THE Gerald Thorne Championship title race in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League took a dramatic twist as Reservists edged out leaders Cottage Pies by five pins in a great contest at the Cottage Inn.

Gary Escott hit a great 60 for the Pies, helping his side to their second highest home score of the season. It looked like they might just shove Reservists out of the title picture, but the away side proved they were no pushovers. Glen Escott responded with a superb 60 of his own for Reservists, setting up a great finish. Skipper Darren Sparks, under huge pressure, needed a 13 spare to win, and delivered a match-winning 17 to complete the final push over the line. It’s a massive win for the Reservists, who keep themselves in the title race, while Cottage Pies will look to push on to a first title in their history. Cottage Pies 380, Reservists 385.

Bell Green’s fine form shows no sign of slowing down as they beat Fireguard A by 14 pins at the Football Club. Jake Almetwalli and Ben Sellick both scored 48 for the home side while Bell Green’s Terry White was the player of the match with a solid 53 which helped the Bee Gees to the win and the points on offer. Fireguard A 347, Bell Green 361.

Home Guard II picked up a six pin win away to OBA at the Victoria Arms with Macca Campbell hitting 55 for the away side in the process. OBA captain, Andy Kemp, was the top scorer for his side with 48. Both sides found the alley a little tricky to navigate, but that helped set up a great contest on the night. OBA 330, Home Guard II 336.

Rebels came away from Rockwell Green with three points after seeing off the challenge of Club Rockers by 13 pins. Jim Morrison was the top score for Club Rockers with 47. Paul Phillips was the player of the match with 49 for Rebels to help see his side to the win. Rebels are on a run of three wins on the bounce. Club Rockers 333, Rebels 346.

Hot Shots won the Conservative Club’s upstairs/downstairs derby as they beat Queens Legs by 17 pins on the downstairs alley. Edd and Richard Chivers were the top scorers for Hot Shots with strong 52’s. Adam Nicholls played well for Queens Legs with 47, but the away side found the alley tough going as the game just got away from them. A good win for Hot Shots, who bounced back well from a narrow loss last week. Hot Shots 346, Queens Legs 329.

Oaks beat five-man Relyon by 54 pins at the Blue Ball, despite Relyon’s Mike Hutchings and Robb Higgs both hitting fantastic 70s. Iain Andrews was the top scorer for Oaks with a good 63, helping his side to a strong score. Relyon, who have been struggling for players this season, played well but were always going to be facing an uphill battle with just five players.

They should be proud of the great efforts they have put in this season, and with players like Higgs and Hutchings, they will always have a chance of winning any game. Oaks 382, Relyon 328.

Top Away Scores: Week 28 - Reservists 385 at Cottage Inn; Rob Higgs, Mike Hutchings 70 for Relyon at Blue Ball