Comrades Club are the new Section 1 leaders after beating Premier outfit Didcot Conservative Club 4-1 at home as only one point separates the top three teams, writes PETE EWINS.

Simon Ellam (5210), Dave Barnes, Chris Alexander and Chris Storch were Comrades’ winners.

Previous leaders Democrats Club went down 3-2 at home to Masons A.

Simon Hammond (4,750-4,630) and Alan Lowe put Masons 2-0 up, before undefeated John Patey (5,800) and Billy Hill (6,110) levelled.

But Dave Rose (9,240, break 8,580) secured Masons’ win.

Kennington Club opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier Section after beating closest rivals Vikings Club 4-1 at home.

Steven Sheard (16,020, breaks 10,060 & 5,910) won the first leg, only for Alan Lacey to make it 1-1 with a 4,060-3,430 victory over Pauline Withey.

But Ian Gordon (5,270-5,160), Withey (7,360), under the fourplayer rule, and Mark Trafford (8,130, break 7,920) won the next three legs.

Marlborough Club are joint top of Section 2 after a 3-2 win at Berinsfield Club.

Chris Bateman (3,370) and Chris Iagoe (3,540) took the opening two games for Marlborough, only for Craig Mace (5,380) and Tony Broadway (4,220) to level.

But Ian Major took the decider for Marlborough.

RESULTS

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

TONIGHT'S MATCHES

Vikings A v Kennington, Masons A v Democrats, Headington Con Club v Vikings B, Marlborough v Berinsfield, Didcot Con Club v Comrades, Gladiators A v Dolphin.

SCOTLAND ASH LEAGUE CUP DRAW

Kennington v Didcot Con Club, Gladiators A v Berinsfield, Democrats v Comrades. Bye: Masons A.

PLATE DRAW

Masons B v Vikings A, Dolphin v Marlborough, Headington Con Club v Gladiators B. Bye: Vikings B.