Premier Section champions Tandem suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Royal Standard on the opening night of the new Morrells of Oxford League season.

Pete Farrelly, Tandem's new signing, lost the opening game with the break to Royal Standard's Alan Lacey (4,530).

The next two games were also won against the break as Tandem fought back through Keith Sheard (16,190) and Ray Sturgess (9,230).

Pauline Withey, with the break, then suffered a surprise reverse against Standard's Ian Moss (9,890), before Brian Jones defeated Steven Sheard 3,850-2,400 to secure victory for the visitors.

Masons A avenged their recent 4-1 defeat by Masons B in the Scotlandsash Cup with a 5-0 whitewash.

Martin Wood (7,760), Alan Lowe (11,950), Dave Rose (9,690), Larry Richens (7,020) and Alan Burnham (5,130) steamrollered the opposition.

Newly-promoted Gladiators A swept aside Section 1 side Democrats 4-1.

Keith Gardner (10,400 break and score), Richard Knedlar (4,720), Kevin Pringle (7,600) and Bob Pincombe (6,440) raced away with the first four games, before Sid Barrett (12,300, break 9,860) prevented a clean sweep.

Crown (Stadhampton) powered to a 3-2 win over South Oxford Social Club.

Dennis Atkins (7,750), Ian Moquet (8,980) and Graham Baldwin (9,390) took the first three games, before Dave Bartlett (13,440) and Dave Evans (3,770) replied.

Michelle Tooke (2,000), who took all last term before recording her first win, wasted no time this season as she gave George A a 1-0 lead at home to Corner House.

But the visitors then raced to a 4-1 victory through Bob Allsworth (4,490), Mick Jones (6,430), Chris Souch (3,040) and Jason Cattermole (7,360).