NEW champions Bell Green were unable to finish the season with a win in the Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League’s Gerald Thorne Championship, going down by 13 pins to Hot Shots on the upstairs alley of the Victoria Arms, writes Marc Bright.

Ollie Page’s excellent 60 was the standout individual effort for the home side, but Hot Shots matched them throughout, with Roger Millet and Bob Govier both scoring steady 52s to lead the charge. Despite the defeat, it does little to take away from Bell Green’s achievement in securing the title. Scores: Bell Green 379, Hot Shots 392.

Relyon 367, OBA 321: Relyon signed off their season in style with a comprehensive 46-pin victory over OBA at the Conservative Club. Rob Higgs led from the front with a strong 55, supported by a consistent team effort that OBA struggled to live with. Scott Sloman’s 45 was the best of the visitors, but they were always chasing the game as Relyon steadily built their advantage. Although the title escaped them this season, Relyon can reflect on an excellent campaign, finishing just a point behind the champions.

Holywell Lake 362, Cottage Pies 364: Cottage Pies edged a high-quality contest against Holywell Lake at the Victoria Arms. Paul Robinson’s solid 52 led the way for the visitors, while Steve Dowson’s 51 ensured Holywell Lake pushed them all the way. Both sides produced strong totals, but Pies managed to do enough in the closing hands. It’s a result that secures a strong third-place finish for the Pies, while the Lakers end the season just a point behind.

Reservists 334, Fireguard A 329: Reservists gained a narrow five-pin win over their rivals at the Institute. Peter Chamberlain’s 50 proved crucial in a match where every pin counted, while Olly Hayes’ impressive 55 kept Fireguard A firmly in contention throughout. In the end, Reservists’ better consistency across the board made the difference. It caps a strong end to the season for Reservists, who finish fifth.

Rebels 345, Shooters 336: Rebels produced a solid performance to overcome Shooters by nine pins at the Cottage, closing their season with a good win. John Sellick’s 53 was the key contribution for the home side, while Shooters responded through Keith Harcombe’s 54 in a closely fought match. Rebels just had the edge in the supporting scores, allowing them to gradually pull ahead.

Home Guard II 313, Club Rockers 343: Club Rockers finished their season with a comfortable 30-pin win over Home Guard II at the Football Club, putting in one of their better all-round displays. Chris Hemmings’ 50 was the top score for the visitors, while Steve Loader’s 54 was a standout effort for Home Guard II in an otherwise difficult night for the hosts. The result sees Club Rockers avoid bottom spot by five points.

Oaks 347, Report Centre A 350: Report Centre A produced one of their best performances of the season to edge Oaks by three pins at the Blue Ball. RCA skipper, William Whitman, hit a splendid 54 that was instrumental in securing the win, while Oaks captain, Ashley Bright, hit a great 55 that kept Oaks in the hunt until the very end. It was a great finish for Report Centre A, who have struggled throughout the campaign but showed their potential here.