LAND Girls, the holders of Wellington Ladies Skittles League’s KO Cup, have gone out in the opening round of this season’s competition - to Jolly Blues who lost to them in the final in February.

The league champions beat Land Girls by 22 pins at the Conservative Club (downstairs) on Monday night to gain revenge for the loss in the final which robbed them of a league and cup double.

Sue James steered the Blues to victory with 48 while Suzette Williams top scored for the holders with 49. Both teams went into the match unbeaten this winter.

Also through to the second round are Water Babies who beat Wanderers by 27 pins at the Cottage with Sheila Parr hitting 43. Wanderers top scorer was Sue Morrell - also with 43.

In the other first round game Split Pins triumphed by 23 pins in their tie against LOA Spare at the Conservative Club (upstairs) with Tina Pengelly and Helen Winter both knocking 44. Imogen Cashmore scored 45 for LOA Spare.

The draw for the next round on November 9 will be made at the Vic on Monday when the three winning teams will go into the hat along with the five sides who had byes. The final is scheduled for February 22.

KO Cup, first round results: Land Girls 319 (Suzette Williams 49), Jolly Blues 341 (Sue James 48); Wanderers 291 (Sue Morrell 43), Water Babies 318 (Sheila Parr 43); LOA Spare 305 (Imogen Cashmore 45), Split Pins 328 (Tina Pengelly, Helen Winter 44).

Byes: All Blacks, Pin & Tonics, Split Happens, 8 QT’s, Wobbly Pins.

League, fixtures for Monday, October 12: Split Pins v Split Happens, Water Babies v Pin & Tonics, Jolly Blues v 8 QT’s, Wobbly Pins v All Blacks, LOA Spare v Land Girls, Wanderers (bye).