Oxford archer Nichola Simpson celebrated with a cup of tea after winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi yesterday.

The 53-year-old, who lives in Marston, achieved her lifetime’s ambition as a member of England’s three-strong team that came first in the women’s compound event.

Simpson, Danielle Brown and Nicky Hunt beat Malaysia in the semi-final 226-221 and Canada in the final by 232-229.

It was England’s first archery medal for 28 years – the last time the sport was held at the Games.

England’s score in the final was only one point off Russia’s world record of 233 set in 2008.

Simpson, who fired two tens – a perfect bullseye – with her first two arrows in the final, said it was a “great start” for England’s archers at the Games.

Simpson, who gave up her job as an administrator two years ago to concentrate on winning gold, had been disappointed not to win a medal in the individual competition on Tuesday.

The former world No 3 was knocked out in the first knockout stage.

But it all came right yesterday.

“It is just an unbelievable feeling,” she said.

“On my last shot (the penultimate of the match), I was very nervous, but it went in the nine which was fine.

“And then when Nicky got the ten, it was just fantastic.”

And for celebrations?

“No, we’re saving those for when we get back,” she said. “It’s just a cup of tea for me!”

The final was a very even match-up until the fifth round, when the England women started to pull away, increasing their lead by a point in each of the last three rounds with consistently accurate shooting.

Trailing by one point at the end of the second end, the team turned it around to win by three, with Hunt nailing a pressure shot with the final arrow of the tie.

Members of Oxford Archers, where Simpson has been a member for 15 years, were thrilled by her success .

“She has worked so hard for this, and we’re thrilled that she has achieved her ambition of a gold medal,” said the club’s tournament organiser, Jock Murray.

“Whenever members of the club turned up for training, she was always there, through wind, rain and snow.

“She’s an inspiration to the whole club. Her dedication has been remarkable.”

Murray revealed that just before the games started Simpson had been made a life member of the club at a special party.

“There will definitely be another party to celebate her win when she gets back,” he addded.

There presumably, she’ll be able to celebrate with something stron-ger than tea!

Oxford-born, Chris White, who now lives in Rugby, was a member of England’s team which won the men’s team compound event.

In the final, they saw off India 231-229.

Stephen Pengelly, who comes from Wallingford and is compet- ing in his fifth Games for Wales, partnered Alan Green to finish fifth in the 25-metre rapid fire pistol pairs.