Rutherford's slender lead in Division 1 of the Oxford & District Association was cast aside this week.

Holton A led the assault, first beating Bicester B 10-0, then seeing off Rutherford 8-2, to go second.

Vikings A joined in by beating Forum A 9-1, taking top spot on points difference.

Finally, Bicester A defeated British Rail 9-1 to go third and consign last week’s leaders to fourth.

In Division 2, leaders Forum C slew Gladiators A 8-2, with maximums for Chris Smith and Fraser Harris.

Vikings C defeated Haddenham A 6-4, despite three for Mark Penn.

Bicester C are still in the hunt after a 6-4 win over Vikings D.

Key wins came from Bicester’s Dave Ralls over Paul Borrowdale and Jack Shardlow over Vikings’ Eamonn Deeley – by 13-11 in the decider.

Begbroke shared the points in a draw with Forum D, Lorne Lonie showing some impressive form to win three.

RESULTS

Div 1: Holton A 10 (A Misseldine 3, D Palmer 3, M Scott 3), Bicester B 0; RAL 2, Holton A 8 (A Misseldine 3, M Scott 3); British Rail 1, Bicester A 9 (T Gorman 3, J Rigby 3); Vikings A 9 (J Sun 3, P Jaskolski 3), Forum A 1.

Div 2: Forum C 8 (C Smith 3, F Harris 3), Gladiators A 2; Begbroke 5, Forum D 5 (L Lonie 3); Bicester C 6, Vikings D 4; Vikings C 6, Haddenham A 4 (M Penn 3); Gladiators A 9 (P Knight 3, K Giles 3), Forum E 1.

Div 3: St James 5 (S Hamilton 3), Vikings F 5; Gladiators B 2, Bicester D 8 (D Badham 3); Forum F 6 (J Rowan 3), Vikings E 4; Forum G 6, Forum H 4.

Div 4: Forum J 1, Forum K 9 (F Audifferen 3, J East 3); Forum I 8 (J East 3, T Yau 3), Holton B 2.