Newly-promoted Masons Arms A took Section 1 by storm by winning 5-0 at home to Viking Sports Club, writes PETE EWINS.

Martin Wood took the opening game against Ian Moss 7,320-1,530 and was superbly backed up by Alan Lowe (6,000), Dave Rose (5,800) and new signings Alan Burnham (4,740) and Bob Allsworth (3,540).

Black Boy opened their account with an excellent 3-2 victory at home to the Watermans.

Ian Moquet (9,210) put Watermans in front against the break, but Black Boy hit back to win the next three through Kevin Pringle (5,450), Keith Gardner (5,410) and Dave Jarman (4,070).

Dennis Atkins scored 7,540 for the visitors' second point.

In the Premier Section, Democrats A showed they mean business this term by winning 4-1 at home to South Oxford A.

Robin Godfrey (5,550), Kevin Godfrey (8,400), Maxi McDonnell (10,050 break) and Phil Spencer (10,930, break 10,080) won the first four games.

Tandem visited Standard and did well to come away with a 3-2 victory.

Keith Sheard (4,660-4,430) put Tandem in front, only for Terry Coleman to reply with a 6,560-5,390 win over Ray Sturgess. The top game of the evening saw Pauline Withey come from behind with a 5,200 break to defeat Dave Butt 7,110-4,380.

Watermans B played host to a new-look Isis side and came up trumps with a 5-0 win.

Phil Chaundy (2,830), John Fordham (2,720), Tony Williams (2,830), Paul Simmons (3,290) and man-of-the-match Andrew Seaman (7,280) were their winners.

Newly-promoted Bricklayers (formerly Royal Standard B) came unstuck with a 4-1 home defeat against Shelley Arms.

Voller (2,440), Mick Doran (1,800), Bob Bowling (2,470) and Colin Joyce (2,950) won the opening four games for Shelley before Bricklayers skipper Gordon Richens (2,320) prevented a whitewash.

Jason Cattermole returned to league action by scoring 13,000 (break 9,000) in Prince of Wales's 4-1 victory at South Oxford B.

In an all-Section 3 clash, Kidlington club edged the verdict 3-2 at home to Bullnose.

Tim Jeffreys (1,740), Dave Gordon (1,930) and Terry Marriott (1,820) won for the hosts, while Dave Tooke (4,550) and Reg Johnson (1,320) collected the visitors' points.