Yatton’s Wanderers Claim Top Spot at UK Skittles Weekend
A team of skittles players from Yatton are celebrating a major victory after being crowned champions at the first Serious About Events Skittles Weekend, a UK-wide competition held at the Ashbury Hotel from 20–22 March.
The Wanderers triumphed over 27 other teams from across the UK, including sides travelling from Wales, Wiltshire, Bristol, Gloucester, Badsey, Worcester, Swindon, Street and even as far afield as Dover, to take the prestigious title. They fought their way into the finals as the highest-scoring runners-up before delivering a standout performance to secure the championship.
Adding to their achievement, The Wanderers donated their £170 prize money to Cancer Research UK, the event organiser’s chosen charity and also received a £150 voucher for their next team tour.. Combined with other fundraising efforts over the weekend, more than £840 was raised for the cause.
Team captain Andy Dickinson said:
“We have been playing skittles together for 25 years, but we really caught the ‘Serious About Events’ bug back in 2010. After a taste of glory at the Derwent Hotel in 2014, this win in Okehampton feels incredible, especially coming through as runners-up into the final.”
The Wanderers are a close-knit group who compete weekly in the Nailsea District League and Clevedon District League. Their team includes a wide mix of professions, from lorry drivers and builders to mechanics and even a college lecturer.
One of the weekend’s standout moments was a friendly father-and-son rivalry between Ian and Aron. Aron stole the spotlight with an impressive score of 60, earning the highest men’s score of the tournament, much to his father’s dismay.
The team is also known for a quirky tradition: for the duration of the weekend, every player answers to the name “Dave” a fun touch that reflects the camaraderie and spirit of the event.
Andy Dickinson added:
“It’s the people and the atmosphere that make these weekends so special. We were already planning next year’s fancy dress outfits on the coach home and are already booked to attend the Ilfracombe tournament next year!”
The Wanderers also praised event organisers Rachel and Karen for running a brilliant first tournament and creating such a welcoming atmosphere for all teams.
Photo:
Player L-R
Back Row: Aaron Norton, Ryan Ball, Giles Harris, Simon Harris, Paul Cox
Mid: Ian Norton, Anton Harris, Kieran Bear
Front: Andy Dickinson, Steve Harris, Marcus Bear
