MARK Trafford starred as Oracle won 4-2 away to Masons in the first round of Gracie J’s Oxford & District League Cup.

This is the fourth year that Gracie J’s Hairdressers, from Risinghurst, have sponsored the competition, which produced some cracking matches.

Brian Rose put Oracle in front, before Alan Lowe (5,260) made it 1-1.

Trafford and Pauline Withey (5,350) gave Oracle a 3-1 lead.

Masons took the first pairs through Lowe (break 5,510) and Maxi McDonnell.

However, Trafford came to the fore in the decider with a break of 9,590 in a score of 13,460, as he and Withey secured victory for Oracle.

Berinsfield also triumphed 4-2 at Vikings B, while Vikings A won 5-1 at Gladiators Club A, the top scorer being Ian Moss with 5,080.

Donnington went through on aggregate after drawing 3-3 at West Oxford Democrats Club.

The visitors were 3-0 down before Dave Tooke (5,460) made it 3-1 and Donnington tied matters by taking both pairs.