ONE Step Beyond began their Beyond’s Serious About British Skittles Championships mixed team campaign with a victory over rivals, the Motley Crew.

The hosts, who are based at the Wyke Regis Social Club, started the new campaign with three new signings in the side, with Jordan Pring, Conner Saddington and Emma Patterson making their debuts against tough opposition.

One Step Beyond started the battle with a score of 62 with the away side replying the best way you could with an equally impressive 63.

A one-pin difference going into the second hand was also going to be as tight as team OSB’s 54 was narrowly better than the Motley’s 53.

A gigantic effort of 72 from the home side in the third, saw anchorman Matt Apsey continue his good winter form, after hitting an impressive 16 pin stickup.

However, Motley Crew were not deterred and bettered it with a 74 hand which saw their bottom two score high, Nobby Clarke (13) and David Maloney (12) helped give their side a two-pin advantage.

This tight affair continued as the home side plugged away with a score of 60 in hands four and five with their opponents hitting 57 on both of their hand.

One Step Beyond had a small lead going into the last and had to make this leg count if they were going to quash any Motley Crew fightback.

OSB’s final effort of 67, which saw Matt Apsey score yet another stickup (15) gave the side a final total of 375 to see the Motley Crew needing 70 to nick the game.

In what was a sterling effort for team MC it wasn’t enough as the side could only manage a 60 to hand an 11-pin victory to the hosts.

Home captain Chris Saddington was the happiest captain of the night.

"We now have to wait until June 16 for the return game at the Chapelhay but after that win the side are more than confident in getting the win against the Motley Crew once again."

Before that game the One Step Beyond’s Men’s side debut and take on the Chutneys Ferrets at home on Friday,. June 2 and away in Illminster on Friday, June 9.