EX-SERVICEMEN tightened their grip on the Chris Bullock Championship in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League with a dominant win over Rugby Club, keeping the league leaders in firm control as the season enters its final stretch.

The X-Men were keen to get even with Rugby Club after their cup semi-final defeat and put the away side to the sword with five X-Men players getting into the fifties as they stormed to a strong score. Steve Trevelyan was the pick of the players for the home side with a well taken 56. Rugby Club found the Cottage alley less enjoyable, with balls drifting and chopping out pins, and they were 27 down at the halfway stage. A highlight for the away side was Dave Pow who top scored with 48. Ex-Servicemen 395, WRFC 343.

Second placed Scuppas kept their title dreams alive by coming out on the right side of a close and low-scoring game against Outsiders at the Conservative Club. Alvin Bellamy was the top scorer of the match with 51 for the hosts, John Barker, fresh off his success in the opening round of the Cyril Hicks Shield, was the match winner for Scuppas with his vital 50. Outsiders 340, Scuppas 343.

Mowers, in third spot, got back to winning ways with a six-pin victory away to All Stars at the Victoria Arms. Paul Desborough was the top scorer for All Stars with a nicely taken 53, helping the hosts to a decent total. Mowers saw Vince Milton score an important 55 in their successful chase, with the defending champions picking up vital pins along the way. All Stars 375, Mowers 381.

Results of other matches in the CB Championship: Nynehead Club 397 Mikey O’Neil 59), United Services 391 (Andy Gamlin 63); Home Guard IV 368 (Pete Reading 53), Odds & Ends 375 (Pete Wratten 55); Foresters 410 Martyn Wyatt 58), King Pins 390 (Wayne Darch, Steve Powell 54).

Meanwhile, Cottage Pies remain on course for the title in the Gerald Thorne Championship after seeing off the challenge of Hot Shots by 26 pins. Edd Chivers scored 50 for the home side, but Hot Shots were a little off their usual scoring pace. Pies took advantage and picked up important pins, with Mike Young knocking 52. Hot Shots 335, Cottage Pies 361.

Reservists took advantage of Holywell Lake having their bye by jumping into joint second place after a 14-pin victory away to Rebels at the Cottage Inn. Rebels struggled to find their high-scoring rhythm they enjoyed in their last home game, but Chris Southcott’s 52 helped them set a good target. Reservists’ captain Darren Sparks was the top scorer of the match with 54 which helped his side over the line. Rebels 344, Reservists 358.

Home Guard II returned to winning form after defeating Bell Green by 11 pins at the Football Club, the win keeping them in joint second place. Steve Symons was the top scorer for HGII with an important 52. Simon Rudd scored 56 for the Green. Home Guard 11 328, Bell Green 317.

Other results: Club Rockers 286 Mark Bowen 48), Fireguard A 332 (Mike Davis 48); Queens Legs 408 (Colin Francis 61), Relyon 368 (Rob Higgs 58); OBA 365 (Paul Beer, Rob Billet 53), Shooters 336 (Keith Harcombe 49); Report Centre A 364 (D Parsons 51), Oaks 355 (Mike Shire 53).