GLADIATORS B opened up a two-point lead at the top of Section 3 after a 3-2 win at Headington Conservative Club.

Keith Hollis scored 9,940 to put Headington in front, before Grant Johnson, Phil Clark (2,220) and Reg Johnson (3,210) won the next three games for Gladiators.

Dave Gordon grabbed Headington’s other point.

Premier Section leaders Kennington marched on at the top with a 4-1 success against Masons A.

Steven Sheard (12,820) and Mark Trafford (10,860) were in top form, while Pauline Withey (4,180) and Alan Lowe (4,390) were their other winners.

Didcot Conservative Club stayed in the hunt for the title with a 3-2 victory over Vikings A.

Dennis Atkins (8,090), Stuart Florey (6,460) and Sue Atkins put Didcot 3-0 ahead.

Alan Oliver (4,380) and Mike Jones (6,940) replied.

In Section 1, leaders Masons B saw off Comrades 3-2.

Chris Webb (10,000), Dave Butt (5,840) and Andy Webb (5,570) scored their points, with Chris Storch (4,030) and Craig Mace (6,270) winning for Comrades.

Vikings B thumped Dolphin 5-0 in Section 2.

RESULTS

Didcot Con Club 3 Vikings 2; Masons A 1, Kennington 4; Vikings B 5, Dolphin 0; Comrades 2, Masons B 3; HCC 2 Gladiators B 3.

TONIGHT’S FIXTURES

Masons B v Vikings A, Didcot Con Club v Masons A, Gladiators A v Kennington, Democrats v Comrades, Marlborough v Gladiators B, Dolphin v Headington Con Club, Vikings B v Shelley.