KENNINGTON Club retained their Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League Premier Division crown with a game to spare, writes PETE EWINS.

A 5-0 home whitewash over Masons B saw them keep hold of their title with a minimum of fuss.

Mark Trafford, Ian Gordon and Brian Rose won the opening three games before Steven Sheard, who starred with 9,940 including a break of 9,300, making it 4-0.

In the final game, Pauline Withey went behind the black to beat Chris Webb 3,100-3,070 and complete the convincing victory.

They complete their league programme tonight at Marlborough Club.

The runners-up position is a battle between Vikings, who are at home to Berinsfield Club, while Didcot Conservative Club, two points behind, play host to West Oxford Democrats Club, who require one point to take the Section 1 title.

Marlborough are Section 2 champions after a 3-2 win at the Democrats.

Adam Ingram (5,210), Callum Bowler (4,870) and Chris Bateman took the first three games.

John Patey (4,200) and Terry Green (5,920) replied for Democrats, but it was in vain.

Gladiators B need two points at home to rivals Headington Conservative Club tonight to clinch the runners-up spot.

RESULTS

Democrats 2, Marlborough 3; Headington CC 4, Vikings 1; Masons A 5, Gladiators B 0; Kennington 5, Masons B 0; Berinsfield 1, Didcot CC 4.