WRFC are through to the final of Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League's Payne Cup after becoming the first side to beat Ex-Servicemen this winter.

The rugby boys gained a splendid 20-pin victory in the semi-finals of the competition on the upstairs alley at the Victoria Arms.

John Lane led the way for WRFC with a classy 56, the top score of the game.

Ex-Servicemen suffered some bad luck with Geoff Hamlyn, one of their top skittlers, recording two scores of two, seeing balls sail through the pack.Kev 'Kenny' Denslow was their top scorer with 46.

The rugby boys will have to wait until the New Year to find out who their opponents will be in the final because Odds and Ends and Scuppas do not play their semi-final until Wednesday, January 8, when they meet at the Conservative Club (downstairs).

Meanwhile, United Services and Holywell Lake will fight it out in the final of the Ken Bright Cup on Friday, January 31 (venue TBC).

United Services advanced to the final with a solid win over Hot Shots at the Nynehead Club. Alex Govier and Martin Kerslake both scored 46 for Hot Shots on the tricky alley which saw their team win two hand to claim four ponts.

Phil John was the star man for impressive United Services, his 52 helping his side to win the other four hands and claim two bonus points for the highest overall score. Scores: Hot Shots 4, United Services 10.

Holywell Lake booked their place in the final with a comprehensive win over All Stars at the Institute.

All Stars won the first hand on a tricky night, but a positive note was Liam Desborough's 48.

The Lakers found the alley more easy going, with Ryan Skeels knocking a stunning 63 with Dave Howell also providing good support with 51 to help their side win five hands and take the two bonus points. All Stars 2, Holywell Lake 12.

The league has broken up until the New Year and returns to action with matches in the Chris Bullock Championship on Thursday, January 2.

Forthcoming fixtures - Chris Bullock Championship, Thursday, January 2: Here 4 the Beer v Foresters (at RG Institute), Home Guard IV v Ex-Servicemen (Conservative Club, upstairs), Nynehead Club v All Stars (Nynehead Club), Odds & Ends v Mowers (Victoria Arms, downstairs), Scuppas v WRFC (Cottage Inn), United Services v King Pins (White Horse, Bradford).

Gerald Thorne Championship, Friday, January 3: Bell Green v Fireguard A (Victoria Arms, upstairs), Holywell Lake v Shooters (Victoria Arms, downstairs), Home Guard II v OBA (Wellington Football Club), Queens Legs v Hot Shots (Conservative Club, upstairs), Rebels v Club Rockers (Cottage Inn), Relyon v Oaks (Conservative Club, downstairs), Reservists v Cottage Pies (RG Institute).