Division Three side Oracle C caused an upset, when they came from behind to defeat Cherwell A from Division One, courtesy of the aggregate scoring rule. Matt Webb and Jamie Saczak won a frame apiece (69-24, 44-39), leaving Cherwell with a 40 point aggregate lead. Richard Saunders took frame three 55-44 to reduce the arrears, but Andy Benwell replied to take the fourth frame 61-35 to put Cherwell 2-0 and 55 points ahead. Simon Saunders then turned in a fine performance to demolish Ray Benwell 78-34, 83-24. This not only secured the game point, but also the bonus points for the overall aggregate. 3-2 Oracle.

Oracle’s Semi Final opponents will be Riley C who secured a 4-1 win over their B team counterparts. James Stone hit a break of 55 against Malcolm Bough in the opening frame and went on to take the frame 73-25. Although Bough replied 54-47 in frame 2 it was not enough to claim the aggregate point. Chris Stone and Dave Bough contested two close frames, with Stone coming out on top in both, 59-56, 66-56 to put the C team 2-0 and 54 points ahead. Gary Bough and Andy MacBryan shared the final two frames, Bough winning the fifth 60-47 and MacBryan the last frame 56-44, but Bough’s 1 point aggregate win was only enough to deny the C team a clean sweep of the points.

There was a titanic battle between Oracle A and Witney A, with the outcome uncertain until the final black of the match. Justin Buckingham beat Pom Merola 52-43, 52-50 to give Witney a slender 11 point aggregate lead. Nigel Barker took the third frame 59-53 to reduce the aggregate to just 5, but Gavin Wright replied to win the fourth frame 72-44 and put Witney 2-0 and 33 points up on aggregate. Chris Warren then took the fifth frame 59-53 leaving Mike Russell the task of winning the final frame by at least 40 points. Russell set about the task well and with just the black remaining was 63-28 ahead. He held his nerve and took the black to win the match with an overall aggregate of 319 to 316.

Witney C booked their Semi Final place with comfortable 4-1 win against New Club A. Lewis Calcutt got Witney off to a good start with a comprehensive 87-15, 73-25 win over Justin Shepherd. Colin Adams then played a ‘blinder’ to defeat Alan Mander 55-29, 75-34. With Witney 2-0 and 187 up on aggregate, the match was effectively over as a contest, but Ian Gee restored some pride for New Club with a 60-43, 48-34 win against Paul Chester.