The heat is on as the men's teams wait to hear their fate in

the battle for the title of Blackthorn British Skittles

champions 2008.

The last matches have been played in the group round,

leaving many teams to sit and wait until they know their fate

as the results are compiled.The top two teams in each group and

the top 10 third-placed teams qualify for the knockout

rounds.

Bombers, from Highbridge, gained maximum points of 21 from

their matches to secure their place in the next stage.

Reigning Blackthorn Champions Gloster Gladiators are top of

their group undefeated, but Conti Sports, from Cainscross,

Cirencester, are hot on their heels. Both teams have one match

to play.

Grand Finalists in 2007, Wellington Mowers and Willows, from

Newton Abbot, are looking hot possibilities for this year's

competition, standing undefeated with just one encounter

left.

Westsiders' men's team, from Worcester, ensured a berth in

the knockout rounds with an away win against Stroud side Pot

Bellies.

Man of the match was M Wright, of Westsiders, with 64.

The win put Westsiders top of their group with just the

return match to play against Pot Bellies, but they cannot be

caught and are guaranteed a place in the next round.

Coleford Bowlovers, the ladies 2007 Blackthorn Champions,

are showing their strength as they look favourites to finish

top of their group and head to Sand Bay Leisure resort in

September to defend their title.

New mixed team Pirates of Posset, from Portishead, have

qualified for the knockout stages after finishing second in

their group to Weston team SFA.

Dorchester mixed skittle side The Management made it two

wins out of two with an empathic victory over Monster Oaks at

the Royal Oak, Milborne St Andrews.

Star player of the night was Phil Slade, of the Management,

who hit 51.

Men's side The Imps finally got a win in this year's

championship with an away victory over Section A rivals Dewlish

Monsters.

The Imps finished with a 55 hand to leave Monsters with the

almost impossible task of hitting 82 to win the game. They

finished with 53 to give the Imps a 28-pin victory.

Andy Crabb was the star man of the night with 52 for the

home side, while Keith Wyatt was top for the Imps with 48.

The Grand Finals take place at Sand Bay Leisure Resort,

Weston-super-Mare on Saturday, September 20. The winning team

in each category will receive a share of £5,250 prize

money.