Gladiators Club B narrowly missed out on a shock win over Premier Division leaders Kennington in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League, writes PETE EWINS.

The Section 2 outfit led 2-0 after wins from Phil Clark, who inflicted Steven Sheard’s first defeat of the season with a 8,740-2,320 success, while Reg Johnson beat Pauline Withey 6,630-3,900.

However, Kennington hit back to take a 3-2 victory when Brian Rose won 2,750-2,680 on the last ball against Mark Johnson, before Ian Gordon (7,480, break 6,180) and Mark Trafford (7,820, break 7,120) sealed a comeback success.

In Section 1, Marlborough Club triumphed 4-1 at home to winless Gladiators Club A.

Adam Ingram, Chris Iagoe, Ian Major and Chris Bateman were their winners.

Gladiators are level at the top of Section 2 with Headington Conservative Club, who lost 4-1 at Didcot Conservative Club.

Vikings Club won 3-2 at Berinsfield Club thanks to successes from Allan Lacey, Alan Oliver and Ian Moss, who defeated Sean Stratford 4160-3600.

West Oxford Democrats Club lost 3-2 at Masons.

Alan Lowe, Martyn Wood and Maxi McDonnell won for the home side, with Billy Hill and Eddie Tebby replying.