After week one’s high
and lows, it almost appeared the second week of X-Town competition was going to
generate the same results. But fortunately for Elgin Lanes that did not happen
as they claimed their second Elgin X-Town Classic title in three years. Bowlway
left Elgin Lanes leading by a small margin, but that was quickly wiped out, and
left both teams scrambling to gain the advantage, which Elgin Lanes safely
secured in the last game between the two teams, taking a 120 pin lead to
victory.
It’s safe to say that
the last two years of competition have generated some of the most exciting
matches ever played in the history of the Elgin X-Town Classic. While the early
years of the tournament were primarily about resurrecting the idea of scratch
match-play bowling, the tournament has now grown into something much more
mature, where both teams have shaken off most of the nerves that come with
performing in front of a live audience, and they just want to win. There is respect
between both teams, but also a serious competitiveness. The bowling has gotten
better as well and that has attracted larger crowds of people to both bowling
centers.
THE RECAP
Coming into the second week, Bowlway was leading ahead 5-2 in points and a narrow 86-pin lead. To win the tournament, Bowlway had to win two games or win one game and end the series with the higher pin total – both of which are difficult tasks under these kind of conditions.
During game one at Bowlway Lanes, the Elgin squad once again wasted little time getting started. They quickly began stringing strikes and pulled away from Bowlway in a convincing display. Led by Keith Davis (256), Steve Mundt (245), and Brian Kummet (226), Elgin Lanes won big 1,118-1,028 over Bowlway, led by Sean Hargadon (227), Dan Martin (226) and JJ Meyer (218). At this point, Elgin Lanes was still trailing 5-4 in points, but were ahead by 4 in total pin count.
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| Elgin takes title. From left: Keith Davis, Brian Kummet, Steve Mundt, John Mundt, Drew Perly and Lex Perly. Photo by Bruce Shipyor. |
THE RECAP
Coming into the second week, Bowlway was leading ahead 5-2 in points and a narrow 86-pin lead. To win the tournament, Bowlway had to win two games or win one game and end the series with the higher pin total – both of which are difficult tasks under these kind of conditions.
During game one at Bowlway Lanes, the Elgin squad once again wasted little time getting started. They quickly began stringing strikes and pulled away from Bowlway in a convincing display. Led by Keith Davis (256), Steve Mundt (245), and Brian Kummet (226), Elgin Lanes won big 1,118-1,028 over Bowlway, led by Sean Hargadon (227), Dan Martin (226) and JJ Meyer (218). At this point, Elgin Lanes was still trailing 5-4 in points, but were ahead by 4 in total pin count.
Game two
saw the lanes begin to change, and once again, Bowlway took advantage by
filling frames with strikes and critical spares, while Elgin Lanes had some
crucial misses down the stretch. Led by Dan Martin (234), Daryl Ruck Jr. (221)
and Sean Hargadon (203), Bowlway held on to a narrow victory 985-974 over Elgin
Lanes, led by Keith Davis (206) and Steve Mundt (200). This helped Bowlway
extend its lead to 7-4 in points and reclaim a small 7pin lead.
With
everything hinging on the last game, Bowlway would essentially need to win to retain
the title. While both teams played cat and mouse for the first seven frames, gaining
and giving up the lead, Elgin Lanes began to string strikes and start pulling
away. Led once again by the bottom three of their lineup: Drew Perly (229),
Brian Kummet (235) and Keith Davis (237) sealed the game with a commanding
1,054-927 victory over Bowlway. This win brought Elgin within 7-7 in points,
leaving the total pin tie-breaker to determine the final outcome. Fortunately, Elgin
Lanes finished the day ahead and the whole tournament with a 120 pin lead,
earning them their second Mayor’s Cup in three years.
BOX SCORE
Team Elgin 1118 974 1054 = 3,146
Team Bowlway 1028
985 927 = 2,940
Team Elgin: led by Keith Davis with a
699 series, Drew Perly (640), Brian Kummet (636), Steve Mundt (604) and John
Mundt (567). The team finished with 3,146 total pins for a team average of
209.7. The total pins for two weeks
was 6,210 for a 207 team average.
Team Bowlway: led by Dan Martin with a 650 series, Sean Hargadon (612), Daryl
Rucki Jr. (597), Mike Grocke (550) and JJ Meyer (531). The team finished with
2,940 total pins for a team average of 196. The total pins for two weeks was
6,090 for a 203 team average.
RECAP
Game one: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 5-4 in points.
Game two: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 7-4.
Game three: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 7-6.
Series totals: Team Bowlway is tied with Team Elgin 7-7.
Game one: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 5-4 in points.
Game two: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 7-4.
Game three: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 7-6.
Series totals: Team Bowlway is tied with Team Elgin 7-7.
Team Elgin leads in total pins by 120. Elgin Lanes wins Elgin
Cross-Town Classic VI.
