JOHN Patey celebrated his Inter-Area 7-a-side call-up by winning the decider as Democrats beat Premier Division Vikings in the Team Knockout Cup Group A quarter-finals, writes PETE EWINS.

Taking a 4-1 home first-leg cushion into the tie, Democrats fell behind 2-0 after wins from Lewis Stratford (5,180) and Ian Moss (12,370).

Billy Hill (6,810) then beat Alan Lacey to increase Democrats’ lead to 5-3, before Alan Oliver scored 11,300 in the fourth game to keep the home side’s hopes alive.

But Patey kept his cool in the final leg, beating Mike Jones 8,230-3,750 to take Democrats through 6-4 on aggregate.

Kennington are also in the last four after winning 4-1 at home to Comrades for a 7-3 aggregate victory.

Ian Gordon top-scored with 10,840, including a break of 6,020. Steven Sheard (6,770), Pauline Withey (5,700) and Mark Trafford also won.

Simon Ellam provided Comrades’ crumb of comfort with a 6,150-2,600 success over Kevin Godfrey.

In Group B, Marlborough saw off Gladiators B 3-2, taking the tie 7-3 on aggregate.

Leading 4-1 from the away leg, Chris Iagoe, Pete Rose and Chris Bateman soon wrapped up the victory by taking the first three games.

Gladiators A triumphed 3-2 for a 6-4 aggregate victory over Berinsfield, Keith Gardner scoring 12,690 for the winners.

l THE Oxfordshire Open takes place at Cowley Conservative Club on Saturday, starting at 10.30am. Any players who are not sure of their starting times should contact Pete Ewins.

  • THE Inter Area 7-a-side and Under 22 competition is at Cowley Conservative Club this Sunday, starting at noon. Players must check in at 11-11.30am.

Oxford: K Godfrey, S Florey, S Sheard, J Patey, D Tooke, A Oliver, M Trafford.

Tonight’s leagues fixtures

Vikings A v Comrades, Kennington v Didcot Con Club, Democrats v Masons B, Marlborough v Vikings B pp, Berinsfield v Head-ington Con Club, Dolphin v Gladiators B.