MOWERS begin the defence of their title in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Chris Bullock Championship with a home game against United Services at the Football Club on Thursday, September 5.

Mowers have proved to be one of the most successful skittles teams in Somerset but were denied the overall championship in the Ex-Services League last winter by Reservists.

In other matches in the Chris Bullock Championship, WRFC begin with a home game against Odds & Ends while Ex-Servicemen entertain Outsiders. Scuppas have a bye.

Opening fixtures: All Stars v Home Guard IV, Ex-Servicemen v Outsiders, Foresters v Nynehead Club, King Pins v Here 4 The Beer, Mowers v United Services, WRFC v Odds & Ends. Bye - Scuppas..

Reservists have a bye on the opening night of the Gerald Thorne Championship the following evening.

Cottage Pies play on their own alley against Home Guard II while Relyon are home to Bell Green. Oaks receive a visit from Holywell Lake.

Fixtures: Club Rockers v Hots Shots, Cottage Pies v Home Guard II, Fireguard A v Rebels, OBA v Report Centre A, Oaks v Holywell Lake, Relyon v Bell Green, Shooters v Queen’s Legs. Bye Reservists.