Turnout was a little on the light side for our 1st Quarter Championship at Narrows Plaza Bowl as 22 bowlers made Sunday's Finals as a result of 111 Entries.  The good news for these 22 bowlers is that the payouts were still amazingly high with a total payout of $8,834.00.  On Saturday, Willie Manning, Jr was high qualifier as he fired an incredible 1050, earning himself the Storm 'Alpha Crux' ball along with a 1st round Bye in Sunday's Finals.  Joining Willie with Bye's from Saturday were Earl Kleist (988) & Rob Richards (981), then on Sunday Samson Ibale shot the weekend's best score of 1058, earning the Top Qualifier spot and Jacket. 

 

When we closed shop on Saturday, there were EIGHT bowlers were tied for the most 9-Taps with three each.  It wasn't until the Final Squad on Sunday when Steve Ryan stepped up and hit the front four, earning himself $100.00 AND, as a result, the 9-Tap Jackpot jumped all the way up to $8,133.00 for our next Tournament at Roxbury Bowl IN TWO WEEKSwhere we'll have a 'Best 3 of 4' Format back in play!

 

As we moved into the Elite Eight on Sunday, there were three bowlers still in the mix who were all in search of their first Titles, two were looking for #2, one who was looking for #3, another looking for #10 and still another who was seeking #18!  As we moved into The Final Four, perhaps experience played a role as only previous Title holders remained for the Semi-Finals.  Will Cotton took on Earl Kleist and two of our highest avergaged bowlers, Samson Ibale and Rob Richards squared off with their respective -2 & -9 handicaps.  With Cotton and Ibale prevailing in the Semi-Finals, Kleist & Richards settled for $402.00 each for sharing 3rd Place.

 

Sunday's Final Match proved very exciting as Ibale jumped out in front early and had to hold on tight as Cotton caught fire late in the game.  In the end, it was one of the closest Finals matches EVER as Ibale edged out Cotton 230-228!  This is Samson's Tour Leading 18th Career Title and edges him ever so closer to the $60,000.00 mark in Career Earnings.  For Mr. Cotton, not a bad day either as he earned himself a fat check for $1,065.00 which puts Will into the $10,000.00 Club for Career Earnings!

With Title #18 in the books and the $60,000.00 mark on the horizon, what else is there for Samson to acheive?  How about being one of the only bowlers to be the weekend Top Qualifier, earn the jacket, then go on to Win the Tournament?  It seems that he is hungry to reach 20 Titles and beyond, perhaps?  We'll see, but one thing is for sure...This just in!  BREAKING NEWS!!!  Samson is a GOOD bowler!

 

Ibale used his Global 900 'Bankroll' ball drilled by Ed Dolfay and plans to use his $2,375.00 in earnings to fund his upcoming vacation to The Philippines!  This being Samson's 18th Title and all, we stopped buying him Champions shirts 13 wins ago.  Now, we have to figure out a spot to put his 18th Star!  We're sure Dottie can figure it out.  Congratulations, Samson!  Great Win!