Masons A pulled off the shock of the season in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League by beating Premier Section joint leaders Vikings Club 5-0, writes Pete Ewins.

On a tricky top, Maxi McDonnell won the opener by ending Alan Oliver’s unbeaten run with a 6,000-3,860 win. Mick Murphy then beat Ian Moss 3,570-1,730, and Martyn Wood saw off Bob Allsworth 4,380-1,830.

Alan Lowe edged past Pete Ewins 3,490-2,990 and Tim Curry completed the whitewash by defeating Allan Lacey, who had been in front at the bar, 2,120-1,970.

Masons are now joint top with West Oxford Democrats after they lost 3-2 at home to Comrades Club.

Terry Green (4,560) and Billy Hill won for Democrats, but Simon Ellam (4,270), Chris Storch (3,400) and Chris Alexander (3,380) gave Comrades victory.

Kennington Club won 4-1 at home to Berinsfield Club. Lorin Clough (7,380), Steven Sheard (8,780, break 7,590), Ian Gordon (5,920) and captain Pauline Withey shone for Kennington.

Craig Mace posted Berinsfield’s lone success with a shock 5,590-4,080 win over Mark Trafford. Dave Tooke sealed Didcot Conservative Club’s 5-0 home success against Masons B with a score of 14,170.

Stuart Florey (4,400), Jenny Florey (6,150), Dennis Atkins (6,870) and Sue Atkins, who pipped Martin Skyrme 2,300-2,260 by going behind the black peg, set up the victory.

Section 2 leaders Gladiators A continued their winning ways with a 4-1 triumph against their B side.

Frank Cox (2,090), Keith Gardner (6,380), Dave Jarman (4,460) and Bob Pincombe (6,010) won the first four games. Jenny Webb spared the B team’s blushes by beating Malcolm Lee in the final game.

Results: Masons A 5, Vikings 0; Kennington 4, Berinsfield 1; Gladiators B 1, Gladiators A 4; Didcot Con Club 5, Masons B 0; West Oxford Democrats 2, Comrades 3.