PAUL Casey was unable to celebrate his 200th county cap with victory as Oxfordshire 2nd went down to a 10-5 defeat against Avon in Division 4 Central of the County Championships at Bartholomew School, Eynsham.

Before the clash, Casey was given a special glass memento in recognition of reaching the impressive landmark by Badminton England president Geoff Rofe.

In the match itself, Oxfordshire got off to a terrible start, losing all four of the singles rubbers.

Simon Gaines came closest to victory, but was edged out in a three-set battle.

But the hosts’ luck changed in the level doubles, with their second men’s pairing of Chris Lim and Phil Sayer winning both their rubbers in straight sets, while Gaines and Casey won one and lost one.

The ladies’ doubles was evenly matched, with both Oxfordshire pairs losing to the Avon first couple, but then both defeating the second string comfortably.

Oxon were still in with a chance of victory going into the mixed doubles, trailing 7-5.

But they lost all three matches to go down 10-5, despite the best efforts of first pair Gaines and Hamilton, who lost their match 24-22, 22-20.