Vikings Sports Club are into the final of the Johnsons Oxford League Group A Team Knockout Cup after defeating Kennington Club 3-2, writes PETE EWINS.

Alan Oliver edged past Brian Rose 3680-3460, before Richard Garrett also won to put Vikings into a 2-0 lead in the match held at Masons.

Mark Trafford pulled a game back with a 11,730-4,990 win over Mike Jones, but Ian Moss ensured Vikings claimed victory with a 4,940-3,490 success over Pauline Withey.

Steven Sheard made the scoreline more respectable by beating Allan Lacey 9,550-4,110 in the final game.

Vikings will now play Didcot Conservative Club, who defeated Berinsfield Club 4-1 at Marlborough.

In Group B, there was a surprise win for Headington Conservative Club, who defeated Gladiators Club A 3-2 on the Vikings table.

The matched was poised at 2-2 after wins for Frank Cox (6,840) and Bert Lovegrove (5,100) for Gladiators, and Graham Mildenhall (3,140) and Dave Gordon for Headington.

The deciding game saw Sid Ponting (4,000) defeat Dave Jarman, who knocked over the black peg after the bar dropped.

In the final, Headington will face Masons B, who saw off Marlborough Club 4-1 at Kennington.

Chris Webb, Ernie Smith and Nigel Francombe won the first three games to secure victory.