The 2026–2027 season in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League continued on Friday night with the quarter finals of the Harry Dowson Pairs at the Cottage Inn.

There was plenty of good skittling on display and each game was a close affair.

Jordan Bryant/ Albert Hughes (King Pins) 91, Paul Desborough/Andy Chappell (All Stars) 98: The King Pins pairing of Jordan Bryant and Albert Hughes slipped to a seven pin defeat in the opening match. A 15 pin flopper from Jordan Bryant saw the King Pins duo take a six pin lead at the halfway stage, but the All Stars pair fought back with a 16 pin spare from Andy Chappell to help them progress to finals night.

Jamie Milton/Tyler Cox (All Stars), Ricky Baker/Lee Baker (Ex-Servicemen): The X-Men pair were awarded a walkover due to Jamie Milton sustaining an unfortunate back injury prior to the match.

Alan Sydenham/Angus Cleland(Shooters) 89, Darren Sparks/Kevin Sedgebeer (Reservists) 94: The Reservists pair of Darren Sparks and Kevin Sedgebeer eased passed Alan Sydenham and Gus Cleland of Shooters - thanks in the main to a hardworking 51 without a spare from Sedgebeer; this just put the game beyond the reach of the Shooters pairing.

Adrian Maidment/Antony Maidment (Shooters) 79, Dan Roger/Owen Milton (All Stars) 80: The closest match of the evening was also the lowest scoring which saw Dan Roger and Owen Milton of All Stars edge out Adrian and Antony Maidment of Shooters by just the single pin. The game was nip and tuck all the way through with the outcome in the balance until the final ball.

Semi-final matches to be played at the Victoria Arms (upstairs) on Friday, August 7. All teams to be present by 8.00pm for the live draw.