WILTSHIRE Wonders, Melksham’s double championship winning skittles team, are currently top of their group as they head to Torquay to play their last seven games, looking at lifting their third national championship trophy.
Team member John Wiltshire reports, “At the halfway stage we were on top of the group, with only one loss from their four games. We were looking to cement our position and book our place in the finals to defend our crown as national champions at the Serious About Events’ British skittles championship at the Riviera Centre, Torquay.
“With three home games remaining and a trip to Bristol, we had a great chance but being as we were in the “group of death” with two other previous winners, nothing was guaranteed.
“A trip to Bristol against former 2010 champions NIBS (who beat the Wonders in the final) was first. We played brilliantly, beating the opposition by 23 pins 283-306 (notable performances from Chris Waylen and Mark Wiltshire who turned their pair around, also Kevin Waylen and JD Wiltshire who both scored over 40). Passing shots from Chippenham were the next visitors to Seend Community Centre but they couldn’t raise a side and forfeited the game. Berkeley boys from Gloucester were next but went home empty-handed as the Wonders won by 20 pins 340-320. Top individual was Mark Wiltshire with a great score of 52.
“Finally we saw Weston St. John’s come to Seend, and after four legs the scores were tied, but the Wonders slowly pulled away in the final two legs, winning 323-312.
“So, that was the regionals done and dusted, played 8, won 7, lost 1. A trip to Torquay and 7 more games stand in the way of a record third national championship.”
