HOLYWELL Lake won Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Ken Bright Cup when they beat United Services 10-4 in the final at the football club.

It was a high-scoring match with both sides delivering a spectacle worthy of the occasion, with Scott Newberry (Holywell Lake) and Ian Smith (United Services) both knocking superb 66s. However, it was the Lakers’ consistency across the hands which proved the difference, as they took four of the six hands and outscored their rivals by 14 pins.

United Services fought hard and stayed in contention throughout, but Holywell Lake’s firepower saw them pull clear to claim the silverware.

The victory marked an historic night in the short history of the cup as this was the first season the competition had been opened up to the entire league, and the Lakers’ triumph made them the first team from the Gerald Thorne Championship to add their name to the list of champions. Scores: Holywell Lake 416 (10), United Services 402 (4).

In their route to the final, Holywell Lake kicked off their campaign in style with a 10-4 success over Rebels in round one, followed by an empthatic 12-2 triumph against Foresters in the quarter-finals. They then put in another strong display to see off All Stars 12-2 in the semi-finals to secure their place in the final.

United Service began with a 10-4 victory over Here 4 The Bear in the opening round before overcoming Outsiders by the same margin in the quarter-finals. Their semi-final clash saw them maintain their dominate form, dispatching Hot Shots with yet another 10-4 win to book their place in the final.

In a back match in the Gerald Thorne Championship, Queens Legs produced a fine performance at the White Horse, Bradford, storming to a 38-pin victory over Report Centre A. Queens Legs’ skipper Daren Mason led from the front with an outstanding 66, setting the tone for a dominate display. N Thomas top scored for the losers with 58. Scores: Report Centre A 373, Queens Legs 411.

The win sees Queens Legs climb to sixth in the table, moving level on points with Relyon. However, Report Centre A remain at the foot of the division and have much to do if they are going to avoid staying there.

Holywell Lake will be back in action in the league when they play away to Relyon.

Fixtures, Gerald Thorne Championship, Friday, February 7: Cottage Pies v Rebels (at Cottage Inn), Fireguard A v Queens Legs (Wellington Football Club), OBA v Hot Shots (Victoria Arms, upstairs), Oaks v Home Guard II (Blue Ball), Relyon v Holywell Lake (Conservative Club, downstairs), Reservists v Bell Green (RG Institute), Shooters v Report Centre A (Victoria Arms, downstairs).

*It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Roland Bath, a former player for Railwayites - a side fondly remembered by many in the league. Roland was a dedicated player and a valued teammate who enjoyed his skittles. Roland was known for always bringing enthusiasm and a smile to the alley.

Though Railwayites are no longer in the league, those who played alongside Roland will no doubt remember him not only for efforts on the alley, but also for his kindness, sense of humour and love of the game. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.