JOHN Barker, of Scuppas, begins the defence of his Cyril Hicks’ singles title in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League at the Victoria Arms (downstairs) on Thursday, February 27.

Barker has been one of the top players in the league and his win last winter was his first in the competition.

Draw, top four from each group to go through to next round, 8p.m. to 9p.m. - Paul Beer, Shaun Vile, Glen Escott, Adrian Ridgeway, Kevin Sedgebeer, John Lane. 9p.m. to 10p.m. - Phil Powell, James May, Tyler Cox, Gary Escott, Paul Robinson, John Barker.

Conservative Club (downstairs) 8p.m. to 9p.m. - Owen Milton, Nick Timewell, Lee Ellis, Darren Sparks, Andy Chappell. 9p.m. to 10p.m. Theo Ling, Rob Higgs, Steve Trevelyan, Sam Vile, Dan Roger, Jamie Milton.

Draw for Harry Dowson Pairs, first round, Victoria Arms (upstairs), Friday, February 28: 8p.m. to 8.30p.m. - Liam Desborough/Tyler Cox v Charlie Cable/Daniel Manicini. 8.30p.m. to 9p.m. - Phil Powell/Glen Escott v Owen Milton, Liam Milton. 9p.m. to 9.30p.m. Paul Desborough/Andy Chappell v James May, Sam Vile. 9.30p.m. to 10p.m. - Dan Roger/Jamie Milton v Lee Ellis/ Paul Robinson. 10p.m. to 10.30p.m. Les Marke/Jordan Bryant v Angus Cleland/Alan Sydenham.

Rockwell Green Institute, same night, 8p.m. to 8.30p.m. - Rob Couzins/Nigel Tilley v Shaun Vile/Gary Escott. 8.30p.m. to 9p.m. Darren Sparks/Kevin Sedgebeer v Brian Odam/Jim Compton. 9p.m. to 9.30p.m. - Tom O’Neil/Mike O’Neil v Steve Powell/Paul Winter. 9.30p.m. to 10p.m. - Shaun Scovell/Dave Houston v Steve Trevelyan/ Geoff Hamlyn. First round bye: Alex Govier/Ed Chivers.

Rebels play Bell Green at the Cottage Inn in the Gerald Thorne Championship on Friday, February 28.