Gladiators C pulled off a remarkable giant-killing act by holding off Forum B in the group stages of the Oxford & District League’s Aubrey Hughes Handicap Shield.

Given a start of 226 points, the Gladiators trio of James Speedy, Cigdem Karabulut and Joanna Mello held on to their advantage to win 440-431 against the strong home team of Fraser Harris, Andrew Flint and Jeremy Flint.

Hosts Bicester E beat Vikings B by just three points in the tightest match of the week.

Receiving a 241-point start, the Bicester team of Wendy Chapple, Cathy Fogg and Tom Brennan triumphed 441-438 to send Vikings to their second narrow defeat.

Forum F, given a start of 66 by Bicester C, won by 25 thanks to Eddie Carter, Maurice Chambers and Alasdair McPherson.

Vikings A gave away 264 points to two-man Semmle, but won by 56.

AUBREY HUGHES HANDICAP SHIELD

Group stage: Bicester E (+241) 441, Vikings B 438; Forum B 431, Gladiators C (+226) 440; Bicester A 433, Holton C (+294) 488; Semmle (+264) 383, Vikings A 439; Forum E (+63) 430, Gladiators A 349; Forum F (+66) 401, Bicester C 376; Holton B 366, Forum G (+27) 399; St James 0, Bicester D 440 (w/o).