BELL Green have opened up a nice lead over nearest challengers Relyon in the Gerald Thorne Championship in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League on Friday, March 20.

While they edged a closely-fought match against Reservists at the Institute, claiming a crucial four-pin victory to move three points clear at the top of the table with five games to go, Relyon were beaten 375-356 at Oaks.

Bee-Gees captain, Paul Rowlandson hit a49 which helped anchor a good team effort, while Reservists’ skipper, Darren Sparks replied with a 54.Oaks produced one of their standout performances of the season to defeat title-chasing Relyon by 19 pins.

Youngster Brenly Povey once again impressed in his debut season, top scoring with 53, marking his fifth time as his side’s leading scorer this season.

Relyon were well-served by Mike Hutchings’ composed 55.Cottage Pies secured a comfortable 29-pin (348-319) victory over Queens Legs at the Cottage to stay on the fringes of the title race. Jordan Perry led the way with a solid 54.

Elsewhere, OBA saw off visiting Shooters 367-347 with Paul Beer’s 56 proving crucial, while Home Guard II – who saw Mark Salter make a 51 – picked up a solid 23-pin away win over Fireguard A.

Rebels came away with a strong 19-pin victory over Report Centre A at the White Horse. Paul Taylor and Howard Elliott both hit strong 54s to guide Rebels to 373. David Bennett’s 53 was a bright spot in defeat.Club Rockers edged a tight contest with Hot Shots at the Conservative Club, securing a narrow six-pin victory to move five points clear of bottom spot.

In the Chris Bullock Championship, which is held on Thursday nights, Ex-Servicemen moved another step closer to a remarkable 100% season, overcoming All Stars by 12 pins.

Captain Adrian Perry led from the front with a vital 55, but the real story was the incredible depth in the X-Men side, with five more players all hitting 50 or more (Lee Baker 50, David Gardiner, Marc Bright, Kev Denslow and Ricky Baker all 53).

Mowers edged a thrilling match against stablemates King Pins, winning by just two pins (365-363). Darren Winter’s 58 proved vital as the visitors just managed to sneak over the line despite Albert Hughes’ 56.

Foresters surpassed the 400 total for the sixth time this season to pick up a 24-pin home win over Outsiders. Steve Wadham’s strong 59 led the way in their 420, and although Terry Sharland fired in the highest away score of the week with a 68, it wasn’t enough.

Scuppas claimed a solid 19-pin victory over Odds and Ends, hitting their highest home score of the season of 374 in the process. Craig Newstead’s 56 was the standout score for the hosts as they maintained control throughout the match. Rob Stanyard’s 60 was a strong reply.

United Services secured a solid 21-pin victory away to Rugby Club at the Conservative Club. Services captain Simon Gamlin, led the scoring with a good 54 in their total of 360.

Here 4 the Beer produced a superb performance to defeat Home Guard IV by 31 pins on the upstairs alley of the Conservative Club, producing the best team away score of the week in the process with 416. Will Brewer and Jimmy Cooper both starred with excellent 62s, while Simon Davey replied with a 58.