DORCHESTER mixed skittles side Dorset Knobs & Knockers have qualified for the grand finals of the Butcombe British Skittles Championships at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay on September 19.

The Dorset outfit kicked off their campaign with a close victory over Weymouth’s Motley Crew, with Andy Taylor hitting a 13-pin stickup to seal victory.

The first home match on their Colliton Club alley was the visit of Griffins Head from Nether Compton, and after a close start the home side won by 12 pins. Wendy Burt’s two stickups during the match was the difference between the two sides.

The return match at Griffins Head was another close affair with the county town side winning by 17 pins.

The K & Ks played their last match in the group at home to Motley Crew knowing victory would clinch their place at the finals.

And it was Burt again who inspired her side with two stickups in the first two hands, 16 and then 18, to help the home side to an early 16-pin lead.

Although the Crew pulled eight pins back on the third hand, the home side finished the stronger and ran out winners by 25 to book their place at Torquay.

Captain Terry Gosney was pleased with the outcome, saying: “All four games were close and really could have gone either way, but credit to the team for turning the matches into victories.”

The Dorchester & District League fixture books, scorecards and cup draw will be available from the league secretary tomorrow at the Colliton Club from 7.30pm.

The books will also be available for collection on Saturday, August 8 between noon and 2pm at the Colliton Club.

Alternatively, you can contact Brian Newton on 854783. These two dates are the only times that the books will be at the Colliton Club.