Jan 10th 2026 – Skittles, Shenanigans & £400 for Charity!

There are sporting rivalries… and then there’s this. After the heartbreak of 2025, when Perseverance Lodge 4554 snatched victory and bragging rights, the long‑awaited rematch finally rolled into the Victory Club in Cheltenham. And this time, The Prince of Wales Lodge 951 arrived battle‑hardened, finely tuned, and allegedly having endured an autumn of gruelling, monk‑like training in the ancient and noble art of skittles.

Rumours of altitude camps, ice baths, and mindfulness sessions in front of YouTube videos of professional bowlers remain unconfirmed — but the determination in their eyes said it all.

A Gladiatorial Arena

As the two teams entered the alley, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The Victory Club had never felt more like the Colosseum — albeit with more beer pumps and fewer lions.

Pleasantries were exchanged, handshakes were offered, and then the referee, the legendary Big Bad Al, stepped forward. With the authority of a man who has seen far too many skittles disputes in his lifetime, he laid down the law:

• No gouging
• No stamping
• No hair pulling
• But a healthy amount of mickey‑taking was not only allowed but actively encouraged

With that, both teams huddled for last‑minute tactics while the substitutes began their warm‑ups… at the bar.

The Match Begins

From the very first throw, you could slice the tension with a butter knife. Perseverance came out strong, toppling skittles with the confidence of a team who had tasted victory before and fancied another helping.

End after end, the scoreboard ticked in their favour.

But The Prince of Wales Lodge had not spent autumn training for nothing. Slowly, steadily, and with the grit of true sporting heroes, they began to claw their way back. Precision throws, tactical banter, and the occasional lucky bounce brought them level. Soon it was neck and neck, and the alley was buzzing.

Drama on the Lanes

The physios were barely needed — a testament to the supreme conditioning of these elite athletes — but they were called into action once.

Brother Keith, mid‑launch of one of his trademark missiles, encountered a treacherous hazard: a rogue wine spillage. One slip, one wobble, and he was down.

Fortunately, after a brisk rub with the magic sponge and the replenishment of his now‑empty wine glass, he was back on his feet and ready to rejoin the fray. A true warrior spirit.

Half‑Time: A Welcome Respite

When the half‑time whistle blew, both teams were still intact, still competitive, and still convinced they were winning. The break saw players retreat to the bar for essential hydration and a selection of scrummy snacks that would make any nutritionist weep.

The second half promised drama, tension, and possibly more wine‑related incidents — but that’s a tale for the next instalment.

Second Half: The Battle Intensifies

If the first half had been tense, the second half was pure theatre. The nip‑and‑tuck exchanges continued end after end, each team refusing to blink. But then… the atmosphere shifted.

The doors to the alley swung open and in marched the wives, partners, and friends — a wave of fresh supporters whose cheers, heckles, and “helpful advice” added a whole new dimension to the contest. The energy lifted, the noise rose, and suddenly the match felt less like a skittles game and more like a cup final at Wembley.

No group made a bigger impact than the Wearing clan. Khyrn, Karin, and Rob arrived like a tactical substitution triple‑threat, bringing with them a surge of morale that The Prince of Wales Lodge desperately needed. With their encouragement (and occasional pointed reminders not to mess it up), the team began to grow in confidence.

Perseverance, who had started the match so brightly, began to fade. Their early swagger gave way to muttered calculations, nervous glances at the scoreboard, and the unmistakable sound of hope slipping away like a skittle wobbling before finally toppling.

The Prince of Wales Lodge, fuelled by autumn training, crowd support, and possibly the bar snacks, surged ahead. By the final ends, they were unstoppable. The comeback was complete. The victory was handsome. And the bragging rights — reclaimed at last.

The ‘Killer’ Round: Only the Brave (and the Sober-ish)

With the team event settled, attention turned to the legendary Killer round — the individual showdown for those who still had the energy, coordination, and stomach capacity to compete.

A brave handful stepped forward. Others stepped back toward their drinks. The standard, it must be said, began to wobble faster than a poorly‑thrown ball. Precision gave way to enthusiasm. Technique gave way to improvisation. And yet, somehow, the drama remained.

Through the chaos, one man rose above the rest.

Brother Antony of The Prince of Wales Lodge — calm, composed, and apparently immune to the effects of snacks and beverages — delivered the goods. While others faltered, he found his rhythm, sending skittles flying with the grace of a seasoned champion. In the end, he stood alone as the Killer victor, earning applause, admiration, and possibly a well‑earned top‑up at the bar

A Night to Remember

As the final balls rolled and the last skittles settled, one thing was clear: it had been a truly wonderful night of fun, laughter, and the kind of friendly rivalry that brings out the very best in both lodges. Family, friends, partners, and supporters filled the Victory Club with good cheer, proving once again that these matches are about far more than just the scoreline.

Thanks to everyone’s generosity — and perhaps a little competitive spirit at the raffle table — over £400 was raised for charity, to be shared equally between the two lodges.

With spirits high and bragging rights restored, thoughts now turn eagerly to Round 3. If the first two encounters are anything to go by, it will be a showdown absolutely not to be missed.