A TEAM of skittlers from Puriton near Bridgwater has beaten no less than 32 teams to win a major trophy, at only their second attempt.

The Puriton Pirates triumphed after a nail biting qualifying round when they were tied on four points with two other teams from their group. The team, based at the Puriton Inn, only scraped through on their highest pin count. And so the stage was set for the eight team grand final. In the event, the Puriton Pirates found their form and stormed to a lead of 426, five points clear of their nearest rivals, the Slingers from Gloucestershire.

The Puriton Pirates first entered the competition three years ago and came fifth.

“To be honest, we didn’t realise how close we were to winning last time,” said captain Roger Palfrey. “But we got it right this time. The Secret of our success is enjoyment, we all love our skittles.”