THE Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League will be swinging back into action at the end of next month – but with fewer sides and players in teams, writes Barry Knott.

Twenty-one teams will be divided into two groups with the starting date being Friday, October 30. Games will be played on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Sides will consist of only six players, with the option of sanitising hands before skittling or wearing gloves. Sticker-ups will also have the same choice.

The decision to start up was made by the league’s committee last Friday. Eleven sides notified the league they did not wish to play but will be welcomed back for the 2021-22 winter.

The league was brought to an abrupt halt in mid-March with Relyon topping Division A and Scuppas leading Division B. The singles competition for the Cyril Hicks Cup was suspended but began again earlier this month with Steve Trevelyan winning the title for a fifth time and equalling the record of Rob Higgs.

The Wellington Ladies League has not come to any decision about playing again, while the Blackdown Hills League has already declared the season null and void.