IN Division 1 of the Highbridge & District Skittle League there was a terrific match when the Gunners and the Shunters tied on 531 apiece.

The result does neither team any favours as the Bombers defeated the Steamers by five pins and are in pole position to take the title.

The Poachers are four points behind, but have two games in hand.

They defeated The Lads by 25 pins, Steve McCann top scored with 72.

The Tryers’ title hopes were shot to pieces by the Cowboys by 84 pins.

In Division 2, the Social Club lost for the fourth match running as they crashed to Off The Rails by 29 pins.

Greg Facey (75) and Richard Pope (70) did the damage, and with that result the Odds & Ends have drawn level after they disposed of third placed Rouges by 32 pins in the Ritz.

Putting on the ‘Ritz’ for the Odds & Ends were Harry Symis (73), Dan Connelly (73) and Pete Watts (72), while Richard May replied with 78 for the Rouges, but all in vain.

Division 3 is going to the wire for four teams. Leaders Nobby’s One picked up a point in a tie with Why Try?, keeping them a point clear of the Brent Knoll Inn and Alleycats.

Brent Knoll Inn defeated the Bellends by 20 pins, Russell Dixon top scoring with 73, and the Alleycats were too strong for the Railway Burtle, winning by 44 pins – Mike Jarvis was top of the board with 72.

In Division 4, the Outsiders only need a point to win the title after they won for the 15th time this season.

They were too strong for Berrow Basics, winning by 48 pins, Bob Stoddard topping the board with 77.

Nearest rivals Outcasts said goodbye to a winning run of 12 matches, halted by the White Rebels by 40 pins.

RESULTS Division 1 - Gunners 531 (Dan Gratton 82, Mark Penfold 81, Bernie Harris 71), Shunters 531 (Jon Mear 72, Richard Adams 71); Cowboys 525 (Pat Hancock 87, Dave Luff 83), Tryer's 441 (Jake Gooding, Cliff Russell 59); The Little Acorns 473 (Wayne Hand 69), Snurgers 477 (Simon Lismore 71); The Poachers 466 (Steve McCann 72), The Lads 441 (Les Clutterbuck 68); Steamers 465 (Tony Burrow 71), Bombers 470 (Keith Morgan, Mike Galley 68); Robins (bye).

Division 2 - Four Finger Club 478 (Leon Moody 68), Mauricemen 463 (Bobby Evans 65); Crown Criminals 447 (Nigel Hodge 63), Radio Social 473 (Kevin Cheeseman 71); Rouges 497 (Richard May 78, Paul Hale 72), Odds & Ends 529 (Mike Tasker 84, Harry Symis, Dan Connelly 73, Pete Watts 72); Social Club 452 (Bob Orledge 67), Off The Rails 481 (Greg Facey 75, Richard Pope 70); Wanderers 500 (Richard Councell 80, Roy Sperring 80), Misfits 456 (Tony Finka 66); The Hedgejumpers (bye).

Division 3 - Bombardiers 483 (Phil Middleton 71), Berrow Hotel 511 (James Gibbons 76, Rob Niblett 75); Alleycats 464 (Mike Jarvis 72), Railway Burtle 420 (Vic Burgoyne 62); Brent Knoll Inn 455 (Russell Dixon 73), Bellends 435 (Ben Gibbs 60); Why Try? 415 (Joe Osgood 66), Nobby's One 415 (Benny Hill 61); Rovers 413 (Jim Wright 63), Juniors 456 (Martin Pople 69); Ghosttrains (bye).

Division 4 - Top House 443 (Brian Harvey 62), Bridgemen 416 (Paul Case 58); If Only 485 (Neil Close 73), Rafascals 472 (Craig Smith 67); White Rebels 480 (Richard Wall 75), Outcasts 440 (Caine Harding 66); Legionaires 449 (Dick Moore 67), Lymp Dicks 424 (Grahame Hale 72); Outsiders 486 (Bob Stiddard 77), Berrow Basicas 438 (Alfie Richards 67); Home Guard (bye).