AGAINST all the odds, a Gravesend-based ten-pin bowling team skittled the opposition by winning a regional tournament in Worthing.

The team managed to beat 25 others from around the country in the Sussex 6s, including squads like the Norwich Outlaws, who could only manage fourth place and are well respected across Europe.

The local D-Generation X team consisted of brothers Justin, 30, and Wayne Shaw, 22, with their dad Ivor, 50, who all come from Gravesend, along with Dartford's Paul Wheeler, 21, and Orpington pair Peter May, who is 49, and 20-year-old Neil Mason.

Peter, speaking in jubilant mood after his team's 230-point win, said: "Against all the odds we won, which was great because we are usually not that good!

"Some of the other teams have lots of internationals, but we don't. But our youngsters really bowled their socks off.

"Paul bowled a personal best in the tournament, which was a great feat on its own especially with the pressure of the big occasion.

"He won the singles, trios and fives, while coming third in the doubles, and was enough for us to win the overall competition.

"Paul has a quality action and is improving rapidly.

"In his three games, he usually would get 495 points. But this time he scored a hundred more in the singles, while hitting a brilliant 637 in the trios.

"It was the first thing we've ever won and to win this was fabulous."

Peter puts the win down to the good performance of the three youngsters in the squad, as they all performed above expectation.

He added: "The older guys played dead on average, but it was the youngsters who excelled."

"I've been bowling for 35 years and it's the high point of the recent years.

"If Neil and Paul maintain this level of form, the scouts will pick them up for an England place.

And the team, currently top of their Sunday League, were also bowled over with some handy Christmas cash of £1,200 in prize-money.

December 19, 2001 9:55

Gordon Law