THE opening set of fixtures in Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Harry Dowson Pairs Cup at the Cottage Inn had a slightly disjointed feel, with three of the five ties decided by walkovers.

Les Marke and Jordan Bryant, along with Liam Desborough and Andy Chappell, and Andy Pearce and John Lane, all progressed via walkovers after their opponents conceded as they were unable to meet the scheduled dates of the competition.

Of the matches played, Paul Robinson and Lee Ellis edged a good match against fellow Cottage Pies’ Jordan Perry and Shaun Vile, winning 102–99 in a well-fought game where every pin counted.

Meanwhile, Glen Escott and Jacob Sparks of Reservists produced the standout performance at the Cottage, posting an excellent 107 to defeat David Howell and Steve Dowson (100) of rivals Holywell Lake. That strong total marks them out as an early pair to watch as the competition develops.

There was far more action on show at the Conservative Club (downstairs), with four of the five ties played out on the alley. Shane Powell and Ryan Marke of King Pins impressed with a solid 101 to overcome Scuppas duo Roger Howe and John Pike (85), combining well to set a strong early benchmark.

Alex Govier and Edd Chivers of Hot Shots also progressed with a 96–89 win over Angus Cleland and Alan Sydenham of Shooters, in a match that was competitive from the off.

The performance of the round here came from Scuppas pair John Barker and newly crowned singles champion, Craig Newstead, who recorded a superb 107 in defeating the Ex-Servicemen duo of Lee Baker and Marc Bright (93). Their total matched the best score across both venues and underlined their credentials as serious contenders to lift the cup.

Dave Houston and Albert Hughes of King Pins edged through a lower-scoring encounter, beating Nynehead Club's Mike O’Neil and Jim Compton 80–76. The final tie was set for an all All Stars showdown, but Dan Rodger and Owen Milton had to concede a walkover to Callum Richardson and Alfie Hill, rounding off the evening.

Round 2 Draw (matches being played on Friday, May 8): Dave Houston/Albert Hughes (King Pins) v John Barker/Craig Newstead (Scuppas) at Victoria Arms (upstairs) 8PM; James May/Sam Vile (Cottage Pies) v Lewis May/Dan Thorne (Cottage Pies) at Victoria Arms (upstairs) 8.30PM; Adrian Maidment/Anthony Maidment (Shooters) v Cliff Trott/Dave Pow (WRFC) at Victoria Arms (upstairs) 9PM; Les Marke/Jordan Bryant (King Pins) v Callum Richardson/Alfie Hill (All Stars) at Victoria Arms (upstairs) 9.30PM.

Alex Govier/Edd Chivers (Hot Shots) v Glen Escott/Jacob Sparks (Reservists) at Victoria Arms (downstairs) 8PM; Andy Pearce/John Lane (WRFC) v Darren Sparks/Kevin Sedgebeer (Reservists) at Victoria Arms (downstairs) 8.30PM; Paul Robinson/Lee Ellis (Cottage Pies) v Shane Powell/Ryan Marke (King Pins) at Victoria Arms (downstairs) 9PM; Liam Desborough/Andy Chappell (All Stars) v Dave Harper/Paul Higgs (WRFC) at Victoria Arms (downstairs) 9.30PM.

Upcoming Dates: Harry Dowson Pairs Quarter Final - Friday 15th May; Wooden Spoon Pay-Off - Odds and Ends v Report Centre A - Wednesday 20th May at Wellington Football Club; WESSL Championship Play-Off - Ex-Servicemen v Bell Green - Thursday 21st May at the Conservative Club (Upstairs); Harry Dowson Pairs Finals Night - Friday 22nd May WESSL Presentation Evening - Friday 29th May at Wellington Football Club.

Marc Bright