RILEY C were given a big fright by struggling Division 2 club Ashton in the first round of the Gentworks’ Oxford League’s Simonds Cup.

The highly-placed Division 1 side eventually scraped home 4-2 as Altaf Ali defeated Ashton Callum Vinall 68-31 in the decider.

In the previous frame against Ali, Vinall had triumphed 64-55 thanks to a break of 36 – the highest of the round.

Riley had been given a great start by Anthony Stopp, who won his two frames convincingly against Tony Marshall.

The remaining three ties, in this competition for clubs from the top three divisions, produced comfortable victories.

Thame A defeated Littlemore RBL A 4-1 thanks to doubles from Darren Howard and Mark Barrow, who scored 85 in both his frames against Mike Allen.

Malcolm Bough and Lewis Moss both produced two breaks over 20 in their 2-0 victories as they helped Riley B beat Riley E 5-1.

There was a similar scoreline as Abingdon Conservative A defeated House Club B, Paul Chester’s 2-0 win including a break of 34.

In the Sherlock Cup for clubs from Division 3 and 4, Witney D came from behind to win 4-3 away to Kennington.

Witney won the last two frames, including one in which Steve Blackman produced a break of 33 against Mark Trafford.

Cowley Conservative A won the remaining tie 4-2 away to Green Road B.

GENTWORKS OXFORD LEAGUE RESULTS

Simonds Cup 1st round: Ashton 2, Riley C 4; Riley B 5, Riley E 1; Abingdon Conservative A 5, House Club B 1; Thame A 4, Littlemore RBL A 1.

Sherlock Cup 1st round: Green Road B 2, Cowley Conservative A 4; Kenningrton 3, Witney D 4.