Even with an early start time at Secoma Lanes, the bowlers came out firing, with some nice scoring in every squad.  Secoma Lanes had a League bowling after our tournament, so to finish by 5pm, we were limited in squad size.  Despite 2 squads with nearly 60 bowlers, we didn't need to turn anyone away and we finished with time to spare (7 minutes).  Thanks to everyone for making this happen, Staff & Members alike!  Scores were PERFECT again this weekend, with a low to cash at 914, right on target.  With a first squad high of 1033, we saw many bowlers shooting their personal best scores and making a serious run at the title.  We also saw several bowlers have that one bad game rearing its ugly head, that kept them from finishing in the top spot.  Finishing in 5th place is Art Peters, father of Brian Peters, who just moved back in the area and in his forth tournament, came out firing a nice 1003 series besting his best scratch score by 132 pins AND beating Brian in the process.  The 9-Tap Jackpot was at a huge $7,785.00 and we again had several attempts of taking it down this week. 

Celebrating his 89th Birthday Thursday, Leon Bemis was going for the Middle-7 Taps and a $500.00 Bonus.  Going into the 10th frame, Leon had 5 Taps in-a-row, his 6th shot hit the pocket a little light leaving a 7-pin for 6 in-a-row.  As you expect from a 'Seasoned Veteran', Leon put the Money Shot where it needed to be,  just a little high but sadly leaving an 8 count.  Check out the video of his final shot (below).  

 

 

Click Here for Leon going for the Middle 7 Taps

 

 

Going for the Front 7-Taps, Greg Burdsall strung the first 5 but on his 6th ball, he flushed the pocket for a nice strike. For the Front-5 Taps, Greg gets the Consolation Bonus of $250.00.  BUT, WATCH OUT FOR NEXT WEEK!  The 9-Tap Jackpot grew to it's 2021 high of $8,094.00, triggering an automatic INCREASE of 50% for all of the Consolation Bonuses!!  So next week, the 7-Middle Taps that Leon was shooting for, will be worth a hefty $750.00, instead of $500.00!! 

 

Our Winner this week, is a first time Champion, who also shot his Personal Best series.   James Dowling, using his Global ZEN, drilled at the Paradise Lanes Pro Shop, ripped off a nice 1053 series with FOUR consistent games.  Apparently, James didn't realize how high his scores were.  He commented after he finished, that he didn't expect to be the Winner, only thinking he might have shot well enough to crack the Top Five or Ten.  James originally joined the Tour back in 2012 and returned just before the Covid Shutdown.  He's had a nice 2021 with THREE Top 5 finishes prior to his Big WIn.  With his tidy winnings of $1,891.00, he is planning to surprise his favorite fan, his wife, with some gifts.  He would also like to thank his fellow 9-Tap bowlers for rooting him on.  

 

Secoma Champion James Dowling 

With a 1033 series fired in the first squad, the "Legend", Tong Nguyen again finishes in Second Place.  Last week, he also had the lead at Daffodil Lanes following the first squad.  Tong was hoping his score would hold up this week, nervously pacing the floor the rest of the afternoon.  His hopes were dashed in the final squad, when James finished with his biggest game of the day.  Tong's second place finish brings him home a really nice $856.00.   

Chris Andreula, a TWO time Title holder, finished in third place, firing a strong 1020 series.  He was one of bowlers foiled by that one game that got away from him.  His last title was in 2016, so it was great seeing him come back with his highest finish in the last two years.  His low game of 171 most likely kept him from his 3rd title.  For Chris's 3rd Place finish, he claims a hefty $464.00 payday.