Oracle have been stripped of their recent victory over Thame A in the Oxford & District League, because one of their players was playing off the wrong handicap.

The Abingdon-based club won the match 2-1, but one of their victories came from Pom Merola, who was playing off a handicap of +20, when it should have been +10.

Once the league had spotted this error, they awarded the match to Thame 2-1.

"It's important that players check they are playing off the right handicap," said league spokesman Dick Hashman, who added that Merola's was clearly an inadvertent mistake.

Because of this reversed result - and a 2-1 success over CCC A - Thame A have taken over pole position in Division 1.

Thame A took an early lead at CCC A when Lawrie Tucker (+80), playing in his first game since 1999, defeated Toby Todd (+100) 150-121 in the opening game.

But that was their only success as Paul Evans (+110) of Thame, was in superb form against Arthur Coakley (+90), making breaks of 20 and 39 to win 200-137.

Derek Syrrett (+100) won the match for Thame when he made a 20-break to edge out 150-129 Keith Pearce 150-129.

Paul Robinson (-30) was in fluent form for Fieldside when they took on challengers HCC A. Making a succession of 20+ breaks, with a high of 29, he destroyed Doug Howse (-90) 200-47.

Geoff Barratt (+90) recorded a break of 40 to ease past Norman Woodcock (+70) 150-123 to level it up.

Mike Chapman (+100) won the match for Fieldside, cruising past John Williams (+60) 150-101.

Ashton beat reigning champions Witney 2-1, Pete Fenn (+60) making breaks of 23 and 27 to run out 150-90 against Chris Warren (+70).

Keith Maskens (+60) clinched the win by beating Mark Warren (+90) 150-100.

OXFORD & DISTRICT LEAGUE

Results: Ashton 2, Witney 1; CCC A 1, Thame A 2; HCC A 1, Fieldside 2; Oracle 2, CCC B 1; Thame B 1, Morris Motors 2; Riley 1, Eynsham 2; Witney 3, CCC A 0.