The grudge match is on when Elgin Lanes faces Bowlway Lanes in this year's Elgin Cross-Town Classic rematch. Top bowlers from each bowling center are being chosen to compete in matches to find out who will be this year's champion. The event is free and open to the public.
The first three matches will be held on Saturday, March 1, at Elgin Lanes, 401 Shepard Drive, starting at 1 p.m. The following week, Bowlway Lanes at 810 Villa Street will host the next three matches, starting at 1 p.m. The team that wins the most match game points will be this year's Match Game Champion.
Event Coordinator Sean Hargadon expects this year to grow from last year's success. "The response last year was amazing," he said. "The support from the local community and the competition between both teams was more than we expected."
In last year's match, Team Bowlway jumped out in front, winning the first five matches before Team Elgin came back with a late surge that almost won the whole tournament. Bowlway prevailed, but only by 80 pins. Elgin Lanes General Manager Lex Perly vowed revenge for this year's contest. "We're going to kick some butt." Bowlway Lanes co-owner Norm Grocke said his team will be ready. "I'm sure it's going to be another great show," he said.
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic will feature five players per team, selected by the proprietors from each bowling center. The format is simple: Bowlway and Elgin Lanes will match their best bowlers against each other for three matches (games) at each bowling center. Whatever team has the most match points after two weekends is declared the winner.
Bowlers can win one point by beating his opponent each game along with a point for series. Each team will be able to win two points for each game won plus three points for series. There will be a possible 29 points that can be won each week. "This will add more excitement to the individual matches and heighten the action between the teams," added Hargadon. "The fans will be able to follow the action closer as well."
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic will be held on Saturdays, March 1 at Elgin Lanes and March 8 at Bowlway Lanes, starting at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. It’s sponsored by Bowlway Lanes, Elgin Lanes, Miller Lite, Bault Bowling, Elgin Today, and madwill creative. To learn more, please go to Facebook: Elgin Cross-Town Bowling Classic II.
