THE opening round of Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Cyril Hicks Singles Shield has taken place with several big names booking their place in the next stage, including the defending champion John Barker, who won the event for the first time last year, and past multiple time winners Rob Higgs, Steve Trevelyan, and John Lane.

At Wellington Conservative Club on the downstairs alley, Nick Timewell led the way in the opening session with a solid 48, progressing alongside Darren Sparks, Andy Chappell, and Lee Ellis. Owen Milton was the unlucky player to miss out. The later session saw experienced competitors Rob Higgs and Steve Trevelyan navigate their way through, joined by Dan Roger and Sam Vile, while Theo Ling and former champion Jamie Milton fell short of the cut line.

Over at the Victoria Arms, Kevin Sedgebeer produced the highest score of the round with an impressive 59, comfortably securing his place in the next stage alongside Shaun Vile, John Lane, and Paul Beer. Glen Escott and Adrian Ridgeway were the eliminated players. The second session saw another strong performance as James May’s 56 topped the group, with Gary Escott, Paul Robinson, and champion John Barker all progressing. Phil Powell was just short of forcing his way through, while Tyler Cox was absent, recording a score of zero.

Scores,Wellington Conservative Club, downstairs: Nick Timewell 48, Darren Sparks 46, Andy Chappell 46, Rob Higgs 44, Lee Ellis 43, Owen Milton 42, Steve Trevelyan 42, Dan Roger 42, Sam Vile 41, Theo Ling 40, Jamie Milton 38. Victoria Arms, downstairs: Kevin Sedgebeer 59, James May 56, Shaun Vile 55, Gary Escott 53, John Lane 52, Paul Beer 50, Glen Escott, John Barker 45, Adrian Ridgeway 43, Paul Robinson 43, Phil Powell 42, Tyler Cox 0.