THE opening round of Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Harry Dowson Pairs Cup has got underway with plenty of drama as champions Paul Desborough and Andy Chappell were knocked out by Cottage Pies’ James May and Sam Vile, the latter top-scoring with 58 in an 11-pin win at the Vic.

All Stars’ Liam Desborough and Tyler Cox secured a solid 10-pin victory over Nynehead Club’s Charlie Cable and Daniel Manicini, both scoring 47 to progress.

The most dramatic clash saw King Pins' Les Marke and Jordan Bryant edge out Shooters’ Angus Cleland and Alan Sydenham in a play-off hand.

Over at Rockwell Green Institute, Shaun Vile and Gary Escott of Cottage Pies edged out Nynehead’s Rob Couzins and Nigel Tilley by just two pins, while Reservists’ Darren Sparks and Kevin Sedgebeer comfortably saw off Nynehead’s Brian Odam and Jim Compton with a 21-pin victory. King Pins’ Steve Powell and Paul Winter knocked out Nynehead’s Tom and Mike O’Neill, with Winter leading the way on 49.

Victoria Arms (upstairs): Liam Desborough (47)/Tyler Cox (47) 94, Charlie Cable (46)/Daniel Manicini (38) 84; Phil Powell (57)/Glen Escott (45) 102, Owen Milton (43)/Liam Milton (37) 80; Paul Desborough (52)/Andy Chappell (43) 95, James May (48)/Sam Vile (58) 106; Dan Roger (39)/Jamie Milton (40) 79, Lee Ellis (52)/Paul Robinson(47) 99; Les Marke (44)/Jordan Bryant (46) 90, Angus Cleland (48)/Alan Sydenham (42) 90 (extra hand Mark/Bryant 15, Cleland/Sydenham 14).

Rockwell Green Institute: Rob Couzins (43)/Nigel Tilley (40) 83, Shaun Vile (52)/Gary Escott (33) 85; Darren Sparks (50)/Kevin Sedgebeer (41) 91, Brian Odam (36)/Jim Compton (34) 70; Tom O’Neill (35)/Mike O’Neill (45) 80, Steve Powell (46)/Paul Winter (49) 95; Shaun Scovell (44)/Dave Houston (52) 96, Steve Trevelyan (44)/Geoff Hamlyn (40) 84.

Edd Chivers and Alex Govier (bye).