Oxford C took a huge step towards reaching the next round of the Inter-Area Knockout Cup after beating Portsmouth 4-1 in their first-leg clash, writes PETE EWINS.

Sid Ponting and Adam Thorn put the hosts 2-0 ahead, only for Barry Radford to reduce the deficit.

Fine performances by Bob Pincombe (7,670) and Keith Hollis (7,380) in the remaining frames gave Oxford a convincing victory.

In the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League competitions, Mark Trafford scored 19,060, including a break of 18,540, to beat Mike Jones in the Men’s Individual semi-final.

He will play Steven Sheard in the final, after he knocked out his dad, Keith, following a brilliant score of 21,580 in the first leg.

Chris Storch will face Craig Mace in the Section 1 Individual final, with Melissa Stanbridge taking on Ian Gordon in the final of the Never Won Cup.

TONIGHT's GAMES

Kernahan Cup semi-final: P Clark v C Bateman (Masons).

Three’s semi-final: P Withey, M Trafford & I Gordon v T Green, R Garrett & B Hill (Comrades Club) Pat Webber Cup semi-final: J Patey v C Webb (Headington Con Club).

THE closing date for entries to the Oxfordshire men’s and ladies’ singles on Sunday, May 22 is this weekend.