WORCESTER’S Highwaymen missed out on a record fourth British men’s skittles title when pipped 256-252 in the final.

There were just four pins difference in Torquay as the teams went into the last leg at the Gasket Guy British Championships.

Highwaymen had not dropped a game in the preliminary rounds and play-offs yet their defence started poorly when losing the first game in their finals group.

But the three-time champions in 2012, 2013 and 2015 won through the group round by just one pin.

The Barbourne Ex Servicemen’s Club-based team beat Fabulous Baker Boys from Gloucester in the last eight 294-279.

Highwaymen then defeated Dorset’s Pin Ups 288-274 to face eventual champions Glevum Old Spots.

Captain James Rushton said: “I’m gutted but they played so well. We fought back but couldn’t quite get there this time.”

Rushton was runner-up in the men’s pairs with Steve McEwan.

Worcester’s Dirty Freshmen reached the semi-finals in only their second outing at the finals.

They beat Berkeley Boys from Gloucester 286-275 before losing to Glevum 260-252.

Unstopaballs from Red Hill Social Club won their mixed team group, defeating former champions Lucky Devils and Misalots.

But they lost their semi against High Flyers from Devon 293-281.

Worcester’s Numpty Dumptys and Dumpty Numptys and Colwall’s Double Crossers failed to survive the group rounds.

RESULTS — WORCESTER FRIENDLY LEAGUE WEDNESDAY DIVISION ONE

Bulls 413 (20) (A Bushell 42), Nu Way 381 (0) (D Small 40); Rushwick Cavalier 415 (18) (R Dawson 42, D Baker 41), Punchbowlers 379 (2) (R Taylor, A Taylor 40); Argonauts 425 (16) (T Griffiths 51), Legionaires 412 (4) (T Lane 41); Dirty Freshmen 444 (14) (G Jones 50, C Fenson 40), Highwaymen 428 (6) (O Banfield 43, C Ford 42, Matt Grainger 40); Rattlers 475 (18) (S Albone 46, I Casey, A Adkins, J Chambers 45, J Carey, K Collins 41), Barbarians 421 (2) (J Cook 45, M Watts, A Faulkner 40); Scorpions 417 (18) (A Clay 40), Windshields 391 (2) (R Barry 39); Leapers 390 (6) (J Diston 41), Alley Cats 395 (14) (P Stratford 44); Gauntlets 511 (16) (Josh Hemming 54, J Hemming, M Hemming 49, A Adams 46, K Lloyd, D Clarke 44, R Wilson 41, M Smith 40), Fat Anchors 506 (4) (K Holland 52, N Bright, D Sellick 49, P Hill 47, P Nicholls, L Haden 43, P Hughes 41, S Lucy 40).

DIVISION TWO

Ex Talbot 367 (2) (A Young 38), New Bees 381 (18) (A Scriven 39); Sharks 423 (2) (M Widdowson 43), Ex Cons 440 (18) (D Jackson 44, L Croad 42); Farmers Boy 420 (16) (P Knight 46, P Dwyer 40), Casuals 406 (4) (A Brown 45); Harvesters 394 (18) (J Thomas 36), Foxies 365 (2) (G Henderson, R Payne, D Hawkins 35); Young Ones 367 (20) (A Pugh 36), Groundhogs 300 (0) (S Duggan 34); Goodrest Invaders 408 (4) (M Chambers 43), Albert Hall 418 (16); Gun Slingers 451 (20), Frowouts 401 (0).