With scores a little on the high side in our last few visits to Secoma Lanes, we seriously discussed adjusting the oil pattern a little bit, those discussions went on even up until the last minute! Then, with time running out, the oil machine seemed to have a mind of its own and apparently overheard the conversation and didn't want an adjustment.  As it turned out, with no adjustment, the scores were actually a little lower and our Cut Line was perfect at 910 as with 154 total entries, 31 bowlers made the Cash List. 

In what turned out to be one of our most competitive tourney's in quite some time, it came down to the wire with bowler after bowler making respective runs for the title!  Scott Fulp edged out Donna Columbo'searlier 983 and led with a 993 entering the final squad with bowlers likeKim Myron, Nat Laed, James Pippin, David Buckner and Shane Thompson all hot on Scottie's heels!  As Fulp paced back and forth to see if his score would hold up, one by one, the pursuit seemed to be failing as first Pippin's run fizzled, followed by Thompson, then Myron and Laed...As the last few shots were being thrown, Buckner was first to post a big score as he shot a career best (by 41 pins) 1020.  Soon after that, Thompson's 1019 went on the board so Buckner all but had it sewed up, right?  "NOT SO FAST"...said Tim Apthorp as he came out of nowhere with a booming 1077 to essentially steal the title away for his first Tour win! 

Buckner's 2nd place finish is his best finish to date as he gets $878.00 and couldn't be much happier with his performance telling us "I finally did it!"  Thompson was disappointed with his finish but not with his score as his 3rd Place finish netted him $439.00!  Great shooting! 

As promised, we paid out $10 bills on the spot to anyone who hit the first two 9-taps in any game and wound up doing so 24 times! THREE times toDonna Columbo and twice to Dan Grass & Bob Rouse!  One of the people who earned that $10 bill, didn't stop at two taps as Rudy Laed hit the front SIX, earning himself a shot at #7 and a HUGE Jackpot win of close to $7,000.00!  Rudy actually threw the perfect 9-pin shot on the 'Brooklyn' side and we can tell you that he happily settled for the $500.00 consolation. We also had a 'Middle 7' assault earlier in the day as Jeremy Truitt had a shot at tying Rudy and because we are paying all ties in full, Jeremy was shooting for $500.00 as well...Click on the pics below to see their videos! 

Before the 1st Squad, we were able to present Stu Gallagher with his Champion shirt from winning the 2017 Year-End Championship...

Congratulations Stu!

 

 

Tim Apthorp has been REALLY been working on his game in recent months and his performance on Saturday proves that practice and focus can really pay off!  Apthorp's winning scores of 256~261~286~274 show consistency and there was no letdown game for him.  Tim recently had Scott Halvarson from the recently opened 'Triple P's Pro Shop' at Tower Lanes drill his new 900 Global 'Drift' ball.  Tim said he "I Felt in the zone and was excited that this Championship finally happened, It's been a long time coming!"  Tim's wife (Melanie) and his three kids were all on hand this week to cheer him on and after he was certain of the win, they all celebrated together.  Tim said he's treating the family to nice dinner and that he'll save the rest of his $1,920.00 check for their trip to Hope, Arkansas this Summer as his Sister (Courtney) is getting married.  Super bowling, Tim and congratulations!