KEITH Gardner won the decisive game as Gladiators A extended their unbeaten run to eight games after a 3-2 victory at Headington Conservative Club, wries PETE EWINS.

The win over their second-placed rivals sees them stretch their lead at the top of the Section 2 table.

Frank Cox (4,650) and Malcolm Lee, who have only lost once this season, put Gladiators 2-0 ahead.

However, Keith Hollis won his tenth game of the campaign, and Graham Mildenhall hit back to make it 2-2.

Gardner then held his nerve to edge out Tim Jeffreys 2,430-2,170 for the winning point.

Gladiators B crashed to a 4-1 home defeat against struggling Marlborough. In Section 1, leaders Democrats won 3-2 away at second-placed Berinsfield.

Billy Hill scored 9,760, including a break of 9,660, to add to further victories from Eddie Tebby and Terry Green, who won the crucial fifth match after Geoff Mace and John Boal had made it 2-2.

RESULTS OXFORD & DISTRICT LEAGUE Berinsfield 2, Democrats 3; Masons B 0, Masons A 5; Gladiators B 1, Marlborough 4; Headington CC 2, Gladiators A 3.

Competitions Men’s Individual: S Sheard bt A Oliver 2-0. Pairs: M Trafford & I Gordon bt B Allsworth & A Lacey 3-1.

Threes: D Tooke, S Florey & J Florey bt S Ellam, S Stratford & C Alexander 4-2.

Tonights Fixtures Berinsfield v Didcot CC, Masons B v Kennington, Comrades v Masons A, Vikings v Democrats, Gladiators A v Gladiators B, Marlborough v Dol- phin.