ENGINEERS finished runners-up in the Swan Studley Skittles League, but were grateful for the efforts of Lodge Farmers who enjoyed comprehensive wins over Engineers’ fellow second placed hopefuls Jumbo Jet Set and Alcester Nomads in the season’s closing weeks.
Congratulations go to Maudslay for their runaway title triumph which was rarely in doubt from day one.
Already champions before their last fixture with Alley Cats, Maudslay did not relax and ended with a fairly comfortable win which consigned their opponents to bottom spot.
For Maudslay, Mark Sanseverino made 35 (11-stack) and there were 34 pins each for Paul Matthews, Dean Watson, and Tom Watson.
Alley Cats actually tied two legs but could not capitalise and slid to a sixth successive loss despite Sam Billyard making 42 (12-stack), Tony O’Connor 35 and Anne O’Connor 33.
Engineers also had a comfortable win over a Swingers team who lost their fifth successive game but who nevertheless had a much-improved season and did just enough to avoid bottom place again.
In form for Engineers were Brandon Kelso and Mark Ganderton who both made 39 (13-stack each) and Andy Clewlow with 37. The winners went well ahead early in the game and never looked back.
Swingers’ best replies were from Christine Hallam with 36 (14-stack), Daren Harman (36) and Paul Clifton (32).
Lodge Farmers, buoyed by a good win against Swan, made their season’s highest total when beating an out of sorts Alcester Nomads one day later to finish with five wins on the trot and close on the heels of the top four.
Against Swan, Glyn Morley made 41 (11-stack) and Alan Rumble and Tim Jones 35 each, while Swan’s best were Carl Moorman (37); Charlie Withers (35) and Graham Howells and Dave Maule with 33 apiece.
Lodge Farmers then cashed in against Nomads as Roger Powell scored 44 (12-stack), Tim Jones 40 (10-stack) and Glyn Morley 39.
Deflated Nomads had Mac Eaton scoring 41 (14-stack) and Alan Cummings 37.
Chris & Gerry Show and Well Developed avoided being sucked into the basement position as they tied their pin totals.
However, Well Developed won the game by virtue of winning four legs and, when needing a highly improbable 78 pins in their last leg to win, went very close by scoring 77 to secure the tie.
For the winners, Jim Child made 39 (12-stack), Liz Hindson 35 and Martin Brennan 34. Chris Williams (41), Dave Williams (35) and Dave Ortis (33) replied best for C&G Show.
Results: Maudslay 9 (321) Alley Cats 2 (311); Engineers 9 (326) Swingers 2 (285); Swan 2 (297) Lodge Farmers 9 (316); Lodge Farmers 9 (353) Alcester Nomads 2 (300); Chris & Gerry Show 4 (308) Well Developed 7 (308).
