BOTH of the top two teams won their respective matches in the Premier Division of the Watchet and District Men’s Skittles League this week to be tied on 32 points, opening up an 8 point lead over third place with just five matches remaining, writes league secretary Alan Bulpin.

A score of 117 from Bell All Stars Andy Milton led them to a 27 pin away win over Phoenix Knights whose Liam Woolgrove hit 110, while Bottoms Up captain Martin Larcombe knocked a top of the alley 123 in the 87 pin home victory against Railway Steamers who had Callum Tarr hitting 108.

Castaways’ Steve Duck continues his good run of form, scoring 108 in the 3 pin away defeat to Has Beens for whom Mark Clausen also scored 108.

Another close match was at the Carew Arms where Rebels Brad Lock scored 116 in the 6 pin defeat of Q C Guys who had Tim Short top of the alley with 120.

A score of 105 from White Horse Stallions’ Jos Bennett brought a much needed home as they ran out winners by 10 pins against Allsorts, Brian Bishop leading their scoring with 101.

An excellent team performance from Jack led by Andy Pyne hitting 120 where all team players hit a three figure score gave them a 96 pin home win over Three Ferrets for whom Tyrone Ash hit a noteworthy 101. Highest Away Score: Archie Walsh 144 Q C Guys

In Division A.league leaders Williton Club slipped to only their fourth defeat of the season, losing by 27 in their away match against Barn Owls whose Jason Turner hit 88 with Alan Bland knocking 92 for the visitors. They require a win from the remaining home match to secure the Div A title.

Taking advantage of the Club’s defeat were Dungbeetles whose Garry Kendall scored 111 in the 82 pin home win over Dizzy’s Boys who had Charlie Mossman top with 96.

Wyndham Pinheads overcame a spirited performance from Watchet Specials, eventually winning by 4 pins, Robbie Whitehead scoring 99 for the victors while Dan Perkins knocked 98 for the specials.

In their home match at Wheddon Cross, Haddon Hillbillies’ Ian Rottenbury topped the alley with 106 as they defeated Footy Fockers by 37 pins, Julian Westcott knocking 101 for the visitors. A 108 from Wyndham Warriors’ captain led them to a convincing 79 pin home win over stable mates Rams whose Leigh Davis hit 95. Away Score: Phil Champion 126 Wyndham Warriors

Results - Premier Division: Jack 664 (Andy Pyne 120), Three Ferrets 568 (Tyrone Ash 101); Rebels 605 (Brad Lock 116), QC Guys 599 (Tim Short 120); WH Stallions 581 (Jos Bennett 105), Allsorts 571 (Brian Bishop 101; Has Beens 555 (Mark Clausen 108), Castaways 552 (Steve Duck 108); Phoenix Knights 617 (Liam Woolgrove 110), Bell Alll Stars 644 (Andy Milton 117); Bottoms Up 658 (Martin Larcombe 123), Railway Steamers 571 (Callum Tarr 108).

Division A: Barn Owls 514 (Jason Turner 88), Williton Club 487 (Alan Bland 92); Dungbeetles 596 (Gary Kendall 111), Dizzy’s Boys 514 (Charlie Mossman 96); Haddon Hillbillies 570 (Ian Rottenbury 106), Footy Fockers 533 (Julian Westcott 101); W’dham Pinheads 533 (Robbie Whitehead 99), Watchet Specials 529 (Dan Perkins 98); W’dham Warriors 582 (Phil Trunks 108), Rams 503 (Leigh Davis 95).