Premier Section leaders Kennington Club lost their unbeaten record with a surprise 3-2 defeat at Section 1 side Masons B in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League, writes PETE EWINS.

Martin Skryme put Masons ahead with a narrow win over Brian Rose, but Ian Gordon levelled with the season’s highest away score of 14,320.

Steven Sheard then lost a 4,000-plus break for Kennington to let in Nigel Francombe, who claimed his first win of the campaign by sinking the last red ball.

And Chris Webb recovered from losing a 11,000 break to beat Pauline Withey and secure victory for Masons.

Mark Trafford (11,420, break 8,060) won Kennington’s second point.

With Didcot Conservativce Club not playing, Vikings Club moved back into second place with a 3-2 home win over Headington Conservative Club.

Alan Oliver (7,990), Allan Lacey (6,360) and Bob Alls-worth (4,930) gave Vikings victory, while Tim Jeffreys won his first match of the season for Headington by inflicting a first defeat on Ian Moss.

Section 2 leaders Marlborough Club won 4-1 at home to West Oxford Democrats Club.

Arthur McIntyre (5,160), Pete Rose (4,520), Callum Bowler (4,750) and Chris Bateman (8,640) were on the mark, with John Patey preventing a whitewash.

RESULTS

Masons B 3, Kennington 2; Vikings 3, Headington Con Club 2; Gladiators B 4, Masons A 1, Marlborough 4, West Oxford Democrats 1.

TONIGHT’S FIXTURES

Berinsfield v Vikings, Gladiators A v Masons B, Headington Con Club v Gladiators B, Kennington v Marlborough, West Oxford Democrats v Didcot Con Club.