Mike Jones racked up a score of 12,250 to secure a 3-2 win for Vikings Club A at GladiatorsA as the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League swung into action, writes PETE EWINS.

Keith Gardner had taken the first game with 8,850, but then Alan Lacey 4,440-3,860 and Ian Moss (10,920, break 9,290) made it 2-1.

Bert Lovegrove levelled with 10,070, before Jones snatched victory.

Democrats did well to take two points at Premier champions Kennington, who ran 3-2 winners.

Pauline Withey (4,590), Mark Trafford (8,830) and Steven Sheard (7,110) put the champions 3-0 up.

But John Patey (4,070) and Billy Hill (7,050) fought back to take the next two games.

Vikings Club B came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at home to Shelley.

Andy Durham and Dean Plumstead won the opening two games for the visitors.

But then Dave Bartlett (7,290), Sean Stratford (3,890) and Tony Harvey took the next three for Vikings.

Dolphin went down 3-2 at home to Headington Conservative Club.

Tim Jeffries, Sid Ponting and Ian Dunmore starred for Headington, with Mel Standbridge and Martin Atkins (9,540) replying.

Marlborough won 3-2 at home to Gladiators Club B.

Chris Plant (4,970) Chris Iagoe (6,490) and Chris Bateman won for the home side, while Grant Johnson (3,520, break 2,150) and Neil Cunliffe (3,980) picked up Gladiators’ points.

Kennington beat Bletchingdon 5-0 and now face Didcot Conservative Club in the All England area team final.

Mark Trafford (10,490), Pauline Withey, Ian Gordon, Kevin Godfrey and Steven Sheard, who scored a brilliant 14,180 including a break of 9,700, were victorious.