PLAYING in memory of their friend a Ross-on-Wye skittles team proved they remain one of the country's best teams by clinching another major national title.

Deano’s Number Ones, who play out for Golf Sports Bar in Ross, beat 35 other teams from across the country to win the Serious About Events Series of skittles tournaments in Weston Super Mare recently.

They once again dedicated their victory to much missed team mate Dean Wright who died from cancer seven years ago, aged just 36. Following his death the team promptly changed their name from The Royals in his honour.

Deano’s Number One sent A and B teams to the national tournament, which they have been competing in for the past 22 years. They won the very first tournament they entered but only found their winning form again when the team changed its name in honour of Wright.

As always they send A and B teams, and between them, they have won three out of four tournaments in the past five years.

Teams organiser Sid Wright said each victory feels as though 'Deano' is watching them.

"We never send the same teams twice, picking names out of the hat to mix it up a bit each year," he said.

"This year was a classic example of everything going right on the day."

In the group stages, captain Jaime Jones' team were clocking up 390 pins on average in the group stages but in the finals it all came good with a score of 429, five points clear of their nearest rivals Highway to Hell on 424.

The team promptly donated their prize winnings to Cancer Research UK.

The competition is part of the Serious About Events annual series of tournaments of around 20, drawing teams from all over the UK. They also stage the annual British Skittles Championships.