DEMOCRATS picked up their first victory of the season as they edged past Comrades 3-2 in Section 1, writes PETE EWINS.

Chris Storch put Comrades in front, only for John Patey to compile a score of 8,600 to level the match.

Undefeated Simon Ellam rattled up 13,280, including a break of 13,060 to restore the home side’s lead, but that was as good as it got for Comrades.

Billy Hill (6,580) squared the match at 2-2, then in a nail-biting last game, Terry Green snatched victory for Demos with a 2,890-2,770 win against Chris Alexander.

Gladiators Club B went joint top of Section 3 with a 3-2 win against Headington Conservative Club.

Pete Smith (4,640), Phil Clark (5,980) and Grant Johnson (4,530) shone for Gladiators, while Sid Ponting and Ian Dunmore picked up Headington’s points.

Kennington registered their first whitewash of the season, beating Gladiators A 5-0.

Pauline Withey (7,530 break 5,910) Steven Sheard (16,880 breaks 10,230 & 6,650), Keith Sheard (19,190 break 14,580), Ian Gordon (5,950 break 5,270) and Mark Trafford (12,790 break 10,810) won to see Kennington to victory.

l CLUBS are reminded that Vikings A have withdrawn from the Premier Section.