The SHOCKED looks on the faces of many of our bowlers was priceless, after they threw their first few practice balls that never reached the head-pin.  The rare lane conditions were the result of a malfunctioning oil-machine, that wasn't 'stripping' the back 1/3 of the lane.  We thought that the lack of back-end ball reaction was going to have a big impact on the overall scoring.  To our amazement, IT DIDN'T!  4 bowlers reached 800, which was perfectly normal and the squads were very balanced with one of the Top 3 Finishers coming from each of the 3 squads.  The 'Cut-Line' was even slightly on the high side (746) for the 'Best 3 of 4' format.  We even had an extra Member that was added to the Cash List (28), thanks to a 'tie' for the last spot. 

 

A 3rd Ticket to Paradise?  3 years ago, four of our regular bowlers, Rob & Lisa and Bruce & Kathy, moved to Arizona.  Bruce & Kathy moved back last year and Rob & Lisa have made frequent trips north, bowling with us when they're visiting.  Lisa was the first of the bunch to Win, taking a 2009 Tournament at PARADISE before moving.  Last June, Kathy helped put pressure on the guys by Winning, also at PARADISE.  Saturday, Bruce Gorr took his FIRST Championship and it was... ticket #3 for PARADISE!  That really puts the pressure on Rob, who's been 'left at the station', still waiting in line for his ticket.  Bruce actually gives credit to his Brother-in-Law Rob for a few pointers given during his first entry.  Bruce put the tips to work, coming back in his 2:30 squad re-entry, locking-up the Win, shooting 844 in his first 3 games.  He said that the $2,325.00 in Prize Money would come in handy, since they have a trip to another 'Paradise' (Florida) planned for next month.  His weapon of choice this week was aRoto Grip 'Wrecker', from Peter Somoff's Secoma Pro Shop.  Bruce told Kathy on Saturday morning that it, "Was going to be HIS day"!  Kathy reminded him that Paradise was sister Lisa and her House... Bruce asked me to state emphatically, "Oh No - NOT TODAY"!  CONGRATS Bruce on Win #1.

 

In 2nd Place, Asa (Tracy) Dunlap made a run in the last squad, throwing his biggest game last, for an excellent 822.  His best finish to date, was worth an awesome $1,030.00 payday.  6 of the Top 7 finishers were chasing their first Tour Titles at Paradise.  The Veteran in the group with 2 previous Titles, was the 1st squad leader, Bob Matlock.  His 816 held on for 3rd Place and a healthy $520.00 in earnings.  The 4th 800 seriesSaturday, came from a 'ladder climbing' Ron Halverson, who's last 4 Cashes have been 20th, 12th, 7th & now 4th.