Alan Oliver struck with the last ball in the 200 pocket to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory for Premier Section leaders Vikings Club at Didcot Conservative Club in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League, writes PETE EWINS.

Dennis Atkins (11,100) had given Didcot the lead only for Alan Lacey (5,480) to level.

Stuart Florey (5,710) put the hosts in front again, but Lewis Stratford (3,570) made it all-square, before Oliver pounced at the death for Vikings.

Kennington Club are a point behind with a game in hand after winning 3-2 at Comrades Club.

Mark Trafford (9,720), Kevin Godfrey (7,140) and Pauline Withey were Kennington’s winners, with Dave Barnes and Adam Thorn, who beat Steven Sheard, replying.

In Section 1, Masons B upstaged Masons A 3-2.

Ernie Smith (4,700), Martin Skyrme (3,500) and Andy Webb starred for the B team, with Mick Murphy (4,160) and Dave Rose (4,580) the A team scorers.

Section 2 leaders Gladiators Club A ran out 4-1 winners over Section 3 pacesetters Gladiators Club B.

Keith Gardner (5,030), Malcolm Lee (2,250) and Frank Cox (5,610) put the A string into an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Unbeaten Grant Johnson (4,390) pulled one back, before Bob Pincombe (6,480) sealed victory.

Headington Conservative Club went down 3-2 at home to Marlborough Club.

Graham Mildenhall (2,260) took the first leg for Headington, but then Arthur McIntyre (3,500), Chris Iagoe (5,120) and Ian Major put Marlborough in charge.

Keith Hollis (2,770) reduced the deficit in the last game.

RESULTS

Didcot Con Club 2, Vikings 3; Comrades 2, Kennington 3; Masons B 3, Masons B 2; Gladiators B 1, Gladiators A 4; Headington Con Club 2, Marlborough 3.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES

Vikings A v Democrats, Marlborough v Dolphin, Kennington v Masons A, Berinsfield v Gladiators A, Masons B v Comrades, Gladiators B v Vikings B.