GLADIATORS A stunning Premier Section outfit Didcot Con Club to book their place in the semi-finals of the Scotland Ash League Cup, writes PETE EWINS.

The Section 2 side fought back from 2-1 behind to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory, thanks to wins from Malcolm Lee and Keith Gardner.

Bert Lovegrove took the opening leg for Gladiators, winning 7,900-1,120 against Sue Atkins.

However, victories by Dennis Atkins, who scored 10,680, including a break of 8,440, and Stuart Florey put Didcot in front.

Lee drew the scores level at 2-2 with a 4,150-2,080 success over Dave Tooke.

And in the deciding game, Gardner kept his cool to claim a 11,050-4,160 victory over Jenny Florey, which included a break of 7,000.

Vikings also went through to the last four after whitewashing Democrats 5-0. Mike Jones scored 12,320 in the opening game, and fine wins by Bob Allsworth (7,250), Alan Lacey (6,480), Ian Moss (3,780) and Alan Oliver (5,840) capped a brilliant win.

In the Plate competition, Masons A were pushed all the way by Headington Con Club before running out 3-2 winners.

Graham Mildenhall (2,410-1,610) put the home side in front, but Mick Murphy (2,980) and Alan Lowe (2,430) hit back to give Masons the advantage.

Sid Ponting edged out Brian Rose to square the match.

And in the decider, Dave Rose scored 6,610 to put Masons through.

Andy Durham, Alan Hart and Martin Coulthard were victorious as Shelley beat Gladiators B 3-2.

Tonights Matches

Off the Spot: P Clark v J Florey (at Kennington).

Never Won Cup: E Smith v S Ponting (Kennington).

Pat Webber Cup: M Murphy v L Stratford (Masons).

3’s competition: P Withey, I Gordon, M Trafford & S Sheard v T Green, B Hill, R Garrett & B Parsons (Berinsfield).

Pairs: A Lowe & D Rose v D Gordon & G Mildenhall (Cowley Workers); P Ewins & M Jones v T Coleman & L West (Vikings); S Stratford & D Bartlett v I Moss & A Oliver (Democrats).

  • THE Oxfordshire Bar Billiards Association have been left shocked after hearing that Geoff Jordan, a well-known player who turned out for Crown & Thistle, passed away recently aged 85.