RESERVISTS have won Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Gerald Horne Championship after a dramatic end to the competition, writes Marc Bright..

Holywell Lake and Reservists have pushed each other all the way in search of the title. Going into the last game, Holywell Lake needed to beat Home Guard II at the Football Club to make the title safe. Reservists needed to beat Queens Legs on the upstairs alley of the Conservative Club and hope that Home Guard II could beat or draw with the Lakers.

Home Guard II 331, Holywell Lake 301: The Football Club has been a tricky place for away teams to try and get points this season and Holywell Lake knew they would be in for a difficult game against third place Home Guard II. The script for the season finale called for a Lakers win to secure a League and Cup double.

But, there was one problem. Home Guard II had other ideas. E. Collett scored an impressive 49 as he helped Home Guard II reach a commanding score that was 15 pins above the average score for the alley this season. The Lakers, who have been in deadly form this season, struggled to get into their rhythm, and A. Smith’s 49 couldn’t quite rally the Lakers who slipped to a crushing defeat. It was over to Reservists, who would need to win to secure the title.

Queens Legs 381, Reservists 415: On a night full of what ifs and maybes, all Reservists could do was win and hope that Home Guard II could do them a favour across town. Queens Legs are no slouches though, averaging just over 382 in their home games this season. S. Sutton scored 59 for the home side, with Queens Legs going on to hit a strong score. Reservists would have to go big to get the win, and they did just that! P. Powell scored 58 in the Reservists reply with the away side hitting their highest away score in the league this season to get the win, and with it, the Gerald Thorne Championship.

It was a fantastic and dramatic end to an exciting season. Congratulations to Reservists who will compete against the Mowers for the WESSL Championship on Friday 17th May on the downstairs alley of the Conservative Club.

Other scores: Cottage Pies 365, Bell Green 355; OBA 353, Rebels 344; Hot Shots 357, Relyon 334; Shooters 391, Oaks 361; 

Club Rockers 356, Report Centre A 303: Report Centre A’s season is not over yet though, they will face Home Guard IV in the Wooden Spoon Play-Off on Friday 10th May at the Cottage.

 Top Away Scores – Week 30: Reservists 415 at the Conservative Club (upstairs) P. Powell 58 for Reservists at the Conservative Club (upstairs).