SOUTHSIDERS were top of Wellington Bowling Club's Weekend Triples League coming into the three matches over the weekend.

They were just one point ahead of second placed Woodpeckers so it was really important for both teams to do well.

Janet Lovell, Ed Norris and skip Steve Lovell's Woodpeckers were up against June Anderson, Tony Weston and skip Arthur Carter's Skylarks.

Skylarks took the lead early on but Woodpeckers came back at them. It was nip and tuck for much of the game but the Woodies won it in the end by three shots, 16 – 13.

Phil Hutchings, Marguerite Nichols and skip Steve Horrill's Southsiders needed a win if they were to stand a chance of staying top of the league. They were up against Michelle Newstead, Paul Mitchell and skip Martin Speakman's New Rollers.

They took the lead early on but despite their efforts the Rollers were on top form. They picked up the pace, and Rollers went on to win it 17 – 7.

In the last game, Ray White, Vera White and Martyn Beed's Ninchers were ready for battle but the Allstars were a player short.

The game was played anyway but it had to be adjusted so that the teams were equally balanced.

Debra Beasley and Ron Elston's Allstars put up a good fight and bowled really well to gather 12 shots in all against Ninchers' 8 but because the Allstars were a bowler short they forfeited a quarter of their score so the final result was a 9 – 8 win to Allstars.

When all games had been played, Woodpeckers have become the new leaders with Southsiders in second and New Rollers close behind in third.

Skylarks remain in fourth place and the Allstars and Ninchers make up the remaining league places.