With five matches remaining in the Morrells Oxford League, the race is hotting up in Section 3 with 5 points separating the top four teams, writes Pete Ewins.

Leading the pack are Shelley Arms even though they crashed 4-1 at Masons B.

In second place are Kidlington FC, who won 3-2 away at Isis. Terry Marriott (1,860), Tim Jeffreys (3,320) and Graham Mildenhall (2,160) swept the visitors into a 3-0 lead. Neil Cunliffe (1,930) and Wilf Tuffin (1,600) replied for the hosts.

Also in the hunt are South Moreton who suffered a 4-1 defeat at Prince of Wales.

Dave Barlow shocked the Prince by winning against the break 1,570-1,550. The Horspath Road side soon gained control, taking the next four games through Terry Green (5,000), Mick Murphy (4,280), Chris Hawtin (5,160) and Jason Cattermole (5,420).

Masons A regained top spot in Section 1 after a brilliant 4-1 win at Demos B thanks to Alan Lowe (6,120), Bob Allsworth (5,900), Dave Rose (4,500) and Alan Burnham (5,500).

In Section 2 the top-of-the-table clash saw Watermans B beat SOSC B 3-2 away where Paul Simmons was outstanding by scoring 10,200 (break 8,850).

Ray Sturgess was top-scorer with 13,060 (break 10,500) and Pete Phillips (10,270) won for Tandem in their 4-1 home victory over SOSC A

OXFORD LEAGUE RESULTS

Premier Section 1: Vikings 1, Demos A 4; Watermans 4, Standard 1; Tandem 4, SOSC A 1; Demos B 1, Masons 4.

Section 2/3: PoW 4, Crown 1; ISIS 2, Kid RTSC 3; SOSC B 2, Watermans 3; Bullnose 2, Bricklayers 3; Masons B 4, Shelley 1.

*Oxford A won 4-1 in their Inter-Area first-round first-leg at home to Wokingham. Ian Moquet (9,000), Jason Cattermole (5,500), Kevin Godfrey (8,500 break) and Gary Johnson (8,500) were their winners.

*Kevin Bull levelled the score for the Robin Hood away to the Section 1 leaders Saddlers, in the second game in the Eynsham League. But the home side picked up the next four games for victory.

Royal Oak away to the Tandem, picked up two points through Horace Want and Thomas Ellis-Rees, Jon Bamsey 16,660 top-scored for the home side.

Bullnose Morris shared the points at home to Bletchingdon SC. Bob Allsworth 7,610 top-scored for the home side, Geoff Powell winning the final game for the visitors.

EYNSHAM LEAGUE RESULTS

Bullnose Morris 3, Bletchingdon 3; Tandem 4, Royal Oak 2; SOSC B 3, SOSC A 3; Saddlers 5, Robin Hood 1.