Tandem are favourites to finish runners-up in the Premier Section of the Morrells Oxford League after a 4-1 success at Democrats B.

Keith Sheard (11,250, break 11,000), Pete Phillips (11,570, 10,100) and Ray Sturgess (5,650) won their opening three games.

A rare win for Bob Parsons pulled a consolation point back for Demos, but then Pauline Withey (4,760-1,160) completed the victory.

The Kennington side need two points tonight to be sure of second spot - and that's with Standard having to win all their games.

Democrats A lost 3-2 away to Section 1 leaders Masons, who have one hand on the title.

Alan Burnham played a great game for Masons, scoring 10,110, while Brian Jones nipped in with the top score of the evening - 10,390 - for the visitors.

Masons require two points tonight to become champions.

Keith Gardner (7,050) and Kevin Pringle (4,530) won the first two games in Black Boy's 4-1 home win against South Oxford Club A. Dave Bartlett (3,480-2,010) took South's single point.

Waterman's Arms B were crowned Section 2 champions after winning 3-2 at South Moreton. Phil Chaundy (3,550), Paul Simmons (4,040) and Andrew Seaman (3,000) put the Osney side in jubilant mood.

South Oxford Club B look set to become runners-up after a 3-2 home win against Shelley Arms. Dave Evans (2,180), Steve Huntley (4,390) and Martin Atkins were their winners.

Roy Woodley (2,600), Steve Trinder (2,010), Larry Richens (1,840) and Gordon Richens (2,170) helped Bricklayers to a 4-1 win at Kidlington Club.

Prince of Wales kept their slender hopes for second place alive by winning 4-1 at home to Bullnose. Jason Cattermole shone for Prince, scoring 8,540, while Dave Tooke won Bullnose's point with 7,790.

Shelley Arms picked up the two points they needed to land the Section 3 title.

OXFORD LEAGUE RESULTS

Premier & Section 1: Demos B 1, Tandem 4; Masons A 3, Demos A 2; Black Boy 4, SOSC A 1; Watermans A 5, Vikings 0.

Sections 2 & 3: Crown 2, Watermans 3; SOSC B 3, Shelley 2; Kid RT SC 1, Bricklayers 4; PoW 4, Bullnose 1.

STANDINGS

Premier: Watermans 58 pts, Tandem 48, Standard 44, Demos 39.

Section 1: Masons 41, Vikings 37.

Section 2: Watermans 66, SOSC B 55, PoW 48 (2 to play), Masons B 46 (2 to play).

Section 3: Shelley 38, Kid RTSC 33, Crown 32, Bullnose 30.

*Tickets for the league finals on Saturday, May 12 are now available from secretary, Pete Ewins, at £3.50 each.