FOR the first time in the history of the Malvern Ladies Skittles League there had to be a play off to decide the runners-up place in the First Division.

The Wanderers and the Shunters finished in joint second place which culminated in the deciding game at Willie Thornes last week and what a game it turned out to be.

After a very exciting game no-one could believe that once again they had drawn, hence a sixth leg. The Shunters put in a splendid 65 leg and although Wanderers' Jackie Jones scored an excellent 14 spare to start them off the tension was too much. The Shunters became the League runners up, with their player Judy Browne being the top player on the night with 39.

FINAL league positions for the season:-

Division One: CK1's 216; Shunters 209; Wanderers 109; Royals 195; Willies Angels 187; Black Widows 1887, B Gees 185 ; Strikes 179; Alley Scramblers 177; Wooden Tops 176; BGCC 168; Hanley 147; Malvern Town Babes 145; Beacon Club 124; Sprinters 66, Horatios 63.

Division Two: Breakaways 198; Comets 177; Milkmaids 171; Express 169; Cradley Allsorts 167; Alley Cats 166; Wannabees 151 ; Thornebirds 147; Mad Maidens 137 ; Dolly Mixtures 124; Clarabelles 114; Victory Belles 998; Hunters 89; Newts 88.

The Joan Taylor Shield was played for on May Day Monday and the eventual winner was Val Gardiner. The profits of £50 went to her chosen charity, the Hayley Jeynes Fund, which raises money for the local Cancer Support Group.