SIMON Ellam rattled up a brilliant 18,720 as Comrades Club thrashed Dolphin 5-0 to open up a three-point lead at the top of Section 2 in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford & District League, writes PETE EWINS.

It was one of only two matches to survive the big freeze.

In the opening game, Chris Storch score 8,180 and won again under the four-player rule to put the home side 2-0 up.

Ellam’s sparkling show them made it 3-0, before young Luke Storch edged out Mel Standbridge 4,950-4,800.

Standbridge hit back with a run of 4,290 – the highest away break to date.

Chris Alexander (4,760) completed the whitewash when he defeated Joe Storch.

Premier leaders Kennington Club were made to fight all the way before triumphing 3-2 at Masons B.

Ernie Smith (6,330) and Andy Webb, who knocked up 8,160, put Masons 2-0 up.

Steven Sheard (10,850) pulled a game back when he accounted for Chris Webb, including a winning break of 8,500.

Mark Trafford then beat Dave Butt against the break 3,280-1,960 to level at 2-2.

Maxi McDonnell, making his second appearance of the season, won the match for the leaders with a 6,600-430 win over Phil Light.

All postponed matches will be played on Thursday, February 4.

TONIGHT’S MATCHES

OXFORD & DISTRICT LEAGUE ASSOCIATION CUP

(All first legs)

Group A: Masons A v Masons B, Didcot CC v Berinsfield, Vikings v Cowley Workers, Democrats v Kennington.

Group B: Gladiators A v Headington Con Club, Comrades v Shelley, Dolphin v Marlborough.