Exeter's Loungers begin their British title challenge

Exeter’s hopes for this year’s British Skittles Championships rest with the Loungers men’s team who stormed through to the finals last year.  The team from the Kings Pub in Cowick Street, only fell at the final hurdle against the more experienced Wiltshire Wonders, who were previous champions.

The team’s runner-up performance in the grand finals held in Torquay, was their best ever and captain Rob Parkhouse is fielding the same team in the hope of victory.

‘We need to qualify first and that won’t be easy, said Rob cautiously. ‘There are some great teams to play against in the regional rounds and play offs.  But we’re looking forward to playing on different away alleys.  We’ve had a good season winning the championship in our local league so we hope to carry that form into the competition.’

Rob himself hit the headlines a couple of years ago when he had to interrupt his Spanish holiday to come back for the finals. 

‘I was so convinced we wouldn’t qualify that my wife and I booked a holiday in Spain,’ he said.  ‘When we did, I realised I had to get back somehow to take part.’

Rob ended up leaving his wife to enjoy herself in the sunshine while he made a 24 hour trip back to the UK via Bristol airport to play in the championship.  Needless to say he won’t be doing that again.

‘I’ve been checking the players availability to make sure half the team wouldn’t be away on their holidays.  We don’t want anybody flying back this time!’

This year’s championship kicks off next month with a series of regional rounds and play offs.

This year’s championship is expected to attract at least 150 teams who will be battling hard for a coveted place in the grand finals in September.  Only 64 teams will qualify to make the trip to Torquay in South Devon for a long day of skittling like no other. 

The event is organised by Serious About Events of Torquay who also run a range of sports and themed weekends throughout the year.  They’re also sponsoring this year’s championships and offering generous sporting weekends away for the winning teams as well as trophies, medals and champions’ teeshirts.

Serious About MD Rachel Bourke predicted another keenly fought competition this year.

‘We are extremely proud to be event sponsors once again this year,’ she said. ‘The atmosphere during the whole competition is electric.  From the knock out rounds, to the play offs and then the grand finals, it’s tension all the way.  But it’s also fantastic fun too. 

‘The atmosphere at the grand finals is quite unique with one thousand skittlers and their supporters under one roof.  Once the winners are crowned, the party begins.

‘Our themed weekends create the same atmosphere.  Everyone wants to win of course.  Who wouldn’t with British titles up for grabs?  But nobody loses sight of the fact that this is a fun sport and sometimes a little bit of luck is involved.’

Entries close on April 7.  To find out more visit www.seriousaboutevents.co.uk/skittles/british-championships