The match of the round certainly lived up to its billing when New Castings took on Wednesday Division One rivals Highwaymen at the Herefordshire House in the Worcester Friendly Skittle League's Doris Styles Knockout preliminary round.

Castings had the better of the opening exchanges taking an eight-pin advantage into the third leg thanks largely to two 11 spares from Roger Gallagher and Darren Brace.

Veteran Don Hewlett's 14 spare helped pull back four pins on the third leg and then spares of 15 from Trevor Davis and 14 from Jamie Ballance put Highwaymen well in the hunt.

Castings faltered and recorded legs of 89 and 85 leaving Highwaymen 80 to win. Anchorman Mitch Fowles was left the daunting task needing the frame to win, and he floored eight to send the match into "extra-time".

Highwaymen, down to 11 players, recorded a fine 91, Dean Banfield notching a 15 spare which proved four pins too many for the Castings.

Scores: New Castings 443 (J.P. Carey 41, L. Carey, D. Brace 40), Highwaymen 443 (J. Ballance 45, Don Hewlett 43, M. Ballard 41). Highwaymen won after extra leg.

Surfers 401 (P. Hudspith 41), Hi-Flyers 373 (K. Roberts 38).

Troubleshooters 355 (M. Patrick 34), CADS 396 (D. Badderly 43, A. Craven 40).

B.R.M. & E. 409 P. Knight, D. Yapp 40), Prince "A" 436 (M. Greening 47, I. Thomlinson 43).

Tower All Stars 384 (D. Gwillam 39), Rushwick Cavaliers 390 (R. Kenwrick 41).

Outlaws 403 (J. Goode 39), Casuals 372 (M. Smith 36).

Ex-Cons 356 (D. Moseley 37), Legionnaires 370 (N. Loat 39).

Morganite defeated Leapers; New Raiders beat Freshmen.

Latest results in the County Cup:

Worcester and District League 511 (M Wright 55, M Taylor 47), Worcester Ladies 488 (N Powell 48, S Oxenham 48).

Malvern Ladies 468 (Sue Bond 45, Ann Rowley, Val Gardiner 42), Malvern Men 483 (Kevin Monk 50, Kevin Barnett, Terry Barker 45).