JOLLY Blues begin the defence of their title in the Wellington Ladies Skittles League with an away game against LOA Spare on Monday, September 7.

Land Girls, who were runners-up, are away to Pin & Tonics while the cup holders Split Pins are also away - to Wobbly Pins.

Newcomers to the league 8 QTs play away to Wanderers while former champions All Blacks have a bye.

Opening night's fixtures, September 7: LOA Spare v Jolly Blues, Pin & Tonics v Land Girls, Wobbly Pins v Split Pins, Wanderers v 8 QTs, Water Babies v Split Happens, All Blacks (bye).

September 14: All Blacks v Pin & Tonics, Split Pins v LOA Spare, Land Girls v Wanderers, Split Happens v Wobbly Pins, 8 QTs v Water Babies, Jolly Blues (bye).

September 21: Jolly Blues v Split Pins, Wanderers v All Blacks, LOA Spare v Split Happens, Water Babies v Land Girls, Wobbly Pins v 8 QTs, Pin & Tonics (bye).