Kennington Club are the new Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League Premier Section leaders following a 4-1 win at Masons B, writes PETE EWINS.

Mark Trafford (8,000), Steven Sheard (9,060, break 7,000) and Pauline Withey (5,810) reeled off the first three games.

Chris Webb, with a brilliant 19,120, made it 3-1 before Ian Gordon (7,870) wrapped it up for Kennington.

Comrades Club opened up a three-point lead at the top of Section 1 after beating nearest rivals West Oxford Democrats Club 4-1 at home.

Chris Alexander (6,910) put the home side in front, before Eddie Tebby levelled.

Dave Barnes (12,590), Simon Ellam (11,390), who has most wins to date, and Adam Thorn (6860) then wrapped up victory.

Section 3 leaders Gladiators Club B recorded their ninth win with a 3-2 victory over Section 2 side Berinsfield Club.

Gladiators were 3-1 up after wins by Reg Johnson (3,510), Grant Johnson and Phil Clark (10,680). Tony Broadway and John Boal replied.

Headington Conservative Club lost 3-2 at home to Gladiators A.

Graham Mildenhall and Sid Ponting won the two opening games to put Headington in command, before Gladiators took the next three legs thanks to Dave Jarman, Keith Gardner and Malcolm Lee.

RESULTS

Comrades 4, Democrats 1; Masons B 1, Kennington 4; Didcot Con Club 3, Masons A 2; Headington Con Club 2, Gladiators A 3; Gladiators B 3, Berinsfield 2.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES

Premier Section: Vikings A v Kennington.

Section 1: Democrats v Masons A, Masons B v Comrades.

Section 2: Marlborough v Berinsfield.

Section 3: Headington Con Club v Gladiators B, Dolphin v Vikings B.

RUSS Gunnett, who played for the West Oxford Democrats Club in the 1970s and 80s, died at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, on Saturday. He was 76.

Winner of the Pat Webber Cup in 1984, he lived at Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys.

His funeral service is at Oxford Crematorium on Wednesday (3pm).