LODGE Farmers have won the Redditch Skittles League for the first time after finishing as runners-up in each of the last two seasons.
The Farmers only needed to match the result of title rivals and defending champions Engineers to be clinch the title.
However, the Farmers made an indifferent start against Bernie’s Bolts with the latter side nine pins ahead after the first two legs.
The Farmers reduced the deficit by a single pin in leg three but turned the game in their favour with a dominant display in leg four.
After the Bolts could only manage 50 pins, the Farmers replied with 65 pins to take a seven-pin lead into the last leg.
A steady score of 61 left the Bolts needing 69 pins for victory which proved out of reach.
The eight and a half points gained from the fixture cemented the Farmers’ place at the top of the table and confirmed them as champions.
For the Farmers, Sue Morris (40) and Frank Morris and debutant Robert Morley (both 35) top scored.
And for the Bolts, Lewis McSweeney (36) and Jess Andrews (35) impressed.
Elsewhere, Engineers saw their hopes of retaining the title ended by Nomads.
Nomads made a quick start to win the first two legs and build a 12-pin lead.
However, Engineers came roaring back to win the next couple of legs.
Nomads recovered to score 65 pins in the final leg which Engineers could only match on their way to victory to drop another half point.
For Engineers, Joe Kelso (38, 10 stack), Brandon Kelso (37) and Graham Hingley (36) top scored.
And Alan Cummings (37), Jim Child (36) and Phil Jones and Geoff Loat (both 34) impressed for Nomads.
C and G Show and Jumbo Jet Set both had little to play for in the league’s other game.
The Jets took a 10-pin lead at the end of the first leg and won the second leg by 11 pins to take control of the game.
C and G Show managed to reduce the deficit to 12 pins over the next two legs.
Another low score in the final leg left C and G Show needing 74 pins for victory only for the latter side to produce their lowest score of the match in a 21-pin defeat.
For the Jets, Rob Quartly (38), Mick Stanton (36) and Dennis Compton (35) top scored with Rich Fisher, Dave Charlesworth and also Dave Orton (all 36) on form for C and G Show.
Results
Bernie’s Bolts 306 (2.5pts) – Lodge Farmers 316 (8.5pts)
C&G Show 294 (3pts) – Jumbo Jets Set 315 (8pts)
Engineers 327 (7.5pts) – Nomads 318 (2.5pts)
