Kennington Social Club strengthened their lead at the top of the Premier Section in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League after a convincing 4-1 win at Democrats, writes PETE EWINS.

Mark Trafford (8,790), Ian Gordon (3,350) and Kevin Godfrey (6,320) reeled off the first three games.

Democrats pulled a game back with a rare win from Jim Patey, but in-form Steven Sheard (8,220) beat Billy Hill to cap a fine evening.

Pauline Withey’s side now lead the section by seven points, but have played a game more than Vikings who crashed 3-2 at home to Masons B.

Alan Lacey (4,920) won the opening game for Vikings, before Dave Butt and Andy Webb put Masons 2-1 up.

Chris Webb saw off Alan Oliver with the highest away break of 7,890 in his 7,990-3,100 win to put Masons 3-1 up.

Mike Jones’s win over Martin Skyrme in the final leg gave the scoreline more respectibility.

Didcot Con Club crashed 4-1 away to Section 1 leaders Masons A.

Mick Murphy (8,510) and Martyn Wood (3,050) cruised home in the opening two games.

Dave Tooke (9,750) beat Alan Lowe to make it 2-1.

But further wins by Dave Rose (7,650) and Lewis Stratford, who defeated Dennis Atkins 5,650-5,380, completed Masons’ victory.

In Section 2, Marlborough Club moved joint second in the table with Gladiators Club A after a 3-2 home victory over Dolphin.

The visitors went 2-0 up with wins by Paul Butcher 1,830-1,460 and Mellissa Standbridge 2,600-2,290.

But then the home side won the next three games through Chris Iagoe (3,460), Chris Plant (2,060) and Iain Major (2,130) to seal a fine comeback.