Nelson B registered only their third win of the season as they beat Section 1 leaders Didcot Conservative Club 3-2 in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League, writes PETE EWINS.

After seven defeats in a row, Sean Stratford put Nelson in front with a 5,740-3,920 win over Jenny Abbott.

Didcot hit back to take a 2-1 lead with wins by Stuart Florey (5,670) and Dennis Atkins (6,620).

Ian Gordon squared the match with a 7,100-4,570 victory over Dave Tooke, before Dave Bartlett beat Sue Atkins 5,450-1,960.

Masons A saw off Gladiators A 3-2, with Dave Rose (2,980), Alan Lowe (6,480) and Mick Murphy (2,340) taking the first three games.

Bert Lovegrove and Keith Gardner reduced the deficit.

In the Premier Section, Nelson A’s title hopes took a knock as they lost 3-2 at Vikings.

Mick Jones scored 12,590 in his victory over Steven Sheard, before Pauline Withey replied with a win against Alan Oliver.

Ian Moss then defeated Keith Sheard 5,570-2,700, and Alan Lacey (4,590) beat Mark Trafford to make it 3-1.

Kevin Godfrey took the final point for Nelson, beating Bob Allsworth 5,840-3,370.

Gladiators B moved into second in Section 2 with a 4-1 win over Headington Conservative Club.

Reg Johnson (4,310) put Gladiators ahead, before Dave Gordon levelled.

However, Neil Cunliffe (2,900), Dick Stowe and Phil Clarke (3,880) completed Gladiators’ victory.

RESULTS

Premier & Section 1: Vikings 3, Nelson A 2; Harrow 4, Masons B 1; Masons A 3, Gladiators A 2; Nelson B 3, Didcot CC 2; Dolphin 3, Berinsfield 2.

Section 2: Gladiators B 4, Headington CC 1; Shelley 2, Dolphin B 3.