DEMOCRATS Club are the new leaders of Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League Section 1 after inflicting Premier side Kennington Club’s first defeat of the season with a 3-2 home win, writes PETE EWINS.

Democrats took the first three games with Eddie Tebby beating Pauline Withey 3,580-1,440, John Patey ending Mark Trafford’s unbeaten run 8,730-2,850 (break 7,450), and Billy Hill defeating Ian Gordon 7,350-4,230 (break 7,150).

Kevin Godfrey, who beat Bob Parsons 6,120-2,210, and Steven Sheard, with an impressive 13,730 against Terry Green, reduced the deficit for Kennington.

Masons A are second after also beating Premier opponents Vikings A 3-2 at home.

Dave Rose won both his games, which included the four-player rule, while Alan Lowe triumphed for the first time this season.

Alan Oliver (5,160) and Ian Moss won Vikings’ points.

Section 3 leaders Gladiators Club B went down 3-2 at rivals Headington Conservative Club.

Tonight’s matches: Kennington v Vikings A, Democrats v Masons A, Comrades v Didcot Con Club, Berinsfield v Marlborough, Dolphin v Gladiators A, Vikings B v Headington Con Club. Byes: Gladiators B & Masons B.