St James A beat Rutherford 6-4 to set up a nail-biting finish in the battle for runners-up spot in Oxford & District League Division 1.

With two matches left, Morris Motors A stay in second place, with Rutherford a point behind, and St James a further point adrift.

Rutherford could only muster two players against St James, but they went down fighting.

Alf Davies and George Pullin posted good wins for Rutherford, with Davies beating Roger Abbott 11-9 in the fifth set and Pullin defeating Andy Misseldine in straight sets.

In Division 2, Morris Motors B kept their phenomenal season going by recording their 19th successive win.

Their average score for the season is now exactly 9-1, and this week they beat Vikings C by that score.

Eamonn Deeley notched Viking's only success by beating Tony Wheeler the division's leading player.

Morris Motors C are relegated, despite beating Gladiators 6-4 result which could cost Gladiators the runners-up spot.

Vikings D are Division 3 champions following a 5-5 draw with Bicester B.

Nick Lacey inspired Bicester with a fine maximum, and then teamed up with Wendy Chapple in the doubles to secure a draw.

Forum D are still clinging on to second after an epic 5-5 draw with clubmates Forum E.

Terry Ruane gained crucial wins over Chris Williams and Ross Henderson to earn the D team a share of the spoils.

In Division 4, Andy Crofts starred with the only maximum in Bicester C's 8-2 victory over Forum G.

RESULTS

Division 1: RAL 4, St James A 6.

Division 2: Morris Motors B 9 (C Lansley 3, P Humphrey 3), Vikings C 1; Begbroke B 3, Forum C 7 (S Harrison 3); Morris Motors C 6 (P Reynolds 3), Gladiators 4.

Division 3: Bicester B 5 (N Lacey 3), Vikings D 5; Forum E 5 (C Williams 3), St James B 5; Forum E 5, Forum D 5; Witney A 6, Bicester B 4.

Division 4: Forum G 2, Bicester C 8 (A Crofts 3); Forum G 1, Morris Motors E 9 (D Kay 3, I Saba 3).