An early 8:00 am check-in for bowlers in the first round, ready for the “Double Elimination” finals format in both Scratch and Handicap sections. 8 hours later at around 4:00 pm, 48 head-to-head matches completed (each match decided on – 2 games total pinfall) we were down to the Scratch and Handicap finals.
Paolo DiTofano had lost to Brian in the Winners section 3rd round by 421 to 370 and had fought his way back through the Losers section for the rematch. Paolo started strongly and remained in front throughout to take a 19 pin lead (210 -191) into the final game. Unable to maintain his form Paolo opened 3 frames (2 splits and a 9 miss) to post a 183 to Brian’s 217 (1 split) giving Brian the match and Handicap title by 408 to 393.
Karl Dryer just couldn’t get anything to go his way in the first game of the Scratch section Final and found himself 44 pins down (159 – 203) to Gareth. Game 2 was a different story, Gareth started with 4 strikes followed by a 9 miss, Karl started with 3 strikes and a split and then closed out the game 8 strikes in a row to post a 264 game. This meant Gareth had to close the 10th frame to win, which he did to score 226 and in doing forced the double elimination decider with a 429 win to Karl’s 423.
Karl continued to exert the pressure in the opening game with a 245 to Gareth’s 231 to take a 14 pin lead into the deciding game. An opening split for Karl, another in the 5th frame gave Gareth a 54 pin lead at halfway which was enough to carry him through to take the match with a 209 to Karl’s 169 and the Scratch title by 440 to Karl’s 414.
You can see how all the finalists fared throughout the day as all the results (Scratch & Handicap – Winners & Losers sections) and Prize-winners details by going to the http://www.bowlingforall.ie web Rocks results .
Our thanks go to Lorraine, Sarah, Sean and all the staff in Leisureplex Tallaght (& Stillorgan) for their support during the season and throughout the long Finals day, to John Dunne and Tim Dawson for the web support, posting our results and updates, to Emer, Jason for their continued support and involvement throughout the extra-long season.
Thanks to Paddy Gibbons for the photo’s from the Finals day and also for putting together a memorable video from the day which can be played/downloaded from his link in the section below for a limited period.
Thanks to the bowlers who have participated and supported the Rocks Jewellers Singles over the past 10 seasons, thank you for your kind words when we’ve talked at the last 2 qualifying events and again at the Finals on Sunday and your WhatsApp posts, they are very much appreciated.
It’s been great to be involved from the start, to run an event that spans all age groups, genders and abilities and see so many bowlers at different levels improve and advance to higher levels in that time.
None of this would have been possible without the continued support of Victor Rock & all at Rocks Jewellers for their sponsorship of the Rocks Jewellers Singles event over the last 10 years.
Many of you have asked …… whats next ?
Our view …… maintain the above coverage whatever the format is – its good for bowler development, social interaction and competitiveness.
Whether individually or combined it is down to You, the bowlers to get involved, put ideas foward you think will work, talk to Centres, Pro Shops, ITBA committees and potential sponsors to move those ideas forward.
Signing out for the last time and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Covid free New Year.
Tom & Barry