WORCESTERSHIRE disproved the prophets of doom by fielding a successful squad for their first match of the British Dart Organisation's Inter-Counties Championships at home against Oxfordshire.

Match award winners were Pam Jones for Womens B with 15.03; Tim Green, Mens B with 25.15; Carol Jones, Womens A with 16.16 and Tony Randall for Mens A with 30.94.

Between them the teams hit 186 tons, with maximums for Jess Archer, Matt Sheehan, Rob Heming, Simon Webb, Nick Fullwell, Rachael Dixon, Alan Merriman and Graham Perry. Paul Brookes and Dave Honey hit two apiece and the highest clock out was 155 by Steve Watton.

The Womens B contained three players making their debut for the County and good scoring but bad luck on the doubles resulted in a 2-4 loss. The winners were Pam Jones and a debut win for Kath Jones.

The Mens B also had three successful newcomers: Wayne Weston, 4x100, 115gs (20.88); Mark Thomas, 7x100+ (21.71); and Nigel Vernal, 4x100+ (21.78).

There were further wins from Tim Green, 9x100+ (25.15); Jess Archer, 180, 7x100+ (22.94); Nick Fullwell, 180, 6x100+ (24.14); Brian Griffiths, 4x100+ (23.85); and Darren Willetts, 4x100+ (18.52) resulting in an 8-4 win giving Worcestershire a two-leg advantage after the first day's play.

The Womens A earned a worthy draw with wins for Beaty Powell, 3x100+ (15.63); Carol Jones, 3x100+ (16.16); and Betty Sinnett, 4x100+ (15.66).

The Mens A opened with Alan Merriman 180, 8x100+ (25.45); followed by Mark Bayliss, 3x100+ (21.47); Paul Millward, 8x100+ (27.57); Tom White, 3x100 (25.59); and Dave Honey, 2x180, 6x100+ (26.19). Paul Brookes ensured the County's win with a fine performance, taking his game with a 12-dart leg, 130 game shot, hitting 2x180, 11x100+ for a 28.81 average.

A great game from Tony Randall, 13x100+, won 3-1 in 12, 17 and 15 dart legs earned him a match award-winning 30.94 average. Then wins from Jess Archer, 6x100+ (23.91); Mick Hill, 8x100+ (24.24); and last on Steve Watton, 7x100+, 155 game shot, gave Worcestershire a 23-13 victory.