It was a day of high scores and fast-paced action
before both teams effectively ran out gas by the end of it all. Host center Elgin
Lanes dominated the first game, but then Bowlway stormed back to win the second
and third games during
the first weekend of the sixth-annual Elgin Cross-Town Classic. Bowlway left
Elgin Lanes in front 5-2 in points and posted a narrow 86-pin lead in what turned
out to be some of the highest scoring matches in recent years.
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Bowlway Lanes' Dan Martin led all scoring with a 677 series. Photo by Bruce Shipyor. |
In game
one, Elgin Lanes came out quick and was relentless, throwing strike after
strike. At one point, three of their bowlers each had seven strikes in a row.
This led to an easy victory with Elgin Lanes posting an incredible 1,187 team
score, led by Keith Davis (279), Drew Perly (269) and Brian Kummet (257).
Bowlway responded with a sold 1,048 team score, which would normally be enough to
win a game, led by JJ Meyer (243), the youngest player ever to bowl in the X-Town at 19 years old and Sean Hargadon (217).
During
the second game, the lanes began to transition and started hooking more. Bowlway
adapted well, posting a convincing 1,098 score, led by Sean Hargadon (243), JJ
Meyer (241) and Mike Grocke (223). Elgin Lanes fell sharply off from its first
game, posting a 957 team score, led by Steve Mundt (216) and Drew Perly (202).
By the
third game, the lanes were hooking even more, and making specific adjustments
as crucial. Both teams appeared to be tired after the emotional highs and lows
in the previous games. As a result, some of the accuracy of the players began
to slip away. Still, Bowlway scraped out a 1,004 score led by Dan Martin (279) and
Sean Hargadon (203). Elgin Lanes was able to muster a 920 team score, led by
Steve Mundt (208) and Brian Kummet (204).
Going
into Bowlway Lanes this Saturday, the home team will have a chance to win the
title outright by winning two games. If they only win one game, then it will
come down to total pins, and Bowlway’s 86-pin lead is really not that much when
you consider the results of past tournaments.
Bowlway
traditionally plays a little tighter than Elgin and the scoring can be low, but
if last week is any indication, the emotions should be high as both teams
finish out year six of this classic tournament.
BOX SCORE
Team Bowlway 1048 1098 1004 =
3,150
Team Elgin 1187
957 920 = 3,064
Team Bowlway: led by Dan Martin with a 677 series, JJ Meyer (671), Sean
Hargadon (663), Mike Grocke (575), and Daryl Rucki J. (564). The team finished 210
average.
Team Elgin: led by Brian Kummet with
641 series, Keith Davis (638), Drew Perly (627), Steve Mundt (592) and John
Mundt (566). The team finished with a 204.2 average.
RECAP
Game one: Team Elgin leads Team Bowlway 2-0 in points.
Game two: Team Bowlway ties Team Elgin 2-2.
Game three: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 4-2.
Series totals: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 5-2.
Game one: Team Elgin leads Team Bowlway 2-0 in points.
Game two: Team Bowlway ties Team Elgin 2-2.
Game three: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 4-2.
Series totals: Team Bowlway leads Team Elgin 5-2.
Team Bowlway leads in total pins by 86.
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic VI
continues this week at Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa Street, on Saturday, April 21, starting at 1pm. The team that wins the
most match-game points over the two week’s competition will be declared Elgin’s
Match Game Champions and will personally receive the Mayor’s Cup from Elgin
Mayor Dave Kaptain. The event is free and open to the public. It’s sponsored by
Bowlway Lanes, Elgin Lanes, Elgin Today, madwill creative, and is certified by
the United States Bowling Congress.
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