EX-SERVICEMEN beat Odds and Ends and Home Guard IV on successive nights to open up a three-point lead at the top of Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Chris Bullock Championship.

Scores - Odds & Ends 382, Ex-Servicemen 391: The defending champions travelled to the Vic on the Thursday and came away with a nine-pin success. Dan Smith hit 55 for the home side while Marc Bright steered his team to victory with a splendid 60.

Home Guard IV 372, Ex-Servicemen 383: Ex-Servicemen again had to work hard for their 11-pin win with Adrian Coles knocking a crucial 55 for the champs, while Greg Sellers and Pete Spencer scored 53 for the plucky losers.

Home Guard IV 365, All Stars 386: Andy Chappell proved the match-winner for All Stars at the Conservative Club, hitting a stunning 65 in a 21-pin success. Dan Peters scored 52 for Home Guard.

United Services 402, Outsiders 378: United Services topped 400 as Geoff Smith led them to victory at the White Horse with hitting a fantastic 74, while Gerry Larcombe knocked 54 for the losers.

Scuppas 355, Foresters 347: Scuppas picked up an important two points as they overcame Foresters by eight pins at the Cottage, with Nick Payne being their match-winner with 53. Colin Shepherd and John Chinn scored 48 for Foresters.

Here 4 the Beer 330, Nynehead Club 339: This was another close game at the Institute, with Nynehead Club coming away with a nine-pin win. Fin Jennings was back to his best with 53 for the home side, while Danny Manicini (48) was tops for the winners.

WRFC 374, King Pins 330: The rugby boys finally got off the mark at the Conservative Club with Andy Thorne being their star with 67. Shane Powell scored 50 for the Pins.

Gerald Thorne Championship - Reservists 342, Club Rockers 329: Reservists made it five wins from five matches in the Institute derby with Glen Escott leading them home with 52, while Chris Hemmings scored 49 for the Rockers.

Bell Green 375, Home Guard II 341: Bell Green also extended their perfect start to the season with a solid 34-pin win over seven-man Home Guard II at the Vic. Julian Jones was the player of the match for the Bee-Gees, scoring a great 60. Chris Winter top scored for Home Guard with 52.

Holywell Lake 376, Queens Legs 375: Champions Holywell Lake survived a huge scare against Queens Legs, who lost out by one pin at the Vic. Dave Howell hit a vital 53 for the Lakers on a night when both sides struggled. Stuart Smith was the player of the match for the Legs, scoring 55.

Relyon 365, Rebels 340: Relyon bounced back after the previous week’s loss to gain a fine 25-pin win over Rebels at the Conservative Club. Mike Hutchings hit a strong 57 for the Bedders, while John Arnold was tops for Rebels with 49. Victory left Relyon just tucked in behind the leaders.

Report Centre A 356, OBA 383: Nick Thomas hit a great 24-pin double flopper for Report Centre A but still finished on the losing side. Thomas ended with a hand of 58 while Andy Kemp proved the match-winner for OBA with a splendid 60.

Fireguard A 349, Hot Shots 339: Fireguard won for the first time with Olly Hayes hitting 52, while Richard Chivers knocked 51 for Hot Shots.