ORACLE survived a scare to reach the final of the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford and District League’s Gracie J’s cup, writes PETE EWINS.

They were 3-1 up against Section 2 champions Marlborough Club after the singles at Berinsfield, thanks to wins from Pauline Withey (4,150), Mark Trafford (6,160) and Ian Gordon (5,660).

But Marlbrough hit back to take both pairs, before losing on aggregate by 140 points.

Oracle will face Premier champions Vikings in the final after they beat Didcot Conservative Club 4-1.

Ian Moss (6,750) gave Vikings the lead, before Stuart Florey levelled.

Alan Oliver (7,540) and Allan Lacey (8,720) made it 3-1, before Vikings won it with the first pairs match.

In the plate semi final, Masons A saw off their B side 5-1, thanks to Alan Lowe, Martyn Wood, Sean Stratford and Dave Rose.

In the final. they will face Headington Conservative Club, who knocked out West Oxford Democrats Club on aggregate.

Billy Hill lost an opening break of 6,000 in the pairs, which made the difference in a 15,150-13,020 aggregate win.

TONIGHT’S MATCHES

Knockout semi-finals – Group A: Oracle v Vikings (Democrats), Berinsfield v Masons A (Gladiators). Group B: Masons B v Gladiators B (Headington CC), Gladiators A v Marlborough (Masons).