THE quarter-finals of Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Payne Challenge Cup produced some superb matches with Scuppas, Ex-Servicemen, Here 4 the Beer and WRFC booking their places in the last four.

Scores: United Services 370, Scuppas 372: The holders Scuppas advanced into the semi-finals with a close fought victory on the upstairs alley of the Victoria Arms. Danny Lee scored a solid 52 for United Services, helping his team post a very strong score on an alley that can be rather unforgiving at time. Scuppas showed plenty of determination in staying in the tie with both Adrian Newstead and anchorman John Barker sealing the win with crucial 51s.

Holywell Lake 337, Ex-Servicemen 349: Ex-Servicemen booked their place in the semi-finals for the second season running with a good 12-pin victory over the Lakers at the Football Club. The Lakers struggled to get into their usual rhythm on a tricky night for the Friday night team although Ryan Skeels and skipper Steve Dowson did what they could with a pair of 47s. Riley ‘Ryan’ Richards led the way with a splendid 55 on his debut season for the X-Men.

Shooters 333, Here 4 the Beer 348: Here 4 the Beer saw off the challenge of Shooters at the White Horse by 15 pins as they moved into the semi-finals of the cup for the first time. Nathan Harcombe knocked a good 54 for Shooters while Elliott Brook helped his side to an impressive win with a solid 54.

WRFC 341, Club Rockers 303: The rugby boys may be having a hard time in the league but they showed their class with a 38-pin victory over Rockers at the Football Club to move into the semi-finals for the second time in two seasons. Dave Huggett was top scorer in the match with 53 for WRFC while Chris Hemming, enjoying a good season for the Rockers, scored 46 for the Friday night outfit.

Meanwhile, the Ken Bright Cup quarter-finals also produced some great games with Bell Green, Home Guard IV, Mowers and King Pins reaching the last four.

Scores: Hot Shots 2 (325), Bell Green 12 (334): Bell Green gained a 12-2 win at the Institute with Bee Gees’ Julian Jones hitting the top score in the match with a great 57. Edd Chivers knocked 46 for Hot Shots but the night belonged to Bell Green who picked up five hands and the bonus points to advance to the semi-finals.

Queens Legs 6 (332), Home Guard IV 8 (332): It was an exciting game on the downstairs alley of the Conservative Club with just one hand separating the sides. Adam Hill hit 46 for the Legs while Will Smith was HGIV’s leading skittler with 49 for the Thursday night side.

Mowers 10 (393), Relyon 4 (385): It was a high-scoring match at the Nynehead Club with Mowers picking up an impressive win over a resilient Relyon side. Vince Milton hit a superb 67 for the Mowers, helping his side win four hands and claim the bonus points on offer. Sean Buttle scored 57 for the Bedders.

King Pins 12 (428), Nynehead Club 2 (392): King Pins hit the score of the tournament on their way to a great 12-2 win on the downstairs alley at the Victoria Arms. Jordan Bryant (63) was the Pins’ top scorer while Lew Sparks scored 59 for the Club.