OXFORDSHIRE’S under 18 teams had mixed fortunes at the Winter County Cup.

The boys’ side had a difficult week in Barnstaple, suffering relegation from Division 5B.

But there was much better news for the girls’ squad, who won promotion to Division 5 after a superb show in Edgbaston.

Led by Lucy Brown, Oxon opened with a 6-3 victory over Cumbria, winning all three doubles matches

after the singles were tied 3-3.

They hit top form the following day, thrashing South of Scotland 9-0 to set up a promotion showdown with Shropshire on the final day.

And Oxfordshire went up with a flourish, leading 5-1 after the singles and then winning all three doubles to record a convincing success.

The boys’ side, captained by Jon Maskens, opened with a 7-2 defeat at the hands of Wiltshire, a number of three-set losses proving crucial.

Worse was to follow the next day when hosts Devon proved too strong, racing to an 8-1 victory with Oxon’s only success coming courtesy of Guy Mobey, who fought back from a set and 5-4 down to win his singles.

The final day saw Oxon take on Cornwall, each looking for a first win to avoid relegation.

Their south-west rivals led 4-2 after the singles, and although each doubles match went to deciding tie-breaks, Oxfordshire were victorious only once as Cornwall wrapped up a 6-3 victory.

  • JENNY Robson and Alan Elbourne were awarded lifetime achievement awards at the Tennis Oxfordshire AGM.

A host of individuals and clubs were honoured for their work in the county.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Community award: Ed Large. Team: North Oxford men. Coach: Jon Maskens. Lifetime achievement: Jenny Robson & Alan Elbourne. Club: Abingdon LTC. Volunteer: Lyn Haslet-Hawkins & Catherine Jackson. School: King Alfred’s Academy. Disability: Bianca Pallatt. Outstanding contribution to community tennis: Mat Hunter. Young volunteer: Callum West.