Vikings A pulled off a vital win after last week’s reverse by beating title rivals Kennington 4-1 at home in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League.

The reliable Steven Sheard won the opening leg for the visitors, beating Lewis Stratford 9,670-1,000, including a winning break of 7,500.

Alan Oliver (6,320-3,900) and Mike Jones (6,780-1,180) took the next two legs to put the home side 2-1 in front, but Alan Lacey saw off Mark Trafford 5,680-2,590 and Ian Moss made it 4-1 with a good performance against Ian Gordon, scoring 10,050 (break 6,610).

Vikings and Kennington are now joint top with 19 points, but Kennington have a game in hand at home to Masons B this Sunday.

It’s all change at the top again in Section 1 as previous leaders Comrades Club went down 4-1 at Didcot Conservative Club.

Democrats took advantage to take over the summit by half a point after winning 3-2 at Masons A.

Simon Hammond drew first blood for Masons, but then John Patey (6,100), Eddie Tebby and Richard Garrett won the next three legs.

Dave Rose took the home side’s second point with a 6,030-1,360 victory over Billy Hill.

Marlborough moved level on points with Gladiators Club A at the top of Section 2 after a 4-1 success at home to Berinsfield.

Iain Major (4,240) won first for the home side, but Chris Plant soon levelled, beating Pete Rose 3,270-1,600.

Further wins from Chris Iagoe (4,250-1,440), Chris Bateman (6,250-3,350) and Arthur McIntyre (4,300-2,630) completed victory.

Results Vikings A 4, Kennington 1; HCC 2, Vikings B 3; Marlborough 4, Berinsfield 1; Masons A 2, Democrats 3; Gladiators A 4, Dolphin 1; Didcot CC 4, Comrades 1.

Tonight’s matches Vikings A v Masons A, Marlborough v Glads A, Kennington v Democrats, Berinsfield v Dolphin, Masons B v Didcot CC, Gladiators B v HCC.