Having won the Ted Allsop Over 50s Handicap Cup for seven consecutive seasons, Mick Bennett finally lost his grip on the trophy when he lost in the semi-final to Thame's Derek Syrett.

And Syrett made the most of his triumph as he went on to beat Ron Reddy in the final.

In the last-four encounter, Syrett took the opening frame 71-48, before Bennett replied to take the second 71-26.

In the decider, Syrett held his nerve to end Bennett's reign.

Reddy beat Morris Motors' Doug Baker in the other semi-final.

In the final, Syrett landed the opening frame 54-37, but looked well out of contention in the second after Reddy knocked in a 36 break, leaving Syrett requiring snook- ers.

After some safety exchanges, Syrett got the snookers he required, levelling the frame to force a re-spot.

After several edgy safety shots, Reddy left the black close to a pocket, and Syrett potted to seal the trophy.

In league action, New Club A lifted themselves clear of the drop zone in the Premier Division with a 4-2 win against basement boys Cherwell A.

Ian Gee got things going with an easy win against Steve Benwell.

Alan Mander then beat Andy Benwell to put New Club 4-0 up.

Ray Benwell defeated Justin Shepherd to claim the remaining frames for Cherwell.

Riley B continued their quest for the Division 1 crown with a 5-1 win against third-placed Woodstock A.

Justin Page won Woodstock's only frame, in a draw with Dean Campbell.

Dave Bough cinched victory when he beat Priyan Shah in the last two frames, while Malcolm Bough saw off Stuart Reeve.

Riley D stayed top of Division 2 with a 4-2 win against House Club B.

Anthony Roberts and Mike Augar shared the opening frames, before Greg Moyses got the better of Paul Larkins to put Riley 3-1 up.

Keith Philpott reduced the arrears, emphatically winning the first of his frames against Robert Adkins, but Adkins replied to win the final frame and the match.

James Griffin increased the Division 3 top break to 48 during Morris Motors' 4-2 defeat to Eynsham B.

Griffin beat Dan Brooks 2-0, but from then on, Eynsham took control.

Allan Blackwell saw off Roger Tomlin to level proceedings, then Adam Hingley defeated Bob Hayward to secure victory.

In Division 4, leaders Littlemore RBL A lost 4-2 at home to Witney E.

Jason Pool beat Nigel DeBanks, while Witney's Paul Keenlyside and Chris Keeler each picked up draws against Steve Fitzgerald and Richard Berry respectively.

In Division 5, struggling Yarnton RBL came from 3-1 down to record a useful draw against New Club B.

Headington RBL continued their quest for the Division 6 title with a 5-1 win at Eynsham D.

Littlemore RBL are now second following a 5-1 win over Cowley Con D.

RESULTS

Premier Div: New Club A 4, Cherwell A 2.

Div 1: Oracle A 2, Thame A 4; Thame A 4, Woodstock A 2; Woodstock A 1, Riley B 5.

Div 2: Eynsham A 4, Witney B 2; Riley D 4, House Club B 2.

Div 3: Abingdon Con B 5, Morris Motors B 1; Cowley Con A 2, East Oxford Con B 4; Morris Motors C 2, Eynsham B 4.

Div 4: Littlemore RBL A 2, Witney E 4.

Div 5: Cherwell B 1, Cowley Con C 5; Cowley Con C 3, Yarnton RBL A 3; Yarnton RBL A 3, New Club B 3.

Div 6: Cowley Con D 1, Littlemore RBL B 5; Eynsham C 1, Eynsham D 5; Eynsham D 1, Headington RBL A 5; Westcott A 1, Eynsham C 5.

Ted Allsop Over 50s handicap semi-finals: D Syrett bt M Bennett, R Reddy by D Baker. Final: D Syrett bt R Reddy.

Arthur Goodwin Handicap: L Calcutt bt T Bowles.