FORCE 8 from the Newton Abbot Skittles League had their annual trip to Cornwall last month, bringing back the winning trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

Pentire Hotel in Newquay was the destination and the tournament took place between January 24 and 27.

On Saturday 25, there were qualifying matches in a round robin format.

It all began with a matchup against Taste the Rainbow from Tiverton, Force 8 winning 385-333 and the highest score was 57 courtesy of Barry Sharland.

Alan Hewings (62) top-scored in the next match as they beat Paignton’s Shots R Us 388-335.

The following day, Force 8 enjoyed victories over Sperm Warriors from Torquay and Odds & Sods from Tiverton. The scores were 387-344 and 369-252 respectively with Alan Hewings top-scoring against the former with 55.

Having finished top of the league, they advanced onto the semi-final where Exeter’s Alpha Boys lay in wait.

They won 390-358 to advance to the final with Kevin Clement’s 55 being the highest score.

An injury to one of the Force 8 players, Phil Pearce, during this game, resulted in a visit to Newquay Hospital to check out a head injury after a bouncing ball flew up hitting Phil in the head. Luckily, there was no serious damage (well no more than usual!) caused and Phil was able to return to see his team win the final.

Settler Boys from Tiverton were the final opponents and after an all-square 70-each first leg, Force 8 took a 1-pin lead.

63-52 was the third leg score to Force 8 before Settler Boys pulled four back in leg four.

A leg five victory left a sizable gap between the two which Settlers chiseled away at but couldn’t completely overcome, the score ending 363-360 in Force 8’s favour, a fourth win of this tournament.

Pictured, back row l-r are Chris Stolworthy, Andy Cornall, Phil Pearce, Paul Grainger and front row l-r are Kevin Clements, Alan Hewings (Capt), Barry Sharland, Bev Good, Adam Stolworthy.