EX-SERVICEMEN took another step towards the Chris Bullock Championship in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League with a 26-pin over United Services, moving them ever closer to a first title win.

The game was very much up and down for both sides, with both teams cancelling each other out to be all square after three hands. In the second half United Services felt they were a few pins short of their best, but the highlight was a splendid 69 by Ben Gamlin, which included a 25-pin hand.

Ex-Servicemen found more consistency in the second half with the returning Ricky Baker (59) steering them to victory. United Services 395, Ex-Servicemen 421.

Scuppas kept within touching distance of Ex-Servicemen five points adrift with a fine 23-pin win over Foresters. Adrian Newstead and Nick Payne top scored for Scuppas with 49s, Jim Chmiedski was Foresters’ top scorer with 48. Scuppas 362, Foresters 339.

There was a big game at the other end of the table with Nynehead Club gaining a 37-pin win over Home Guard IV. Nynehead had home advantage and certainly made it count with Malc Turner the player of the match with a splendid 53. Adrian Lines was HGIV’s top scorer with 50. Nynehead Club 376, Home Guard IV 339.

King Pins came out on top in a low scoring game against WRFC at the Conservative Club, winning by 13 pins. Nick Fenn scored 47 for the rugby boys while Alan Bryant was tops for the Pins with 47. WRFC 324, King Pins 337.

Other results in this division: Here 4 the Beer 355 (Jack Dyson, Fin Jennings, Ross Cobley 48), Outsiders 323 (Alvin Bellamy 45); Odds & Ends 380 (Dan Smith 53), All Stars 383 (Tyler Cox 56).

Meanwhile, Cottage Pies stayed firmly in the driving seat in the Gerald Thorne Championship with a 27-pin win over Shooters as they chase their maiden title. Sam Vile was top scorer for the leaders with 55, while Alan Sydenham was Shooters’ leading scorer with 49. Cottage Pies 360, Shooters 333.

Reservists, with a game in hand on the leaders, kept their title hopes alive with a 20-pin success against Hot Shots with Glen Escott hitting 51, while Edd Chivers scored 52 for the losers. Reservists 352, Hot Shots 332.

Holywell Lake stayed with Reservists with the same number of points and games played after beating Queens Legs by 21 pins. Lakers’ skipper Steve Dowson knocked 57 while Alfie Hill finished top scorer of the game with a fantastic 61 for Queens Legs. Holywell Lake 381, Queens Legs 360.

Home Guard 11 were nine-pin home winners over Rebels in a low scoring match at the Football Club. Kristian Thorne scored a vital 49 for the home side while Chris Southcott scored 44 for the Rebels. Home Guard II 324, Rebels 315.

Bell Green won by 35 pins as they put Report Centre A through the ringer on the upstairs alley at the Vic. Will Essex was the player of the match with a great 60 for the Bee Gees while Bill Whitman hit 54 for the losers. Bell Green 379, Report Centre A 344.

Rob Higgs hit 56 for Relyon who won a tight game at home against Club Rockers whose top scorers were Matt Gibbons and Chris Hemmings with 48s. Relyon 343, Club Rockers 338.

Other result: Oaks 381 (Ashley Bright 58), OBA 372 (Scott Sloman 52).