Skittled

An all-female skittles team has been forced out of a bowling alley because its members do not drink enough.

The Matchmakers skittles team must find somewhere else to play after the women were told they were no longer welcome at the Gloucester Services Club. Club bosses decided the team was not generating enough revenue and a men's team would drink more alcohol.

Player Jennifer Eamer said the move was "sexist", but bosses denied this and said it was about the club's survival.

She arrived for the last game of the season and was given a letter telling her the Matchmakers must find a new home.
"The letter said the alley was no longer available because it had gone to another team," said Ms Eamer. We were shocked, we just couldn't believe that they could do it and give it to a men's team. I think it's sexual discrimination," she said.

Gloucester Services Club official Steve Earby denied the sexism claims. "This is nothing to do with sexism - it's a case of trying to keep the club afloat."

He said the Matchmakers spent between £20 and £30 on the evenings they played at the club, while a men's team would spend about £120 a time.

"We only have one alley at the club and with the Matchmakers playing we just don't make enough money to keep on going," he said.