THE Motley Crew Mixed A team successfully earned their place at the finals of the Butcombe British Championship by finishing top of their qualifying group.

They won two and lost one of their last three matches to go through to next month’s championships in Torquay.

Their final run of games began with a 359-325 defeat to Dolphin Con Floppers in Chard.

Floppers dominated the match at the Chard Conservative Club and beat the Crew by 34 pins.

However, the Crew avenged that reverse by thrashing the same opponents by 74 pins back at Chapelhay Tavern.

Keeping the pressure on from the outset, the Crew hit nine squares between them, three of these from Dave Maloney.

Visiting captain Tony Finn achieved the top score for his side with 50, but the Floppers were no match for the home side.

In their final fixture, the Crew entertained the Rebels from Wyke WMC and they continued their excellent form of the previous game to win 375-337.

Captain Paul Perren claimed a top score of 56 with his opposite number, Andy Lowe, recording a hand of 55 for the Rebels.