COTTAGE Pies have lost for the first time this winter in Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Gerald Thorne Championship.

They went down to a fantastic Holywell Lake display at the Victoria Arms. Scott Pincombe was the top scorer for the Lakers with 58 to help the home side past the 400 mark and set an imposing score. The Pies had Sam Vile score 58 in their chase, but the league leaders found it difficult to hit their stride as they tried to chase the game, eventually going down by 39 pins.

The win sees Holywell Lake leapfrog Reservists into second place, five points off Cottage Pies who are still top. Scores: Holywell Lake 408, Cottage Pies 369.

Reservists missed out on the chance to close the gap on Cottage Pies as they were beaten by Relyon at the Institute by 18 pins. Steve Tubb had hit 50 for the hosts who set what is usually a strong score for the tricky alley. Rob Higgs was the player of the match with 57 for Relyon which saw the Bedders take the win and the points on offer. Scores: Reservists 344, Relyon 362.

Home Guard II continued their fine form with a comprehensive 28-pin win over Fireguard A in the Football Club derby. Macca Campbell scored 48 for Home Guard II who played well as a team with some consistent scoring. Olly Hayes scored 51 for Fireguard A. Scores: Home Guard II 334, Fireguard A 306.

Other scores in this division: Bell Green 398, Oaks 343; Rebels 398, Shooters 341; Queens Legs 364, OBA 398; Report Centre A 362, Club Rockers 369.

There was another great performance of the week when Here 4 The Beer beat Mowers by 23 pins in the Chris Bullock Championship.. Darren Winter was the top scorer for Mowers with 49, but the home side were off their usual pace, hitting below their home average.

Here 4 the Beer’s night couldn’t have started any better, hitting a 90 hand to really take the game to the defending champions. Will Brewer was the player of the match for Here 4 the Beer with 54 as the away team took the points back over Hilly Head to Rockwell Green. Defeat left Mowers seven points behind leaders Ex-Servicemen who also have a game in hand. Scores: Mowers 358, Here 4 The Beer 381.

WRFC moved up to join Mowers in second spot after beating United Services by 18 pins at the Conservative Club. Taffy Jones top scored for the rugby boys with 54 while New Pitman was tops for United Services with 46. Scores: WRFC 362, United Services 344.

Other scores: Scuppas 372, Odds & Ends 350; All Stars 391, Outsiders 393; Foresters 402, Home Guard IV 442; King Pins 353, Nynehead Club 366.

Meanwhile, the league is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nigel Jennings, a former player who represented Reservists for many years.

Marc Bright, on behalf of the league, said: “Nigel was not only a talented and dedicated player but also a well-liked and respected figure within our game. His presence on the alley was always marked by his sportsmanship and good humour, which made him a true credit to the league.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Nigel’s family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.”