BELL Green have won Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Gerald Thorne Championship, turning on the style to beat Cottage Pies by 47 pins away - enabling them to pull off their first title victory since the 2017-18 season.

Simon Rudd’s well-deserved 54 on the difficult Cottage alley led the Bee-Gees scoring, supported by a consistent all-round team display that underlined Bell Green’s quality when it mattered most. Cottage Pies, with Shaun Vile and Jordan Perry both scoring 45, were competitive in patches but ultimately outclassed on the night by the Bee-Gees.

They have now set up a mouth-watering WESSL Championship match against Ex-Servicemen on May 21. Scores: Cottage Pies 336, Bell Green 383

Hot Shots 348, Relyon 348: Relyon were held to a draw by stablemates Hot Shots at the Conservative Club, a result which ended their championship hopes. Rob Higgs’ 57 was a strong contribution for Relyon, while Robin Marke’s 46 helped anchor Hot Shots’ total. Relyon knew only a win would do, but despite their valiant efforts, they couldn’t quite find the extra pin needed. It caps a strong season for the Bedders, but they are left just short after a gripping title battle.

Fireguard A 336, Holywell Lake 335: Fireguard A sneaked past Holywell Lake by a single pin in a dramatic finish at the Football Club. Mike Davis’ 53 proved crucial for the home side, while Terry Dowson’s 52 kept Holywell Lake right in the hunt throughout.

It was Fireguard A’s ability to grind out key pins across the board that made the difference in a tight match. Despite their lowly position in the league, this result shows Fireguard A can compete with the best. while the Lakers will be frustrated to come away empty-handed.

Shooters 336, Home Guard II 378: Home Guard II produced a strong performance to defeat Shooters by 42 pins, with Macca Campbell stealing the show with a superb 62. That top score set the tone for an excellent team effort, as Shooters were unable to respond despite Richard Cox’s 47.

Shooters, who have been solid throughout this season, will be disappointed bytheir display, but it takes nothing away from a rampant performance by Home Guard II.

Report Centre A 338, Reservists 381: Reservists gained an emphatic away win at the White Horse. Steve Tubb and skipper Darren Sparks both impressed with steady 53s, underpinning a dominant Reservists’ total that never looked in danger.

Pat Bright’s 51 was a bright spot for the home side, but Report Centre A were unable to keep pace, and the loss sees them finish bottom of the division. A wooden-spoon match vs Odds and Ends is now on the cards for RCA on the 20th of May.

Club Rockers 354, Queens Legs 371: Queens Legs secured a solid away win over Club Rockers at the Institute. Marcus Watkin’s 54 led the way for the visitors, helping them overcome a remarkable 67 from Club Rockers’ Chris Hemmings, the highest individual score of the round.

Despite that standout effort, Club Rockers couldn’t quite build enough around it to challenge for the win.

OBA 365, Rebels 342: OBA secured a convincing 23-pin win over Rebels. Jason Vincent led the way with a well-deserved 52, setting the platform for a solid all-round display that Rebels struggled to match. Chris Southcott’s 50 was the standout reply for the visitors.

Marc Bright