Kennington Club opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Johnson Buildbase Oxford League Premier Section after a 3-2 win at Section 1 leaders West Oxford Democrats Club, writes PETE EWINS.

With three matches remaining and Kennington on a free week, second-placed Vikings Club must win at Gladiators Club B tonight to stand any chance of the title.

Kennington were given a scare as Billy Hill (8,520) and Bob Parsons (4,290) put Democrats 2-0 ahead.

But Kennington hit back through Ian Gordon (11,120, breaks 6,180 & 4,750), Steven Sheard (5,980) and Mark Trafford (7,100, break 6,930) to take victory.

Section 1 side Masons B went down 4-1 at home to Headington Conservative Club.

Chris Webb (13,960, break 11,860) put Masons in front.

But then Dave Gordon,Tim Jeffreys, Keith Hollis and Sid Ponting won the next four games to give Headington only their second win of the season.

RESULTS

Masons A 3, Marlborough 2; Masons B 1, Headington Con Club 4; Didcot Con Club 2, Gladiators Club B 3;Gladiators Club A 3, Berinsfield 2.