Craig Newstead of Scuppas is the new Cyril Hicks Singles champion in Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League.
Here is the past week’s round-up from secretary Marc Bright …
Cyril Hicks Singles Shield
Game one
Finals Night got underway on the downstairs alley of the Victoria Arms on Thursday with a high-quality opening round, as all eight finalists took to the alley with a place in the top four at stake.
Craig Newstead set the tone early with an outstanding 58, the highest score of the round, immediately marking himself out as the man to beat.
John Lane (55), along with Jason Powell and Sam Vile (both 53), also produced strong efforts to secure progression.
There were some notable casualties, however, with John Pike (51) and Theo Ling (49) both narrowly missing out despite solid scores, underlining the high standard required.
Darren Sparks (40) and five-time champion, Rob Higgs (45), were unable to keep pace, exiting at the first stage.
Game two
With the field reduced to four, the pressure intensified in the second round. Once again, Craig Newstead delivered when it mattered, topping the group with 51 to comfortably book his place in the final.
John Lane joined him with a composed 48, continuing his pursuit of a fifth title.
Jason Powell (45) and Sam Vile (44), who had both impressed throughout this competition, couldn’t quite replicate their earlier form and were eliminated at this stage.
Game three
The final match saw Craig Newstead face four-time champion John Lane, a clash between the night’s standout performer and one of the competition’s most successful ever players.
In keeping with the pattern of the evening, Newstead rose to the occasion once more, producing a superb 54 to secure the title. Lane responded with 47 but was unable to match Newstead’s scoring power.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory for Newstead, who topped the scoring in all three rounds – a remarkable achievement.
MAIN PHOTO: From left, John Lane, Theo Ling, Darren Sparks, John Pike, Jason Powell, Craig Newstead, Rob Higgs, Sam Vile.
Gerald Thorne Championship
Bell Green 379, Hot Shots 392
Champions Bell Green were unable to finish with a win, going down by 13 pins to Hot Shots in a high-scoring encounter on the upstairs alley of the Victoria Arms. Ollie Page’s excellent 60 was the standout individual effort for the home side, but Hot Shots matched them throughout, with Roger Millet and Bob Govier both scoring steady 52s to lead the charge. Despite the defeat, it does little to take away from Bell Green’s achievement in securing the title, capping a superb season. The WESSL Championship match now awaits against one of the standout sides this campaign, Ex-Servicemen.
Relyon 367, OBA 321
Relyon signed off their season in style with a comprehensive 46-pin victory over OBA at the Conservative Club, showing the quality which kept them in the title race until the penultimate round. Rob Higgs led from the front with a strong 55, supported by a consistent team effort which OBA struggled to match. Scott Sloman’s 45 was the best of the visitors, but they were always chasing the game as Relyon steadily built their advantage. Although the title escaped them this season, Relyon can reflect on an excellent campaign, finishing just a point behind the champions.
Holywell Lake 362, Cottage Pies 364
Cottage Pies edged a high-quality contest against Holywell Lake at the Victoria Arms, winning by just two pins in one of the closest matches of the round. Paul Robinson’s solid 52 led the way for the visitors, while Steve Dowson’s 51 ensured Holywell Lake pushed them all the way. Both sides produced strong totals, but Cottage Pies managed to do enough in the closing hands. It’s a result which secures a strong third-place finish for Cottage Pies, while the Lakers end the season just a point behind in fourth place.
Reservists 334, Fireguard A 329
Reservists edged a tight contest against Fireguard A, finishing their season with a narrow five-pin win at the Institute. Peter Chamberlain’s 50 proved crucial in a match where every pin counted, while Olly Hayes’ impressive 55 kept Fireguard A firmly in contention throughout. In the end, Reservists’ better consistency across the board made the difference. It caps a strong end to the season for Reservists, who finish fifth, while Fireguard A will take positives from a competitive display despite finishing near the bottom.
Rebels 345, Shooters 336
Rebels produced a solid performance to overcome Shooters by nine pins at the Cottage, closing their season with a good win. John Sellick’s 53 was the key contribution for the home side, while Shooters responded through Keith Harcombe’s 54 in a closely fought match. Rebels just had the edge in the supporting scores, allowing them to gradually pull ahead. The result sees Rebels finish just above OBA, while Shooters end a steady season in mid-table.
Home Guard II 313, Club Rockers 343
Club Rockers finished their season with a comfortable 30-pin win over Home Guard II at the Football Club, putting in one of their better all-round displays. Chris Hemmings’ 50 was the top score for the visitors, while Steve Loader’s 54 was a standout effort for Home Guard II in an otherwise difficult night for the hosts. The result sees Club Rockers avoid bottom spot by five points, while Home Guard II settle into mid-table after a mixed but competitive season.
Oaks 347, Report Centre A 350
Report Centre A produced one of their best performances of the season to edge Oaks by three pins in a closely contested match at the Blue Ball. RCA skipper William Whitman hit a splendid 54 which was instrumental in securing the win, while Oaks captain Ashley Bright hit a great 55 which kept Oaks in the hunt until the end. It was a great finish for Report Centre A, who have struggled throughout the campaign but showed their potential. Oaks, meanwhile, will be frustrated to come out on the wrong side of such a tight finish.
Highest Away Scores
Top team: Hot Shots, 392 at the Victoria Arms (Upstairs)
Top player: Olly Hayes, 55 for Fireguard A at the RG Institute.
Final league table
Fixtures
Harry Dowson Pairs Cup First Round – Friday
Cottage Inn
7pm Steve Powell/Paul Winter vs Les Marke/Jordan Bryant
7.30pm Paul Desbourough/Andy Chappel vs Lee Desborough/Tyler Cox
8pm Paul Robinson/Lee Ellis vs Jordan Perry/Shaun Vile
8.30pm Tom O’Neil/Dan Mancini vs Andy Pearce/John Lane
9pm Glen Escott/Jacob Sparks vs David Howell/Steve Dowson
Conservative Club (Downstairs)
7pm Roger Howe/John Pike vs Shane Powell/Ryan Marke
7.30pm Alex Govier/Edd Chivers vs Angus Cleland/Alan Sydenham
8pm Lee Baker/Marc Bright vs John Barker/Craig Newstead
8.30pm Mike O’Neil/Jim Compton vs Dave Houston/Albert Hughes
9pm Dan Rodger/Owen Milton vs Callum Richardson/Adam Hill
Harry Dowson Pairs Cup Second Round
Friday 8th May – To be confirmed
Harry Dowson Pairs Cup Quarter Finals
Friday 15th May – To be confirmed
WESSL Wooden Spoon Play-Off – Wednesday, 20th May
Odds and Ends v Report Centre A at the Football Club.
WESSL Championship Play-Off – Thursday 21st May
Ex-Servicemen v Bell Green at the Conservative Club (Upstairs)
Harry Dowson Pairs Cup Finals Night
Friday 22nd May – To be confirmed
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