 26-13.

Rink 2: H Beall, G Weedon, C Weller, M Petersen lost 21-16.

Rink 3: P Lopez, R Jackson, R Clanfield, A Ley lost 19-16.

Rink 4: R Green, D Wedge, P Comley, I Whelpton lost 34-14.

Rink 5: M Cameron, C Cox, P Skidmore, K Alder won 18-14.

Rink 6: S Tolhurst, T Gripe, S Jones, M Brain lost 16-14.