It's that time of year again when the gauntlet is thrown down to see which team is worthy of lifting the title of Blackthorn British Champions.

Now in its sixth year, the Championship is the UK's premier skittles event.

There are three categories – men's, ladies and mixed.

The challenge of playing with different formats, alleys and styles of play is the main attraction, as well as meeting new teams and players.

Forty-eight teams will qualify for the major skittles event of the year, the Blackthorn Grand Finals in September at Weston.

Last year, teams from Bath and Devon carried off the titles.

With entries coming in, last year's winning captains are waiting to see who will step up to challenge them.

John Cooke, skipper of champions Bath City, said: "To finally win the competition after four years of trying was an unbelievable feeling!

"It was an unforgettable experience with many highs and lows along the way.

"To qualify for the finals in 2009 would be a considerable achievement but to win it again would be incredible."

Dave Rowe, who leads the Sinners team, said: "Getting to the grand finals at Weston in our first year and winning it was absolutely fantastic, especially being unbeaten along the way.

"We aim to do the same this year, but we'll quite happily forego the unbeaten record in the qualifiers just to be crowned champions again."

Against a backdrop of pub closures across the West, this is an ideal event to help bring in trade to any pub with a skittle alley. Teams entering in the Blackthorn event mean a guaranteed number of nights bookings.

The championships will commence in May with regional groups playing home and away matches and the successful teams will proceed through to a series of knock-out rounds.

The Blackthorn Championship Grand finals will take place on September 19 at Sand Bay Leisure Resort, Weston-super-Mare.

The winning team in the men's event will receive £1,650, mixed event £1,200 and ladies event £1,000, all sponsored by Blackthorn Cider.

● Teams wishing to enter should contact the organisers, The Shoot Out Club on 01803 210210 or visit their website at www.shootoutclub.co.uk/bbsc. The closing date for entries into this year's competition has been extended until April 7.

Skittles tables: Page 40