OXFORD A threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Reading C in the first leg of their Inter-Area Cup quarter-final clash, writes PETE EWINS.

Wins from Stuart Florey (4,370) and Steven Sheard, who hit double figures with 11,870, including a break of 9,350, put Oxford seemingly in control.

However, Mark Trafford, Dave Tooke and Kevin Godfrey all lost as the hosts claimed a slender advantage.

The opening week of the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford & District Summer League saw Didcot Conservative Club beat Masons 5½-½ in their Group A clash.

Jenny Florey and Sue Atkins won their games, and Didcot were set for a whitewash when Dave Tooke made it 5-0.

However, Alan Lowe ensured Masons left with something when he played out a thrilling – and very rare – 5,070-5,070 draw.

In Group B Marlborough won 6-0 at home to Berinsfield B, with Chris Iagoe, Arthur McIntyre and Iain Major all on song.

RESULTS

Comrades 5, Democrats 1; Didcot Con Club 5½, Masons ½; Marlborough 6, Berinsfield B 0; Berinsfield A 5, Gladiators 1.

FIXTURES

Vikings v Comrades, Berinsfield A v Berinsfield B, Bletchingdon v Marlborough, Democrats v Didcot CC.

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