MOWERS, the holders, have made an emphatic start to their defence of Wellington Ex-Services Skittle League’s Ken Bright Cup, with a commanding 12–2 victory over All Stars at the Victoria Arms on the upstairs alley.

Mowers demonstrated exactly why they lifted the trophy last season, taking control of the tie and collecting the vast majority of the available points. Vince Milton led the way with an excellent 55, while Callum Richardson and skipper Jamie Milton both recorded good 51s for the losers. Scores: Mowers 12, All Stars 2.

Ex-Servicemen 10, Report Centre A 4: Ex-Servicemen managed to take control of the scoring and secure the majority of the available points. Both teams also finished with identical top individual scores, with Kev Denslow recording 52 for Ex-Servicemen and David Bennet matching that total for Report Centre A.

OBA 4, Home Guard IV 10: Home Guard IV secured an impressive victory over OBA with a win at the Nynehead Club. OBA found it tough going on the Nynehead alley, despite a solid individual performance from captain Andy Kemp, who top-scored with 51. Home Guard IV proved the stronger outfit on the night, with Pete Spencer leading their scoring with an excellent 54.

Oaks 9, Here 4 the Beer 5; Oaks edged ahead of Here 4 the Beer to secure a 9–5 victory in a competitive opening-round clash at the Institute. There was little to separate the sides across the six hands. Kane Harston top-scored for Oaks with 47 while Adam Morgan led the way for Here 4 the Beer with 45.

Shooters 5, Rebels 9: Rebels progressed to the next round after overcoming Shooters at the Football Club. It was a good match, with Shooters putting up a good fight, but Rebels managed to win enough of the individual hands to secure their passage through to the next stage. John Sellick was the standout performer for Rebels with an excellent 60, while Richard Cox led the Shooters' challenge with a fine 57.

Queens Legs 12, Nynehead Club 2: Queens Legs produced one of the most convincing performances of the opening round, sweeping aside Nynehead Club by 12 points to 2 at the Cottage Inn. Alfie Hill led the way with an excellent 56, while Nynehead Club struggled to find their usual scoring form on the notorious Cottage alley, with "Nige" top-scoring with 43.

Cottage Pies 7, Bell Green 7 – The tie between Cottage Pies and Bell Green ended level at seven points apiece, but it was Bell Green who progressed to the next round. Both teams had fought out an even contest across the six hands, with Pies’ captain Lee Ellis producing an excellent 59, while Terry White led Bell Green with 56.

With the points level, a play-off hand was required to separate the sides. However, most of the Pies side had left the venue before the play-off could take place, meaning Bell Green were declared winners.

Relyon 3, Reservists 11: Reservists booked their place in the next round with an impressive 11–3 victory over Relyon at the Victoria Arms upstairs. Neil Sparks was their leading scorer with an excellent 59, while Relyon had a fine individual performance from John Jenkins, who reached 60. Despite Jenkins' impressive effort, Reservists' greater consistency across the board ensured they came away with a comfortable victory.