Democrats A are fortunate to still be in the Oxford League's Wilmer Cup after a 3-2 home win against South Oxford B in the first round, writes Pete Ewins.

The opener saw Democrats' Phil Spencer on 8,350 (break 8,000), but South Oxford's Steve Huntley replied with a winning break after the bar dropped only to lose it with the game won.

Kevin (9,710) and Robin Godfrey (8,010) were Democrats' other winners, while Dave Barnes (6,170) and Dave Evans (5,410) triumphed for the visitors.

Watermans were given a mighty fright before scraping through 3-2 at Shelley Arms.

Colin Joyce (5,060) and Voller (3,860) won the first two games for Shelley, but experience told in the end as Gary Johnson led the fightback with 10,840 (break 10,340) to snatch victory. Phil Chaundy (3,760) helped Watermans B into the next round with a 3-2 home win over Masons B.

Andy Webb (2,360) won the first game for Masons after Tony Williams failed with his attempt at the last red ball behind the black, which would have given him victory.

Gordon Richens (4,710) top scored for Bricklayers in their 3-2 win over Royal Standard, for whom Pete Ewins (5,950) and Terry Coleman (6,900) shone.

Debutant Kenny Jeffs (2,550-170) helped Bullnose win 5-0 at Isis.

Masons A swept aside Prince of Wales 4-1 with Dave Rose (8,120), Alan Burnham (4,890), Martin Wood (9,320, break 6,590) and Alan Lowe (9,430, break 6,860) in good form.

Democrats B pushed Tandem all the way, but just lost 3-2. Ray Sturgess (8,800) and Keith Sheard (11,930 break) put the home side 2-0 up before Sandra Tebby (3,090) pulled a game back.

The fourth game was a cracker. Pauline Withey was on 8,350 (break 6,800) when Democrats' new signing Sid Barrett replied with a break of 7,990 to just fall short on 8,120.

Eddie Tebby (5,680) won the last game.