Vikings Club have opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League Premier Section after beating Masons B 4-1 in a rearranged match and demolishing Democrats Club 5-0, writes PETE EWINS.

Alan Lacey (6,990), Ian Moss (4,130), Bob Allsworth (7,120), Mike Jones (11,420) and Alan Oliver completed the whitewash against Democrats.

And it took a brilliant 21,990 from Chris Webb to prevent a clean sweep against Masons.

Previous leaders Kennington kept up their challenge with a 4-1 at home to Didcot Conservative Club.

Keith Sheard (12,950, break 7,800) and unbeaten Mark Trafford, whose 11,580 included a break of 8,600, set Kennington on the way.

Stuart Florey pulled a game back with a 9,730-1,530 win over Ian Gordon.

Steven Sheard amassed a score of 17,300, including breaks of 10,930 and 6,370, and Pauline Withey beat Sue Atkins 3,870-3,380 to seal the victory.

Gladiators Club B are now four points clear at the top of Section 3 after a 41/2-1/2 win against Vikings B.

Grant Johnson, Neil Cunliffe, Pete Smith (4,370) and Reg Johnson (3,380) won the first four games, before Phil Clark and Sean Stratford fought out a 3,950-3,950 draw.

Headington Conservative Club stay second after a 3-2 home win over Marlborough Club.

Keith Hollis (5,110), Sid Ponting (3,830) and Tim Jeffries gave Headington the edge.

Chris Iagoe (3,770) and Chris Bateman, whose 9,770 included the highest away break of 7,840, were Marlborough’s winners.

RESULTS

Vikings 5, Democrats 0; Kennington 4, Didcot Con Club 1; Masons A 3, Masons B 2; Headington Con Club 3, Marlborough 2; Gladiators B 41/2, Vikings B 1/2.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES

Team Knockout 2nd leg: Kennington v Vikings, Comrades v Democrats, Masons A v Masons B, Gladiators A v Didcot Con Club, Shelley v Marlborough, Headington Con Club v Dolphin, Vikings B v Gladiators B.