BERNIE’S Bolts title hopes suffered a blow after they were beaten by closest challengers Engineers who now hold the advantage in the Redditch Skittles League title tussle.

Engineers closed the gap to just half a point, with two games in hand, with an impressive 335-317 victory against the league leaders.

And that was despite falling 11 pins behind in leg one as Engineers produced a huge 80-pin second leg to lead by nine pins.

Bolts reduced the deficit to seven pins at the end of leg four only for Engineers to score 74 pins in the last leg to leave Bolts needing 82 for an unlikely victory which they were unable to achieve.

Engineers top scorer was Andy Clewlow (40, including 15 stack) whilst Brandon Kelso (39, 11 stack) and Jo Kelso (38, 14 stack) also impressed.

The Bolts best scores came from Rob Hackles (40, 13 stack), Lewis McSweeney (36, 12 stack) and Craig McSweeney (35).

Elsewhere, Lodge Farmers also moved within a point of the leaders, with two games in hand, as they secured a 319-309 success against Nomads.

Lodge Farmers opened up a 17-pin lead at the end of leg two and, despite Nomads best efforts, were 14 pins ahead prior to the final leg.

Nomads were set 76 for victory and fell 10 pins short of the required total as Rachel Morris (37), Tim Jones (36) and Richard Long (35) top scored for Lodge Farmers.

For Nomads, Geoff Loat, Mac Eaton and Alan Cummings all top scored with 35 pins apiece.

Earlier in the week, Engineers clinched a narrow 317-312 win against Jumbo Jet Set as they led by four pins at the end of leg one.

However, Jumbo Jet Set turned the tables to lead by a single pin after leg two and held their slender advantage for the next two legs which were both tied.

A score of 62 in the final leg opened the door for Engineers to snatch victory as the title challengers secured a crucial win to remain in control of the title race.

For Engineers, Josh Kelso (36), Mark Ganderton (34) and Ian Greenway, Craig Sears, Clewlow and Jo Kelso (all 33) impressed.

And for Jumbo Jets, Dennis Compton and Rob Quartly (both 37) and Rob Rowberry and Len Quartly (both 35) top scored.

However, Jumbo Jet Set returned to winning ways with a 330-325 win against C and G Show despite losing the first three legs which saw them trail by 12 pins.

Scores of 70 and 79 in the final two legs turned the game on its head with C and G Show unable to score the required 74 pins for victory as they fell five short of the total.

Jets top scorers were R Quartly (40), Rich Johnston (36, 15 stack) and debutant Mike Smeed (36) as Angela Guest (38), Dave Orton (36) and Rich Fisher (35) top scored for C and G Show.

Lastly, Nomads beat bottom of the table Swingers 321-310 after a dominant start saw them race into a 13-pin lead at the end of leg three.

Swingers won leg four by three pins to reduce the deficit but were unable to score the 80 required in the last leg despite bowling well.

For Nomads, Cummings (40), Jordan Bunn (38) and Wendy Cater and Graham Hanley (both 32) top scored whilst Rob Baker (37), Martin Brennan (33) and Paul Clifton and Janine Brennan (both 32) impressed in reply for Swingers.