EVEN though the Barry Stars ladies skittles team didn't come away with any trophies at the Butcombe British Championships this year, there was plenty to celebrate as one of their team, Sasha Morgan became engaged to Scott Evans at the competition, amid congratulations from all the team.

The women’s team, who play out of the Sea View Club, reached the quarter finals last year at their first attempt. However this year they were up against former champions the Sinners from Exeter and exited gracefully after the first round. First round losers automatically enter the women’s Plate competition and the team valiantly reached the semi finals before going out to St John’s Rollers from Weston Super Mare.

This year’s Butcombe British Skittles Championships, which began in April with a series of leagues and playoffs, involved nearly 150 teams from all over the UK of which 64 qualified for Saturday’s finals. It is now being registered as the biggest skittles tournament in the world, with Guinness World Records. By the time the final ball was been thrown, 1,696 people had taken part in 472 matches over much of the country. More than a quarter of a million skittles were stuck up and then knocked down by over 130,000 balls.

And by the time the winners reached the podium, the competitors had played the equivalent of nearly 30 days worth of skittles.

‘We know of no other skittles competition in the world that involves so many people,’ said Rachel. ‘So a record will definitely be set and we hope confirmed soon by Guinness.'

Guy Newell, boss of Butcombe Brewery who were sponsoring the event for the first time, congratulated all the teams on their performances.

"What a fantastic competition," he said. "Everyone at Butcombe Brewery has been impressed with the standard of play, sportsmanship and most importantly the sense of fun and enjoyment from these championships."