Rocks Tour Event Two-Stillorgan

Qualifying Round

The second stop of this season’s new-and-improved Rocks Tour saw players once again take to the lanes at Leisureplex Stillorgan for the five-game qualifying round which would decide the four finalists.

Scoring was typically high as players got to grips quickly with the familiar lanes conditions in Stillorgan, and it became clear early on that the qualifying average would be very high after the five games.

Simon English, winner of October’s opening event of the season, showed why he could well be the man to beat all year by throwing a superb 297 in game one, only missing out on a perfect 300 game after a slightly loose final ball could only knock down seven pins.

Following that up with a 247 in game two it looked like it would be difficult for anyone to qualify above English, but as the games rolled on his standard dropped a little, opening the door for others, including Gareth Williams, making his return to competitive tournament bowling this season, and Alan Bride, returning after 5 months out with a hand injury.

It was an intriguing finish to qualifying, with English managing to get to 205 pins over scratch, before Williams managed to better that target with 230 over. Their averages were 246 and 241 respectively.

Joining them in the finals were Brendan Healy and Alan Bride. The standard of play in qualifying was remarkable throughout the field, with 21 bowlers averaging 200 or better.

In the handicap section, October’s winner Aoife Hall, herself also returning to competitive bowling this season, lead the way again with 1234. Her nearest challenger in qualifying was Paul Flannery, who shot 1103, with Keith Rynhart and Paul Chandler doing enough to join them in the finals.

Scratch Section-Final Step One

The opening game of the scratch finals saw Alan Bride, Brendan Healy and Simon English face off in a one-game match, with the loser dropping out and the other two players moving on to the next step.

English never looked in danger of dropping out as he started strongly and eventually comfortably qualified for step two with a game of 226. But there was major tension in the battle between Bride and Healy as both struggled to seize the remaining spot by the scruff of the neck.

Healy looked like he may just have done enough, but then Bride stepped up and showed just why he has been one of the top players in the country for many years, striking out in the final frame to beat Healy by a single pin and take his place in final step two.

Scratch Section-Final Step Two

The second of the three-step final saw leading qualifier Gareth Williams join the action, but it was Simon English who took charge early once again, and never relinquished his hold on the match, eventually shooting 276 to ensure his place in final step three.

Once again Bride gave the on-looking crowd plenty of excitement, with Williams this time the opposing player contributing to the tension. Both players stuttered early but then went on a run of strikes from frame six right to the final frame.

The situation was simple, whoever had the better tenth frame would progress. Williams went first, striking twice in the tenth to pile the pressure on Bride. Bride matched his two strikes and then it was down to one final ball.

Williams struck again to ensure that at the very least he would be part of a final frame play-off. So the pressure was at its highest level. Bride simply had to strike to survive in the match; and that is exactly what he did, again proving he can handle the pressure situations.

So a play-off would decide who would take on English in final step three. Both players struck with their first shot, but Williams eventually blinked first with a nine with his second ball. Bride stepped up and inevitably struck under pressure to take the match and advance.

Scratch-Final Step Three

So it was October’s winner against the returning National Champion in final step three. The two-game match is all about getting a good start and sustaining a lead, and clearly English had this in mind, continuing where he had left off in the last match with another massive game of 278.

In contrast Bride must have understandably been feeling the pace of the event after a long time out with injury, struggling a little to a 202.

Bride was a long way back, but to his credit he dug deep to improve dramatically in game two, shooting 245 to at least put some doubt in the mind of English.

But English, despite dropping his level finally from the previous couple of games, was able to shoot 198, which was enough to hold off Bride and take his second consecutive title of the season and continue his hold on this season’s Rocks tour.  

Handicap Section-Final Step One

The finals of the handicap section got underway with Paul Flannery, Paul Chandler and Keith Rynhart taking to the lanes for the first match. Each player started well, but as the match wore on it was Rynhart who fell away a little, with both Chandler and Flannery putting a long string of strikes together.

Rynhart pushed for a big finish, but an unlucky ten-pin, which he then missed, but pay to his chances of progression. Both Chandler and Flannery closed out big games, eventually progressing, Rynhart’s 227 leaving him well behind their games of 265 and 277 respectively.

Handicap Section-Final Step Two

Leading qualifier Aoife Hall then stepped up against Chandler and Flannery, looking for her second consecutive Rocks Tour victory on her return to competitive bowling. Chandler and Flannery gave it their all to overcome Hall’s superior handicap, but in the end she did enough to ensure her place in final step three, shooting 231 to progress.

It then came down to who would join her, and it was close all the way. However, in the end it was Chandler who was able to find that extra gear to advance, his 220 enough to see of Flannery’s 214.

Handicap Section-Final Step Three

Just as in the scratch section, October’s winner was once again in final step three, and Hall took a handsome handicap advantage into the match with Chandler. Game one saw Hall bowl consistently as she had done all day, and with Chandler also bowling well it was perfectly poised going into game two, Hall leading by just 14 pins.

Chandler picked up the pace as game two moved on, and Hall knew she would need to stay solid and consistent to hold on to her lead. It was an exciting finish, with Chandler putting the pressure on, only to see Hall do just enough to take her second consecutive Rocks tour win, eventually winning by just six pins over the two games, 474-468.

Once again the Rocks Tour served up some exceptional bowling, high tension and exhilarating drama, but in the end both sections saw a repeat winner from the first event of the season a month previously.

Leisureplex Tallaght is the venue for event three on December 15^th, when the best players in the country will try to wrestle the titles away from Simon English and Aoife Hall as the Rocks tour moves on towards the New Year.    

 

 

  

Paul Magee Classic 2013-Tribute to a True Hero

The May bank holiday weekend is fast approaching, and that means only one thing in Irish bowling: The Paul Magee Classic is back!

The popular charity event, first held in 2008, held on the first Sunday in May every year, celebrates the life of the late Paul Magee, who tragically passed away in 2007 after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

The event brings together bowlers, both past and present, as well as family and friends, some of whom may never have bowled a ball in their life, such was the popularity of the man.

There truly is a special atmosphere at this event, where competition takes a back seat and celebration of a life taken too early comes to the fore.

There isn’t one person who ever came across Paul who could have a bad word to say about him, and they would have many good ones to boot.

A man at the top of the game competitively for years, it was the spirit of the game which truly mattered to Paul. Whether he won or lost, there was always a smile on his face.

And on top of that he always had time for the next generation of bowlers coming through if they needed a bit of advice or guidance in the game.

I remember all the advice he gave me as a teenager finding my feet in the sport, and his generosity of time and his willingness to help a young boy understand the game better will stay with me forever.

The Classic is the perfect way to pay tribute to the great man. The day starts off early with the first of two packed squads of bowling, again testament to the popularity of the man that numbers usually exceed 150 players on the day.

It is a tournament like no other; the lights are dimmed, players are packed into the lanes, the prizes flow like water as the MC on the mike Sean Kennedy puts players on the spot to get a strike when the green pin is set down on their lane.

The atmosphere is like no other I have ever experienced, and this only continues into the afternoon as the event moves across to the Orchard Inn on the bottom of the hill in Stillorgan Village.

Glasses clink together as those who held Paul dear toast to his life and reminisce about their own favourite memories of the great man. There is live bands and a raffle, and all the proceeds go towards the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

This is a special day on the calendar, and one that is unrivalled by any other in Irish bowling. It is quite simply a day not to be missed as we pay tribute to a great man and a great loss to Irish sport and to those who loved him.

Let us once again come together this May Bank Holiday weekend and raise a glass to a legend deeply missed, a true hero, Paul Magee.   

Stillorgan Kegel Challenge Singles-Week One

1. Darragh McLoughlin (HCP 9): 182  179  241  248: 850+36  Total: 886
2. Craig Farr (HCP 20): 215   134   244   183:   776+80   Total: 856 
3. Hannah Cullen (HCP 9): 205   193   220   187:   805+36   Total: 841   
4. Janis Stepitis (HCP 32): 149   222   158   183:   712+128   Total: 840
5. Ray Cullen (HCP 38):  140   181   180   144:    645+152   Total: 797
6. Dave English (HCP 8): 174   189   209   192:   764+32   Total: 796
7. Philip Kavanagh (HCP 32): 149  147  168  124: 588+128 Total: 716
8. Jason Byrnes (HCP 12): 147  177  138  196: 658+48: Total 706

                    

National Championships 2012

Irish Tenpin Bowling National Championships

Paul Stott in control after opening weekend

Paul Stott holds a commanding 120-pin lead after the first weekend of the tenpin bowling National Championships.

In the women’s section, defending champion Hannah Cullen holds a more slender 20-pin lead.

The event, being held in Leisureplex Stillorgan, runs over two consecutive weekends, with coompetitors taking part in singles, doubles, trios and five-man competition with the aim of making the final all Events round and ultimately become Irish National Champion.

The winner also gets to represent Ireland in the European Champions Cup later in the year. That event will be held in The Hague in Holland in 2012.

Singles

Stott put on a classy performance in the singles event on Saturday morning, shooting a 237 average for five games while others struggled around him on the tricky oil condition.

Closest to Stott was Barry Foley, who scored a 209 average, with Simon English in close pursuit in third with a 208 average.

Simon’s father Dave English had to settle for fourth, just outside the medal positions, while defending champion Alan Bride finished up in fifth.

The top eight was completed by Darryl Egan, Ray Byrne and Fran Puzzouli.

Overall scoring was fairly low on an unfamiliar oil pattern, with only eight men averaging 200 or better.

In the women’s section, defending champion Hannah Cullen showed she will not give up her title lightly, taking the gold with a 207 average.

Yvonne Randell took the silver medal with a 186 average, while the bronze medal went to Sarah Finlay with a 183 average.

Amanda Larkin, Caitriona Mulhall and Aimee Kellegher rounded off the top six spots, the number of competitors who will make the women’s final next weekend.

Doubles

Dave English and Sean McDonnell took gold in the men’s doubles on Sunday morning, pipping Paul Stott and Stephen O’Connor by 15 pins over the four games.

Barry Foley, who shot an impressive 955 for his four games, and Brendan Brady finished in the bronze medal position, closely followed by Darragh McLoughlin and Alan Bride.

There was then nearly a 100-pin drop down to fifth position, taken by Kevin Fitzgerald and Jason Byrnes, and sixth spot, taken by Karl Dryer and Haulie Storan.

In the ladies section, gold went to Sara Kelly and Aimee Kellegher, silver to Caitriona Mulhall and Hannah Cullen, and bronze to Elaine Lalor and Carol Cathpole.

Just outside the medals were Catherine Doherty and Sarah Finlay, although there was some consolation for Finlay who shot 907 for her four games and shot up the overall standings table. She was bettered only by Kellegher, who shot 909.

All Events

Stott has a significant 120-pin lead in the men’s section, with Barry Foley currently second and Dave English 58 pins further back.

The top eight qualifying positions are currently rounded off by Alan Bride, Simon English, Paul Chandler, Darryl Egan and Kevin Fitzgerald, but with two events still to play next weekend it could still all change come next Sunday.

Hannah Cullen leads the way in the women’s section, with a 19-pin lead over Sarah Finlay. Aimee Kellegher is third, 44 pins further back. The other three qualifying positions in the women’s section are currently held by Carol Catchpole, Yvonne Randell and Caitriona Mulhall.

For all the action from the final weekend of the tenpin bowling National Championships, and to find out who will be crowned Irish National Champions, make sure to follow Bowltalk’s coverage of the event next weekend, and for full results log on to www.tenpin-ireland.com

Irish Open 2012 Review

American Brian Voss showed his experience and class to win the 2012 Irish Open Championships this past weekend and claim the €3,500 first prize.

The 25-time winner on the PBA Tour took complete control of the round robin final on Sunday to overtake number one qualifier, England’s Matt Hann, who eventually fell back to finish fourth.

England’s Steve Kay continued his good form after his perfect 300 game in the round of 32 to finish in second place, with the highest placed Irishman being Alan Gibbons in third. The other Irishman to make the top 8 final, Paul Stott, finished up in sixth place, but Stott will still remember the event fondly after he shot an Irish record 1114 pins for just four games in round one, which included a 298

In the women’s section, England’s Hayley White pipped Irish champion Hannah Cullen to first place by just 19 pins. White was the only woman to bowl a perfect 300 game in the tournament, and she had to use all her nerve to hold off a strong challenge from Cullen. Scotland’s former champion Laura Rhoney finished third, with Ireland’s two-time winner Kerena Dykes, Amanda McDermott and Aimee Kellegher finishing sixth, seventh and eighth respectively.

The event will be remembered for its incredibly high standard of scoring, with seven perfect 300 games bowled over the four days of play, and a qualifying average for the second round (top 64) of 206, and the top 32 qualifying average of a remarkable 217.  

Next year is bound to see the standard only improve again as more and more top bowlers make their way to the event, which will once again be sponsored by Columbia 300, one of the biggest companies in the world of tenpin bowling. And with the 2013 championships coinciding with the 50^th anniversary of tenpin bowling in Ireland, it certainly looks like onwards and upwards for Irish bowling.

24th Irish Open Championships

The 24^th Irish Open Tenpin Bowling Championships take place in Leisureplex Stillorgan this weekend, with a record number of bowlers making the trip from across the country and the world.

The championships are hosted in Stillorgan each year, but this year’s impressive entry can be put down to the introduction of a new top-of-the-range oiling machine which the centre purchased towards the end of 2011. The new machine allows the centre to create conditions which can match the European and American bowling tours, which has almost certainly caused the influx of entries from abroad.

The tournament has a history of attracting the world’s top bowlers, with previous winners ranging from EBT legends Tomas Leanderson and Tore Torgersen to Europe’s newest world star, England’s Dominic Barrett, who has won the tournament in three of the last four years.

There has never been an Irish male winner in the event, something that many of our bowlers are desperate to amend. And there is a glimmer of hope for the locals, with the dominant Barrett not making the trip to defend his 2011 title due to other commitments. Irish men have gone close before, no more so than Alan Gibbons’ runner-up finish last year. He will be looking to go one better when the action kicks off on Thursday January 19^th. Others to watch out for locally are Irish Champion Alan Bride and regular finalist Graham Turner. There are plenty of other contenders, including young talent such as Simon English and EBT winner this year Paul Stott. All-in-all there is reason for optimism going into the event. 

On the women’s side we have had some recent success, with Kerena Dykes winning in 2007 and again in 2009. Similar to the men’s section, the reigning female champion, Australia’s Cassie Staudinger, is not returning to defend her title this year.  Dykes will not be the only female hope for Ireland going into the event, either. Irish champion Hannah Cullen will certainly be hoping to go all the way this year, and others such as Caitriona Mulhall could also use international experience to her advantage when the pressure is on this weekend.

Overall 2012 is an exciting year for the Irish Open Championships, with the tournament being sponsored by American giants Columbia 300. Columbia are one of the biggest names in tenpin bowling, making equipment brands such as Ebonite and Hammer, along with their own signature equipment. The involvement of such a prestigious company has added some real credibility to an event which is already steeped in history, and the strength of the field making the trip from overseas backs this up. Former champion Tore  Torgersen is returning for the first time in several years to an event he has always excelled in, and former PBA American Tour bowler Brian Voss is making the long journey from the States to make his first appearance in the tournament.

To have a big name from the United States coming to the event speaks volumes for the reputation which this event has built up over the years, especially when you consider how small of a following tenpin bowling has at a competitive level in this country. It is the biggest event on the tenpin bowling calendar, and it always provides some world class action over the course of the weekend.

The event begins with the first squad at 14:30 on Thursday, January 19^th, and runs all weekend to the 8-player round robin finals on the Sunday afternoon. If you are involved in tenpin bowling, or whether you simply are interested in coming down for a taste of the electric atmosphere, this one is not to be missed.

Phil Hulst becomes the new face of DV8 Bowling

21-year-old Dutch bowler Phil Hulst has become the latest staff player for DV8 Bowling, the brand introduced this year Valcke services.

"With DV8 I want to do the best I can," Phil says. Phil sowed his intentions by bowling a perfect game with the DV8 Misfit on October 9th in his first appearance as a DV8 staff member.

Phil, who will be known to many bowlers in Ireland from his appearances in the Irish open and the Junior Irish Open in recent years,  has joined Gery Verbruggen, Wendy Kok, Nicole Sanders and Thierry Sacco on the DV8 team.

YAC Triple Crown Livingston 2011-Men's Section

All Events      Country Singles  Doubles Trios  T/MD  Total    Average

1	Sam Rose	Eng	1331	628	697	607	3263	217.53
2	Elliot Crosby	Eng	1295	638	650	674	3257	217.13
3	Paul Green	Wal	1279	617	701	645	3242	216.13
4	Jason Byrnes	Ire	1322	683	642	513	3160	210.67
5	Richard Teece	Eng	1232	602	626	624	3084	205.60
6	Kristian McWilliams	Sco	1090	670	662	656	3078	205.20
7	Tom Turner	Eng	1250	691	585	550	3076	205.07
8	Shane Hendrick	Ire	1168	617	677	607	3069	204.60
9	Chris Standell	Eng	1216	565	643	606	3030	202.00
10	Jamie Cunningham	Wal	1199	621	661	548	3029	201.93
11	Christopher Lam	Eng	1182	584	617	645	3028	201.87
12	Gary Redpath	Sco	1258	540	673	543	3014	200.93
13	James Footner	Wal	1192	641	599	572	3004	200.27
14	Stuart Snedden	Sco	1227	632	603	529	2991	199.40
15	Martin Williamson	Sco	1269	614	571	529	2983	198.87
16	Mark Tunnicliffe	Wal	1180	595	603	594	2972	198.13
17	Gareth Shannon	Ire	1264	617	573	508	2962	197.47
18	Lyndon Walters	Wal	1096	638	656	568	2958	197.20
19	Matt Southwell	Gsy	1126	614	592	593	2925	195.00
20	Derek O'Reilly	Ire	1198	562	480	632	2872	191.47
21	Brian Gillespie	Sco	1108	600	542	571	2821	188.07
22	Alan Johns	Gsy	1153	527	561	550	2791	186.07
23	Steven Reid	Sco	1096	513	582	599	2790	186.00
24	Alex Fairclough	Wal	1075	521	613	564	2773	184.87
25	David Noonan	Ire	1148	563	526	530	2767	184.47
26	Josh Harvey	Gsy	967	600	579	607	2753	183.53
27	Karl Doherty	Ire	1119	533	569	520	2741	182.73
28	John Gauvain	Gsy	1085	534	522	551	2692	179.47
29	Glen Mauger	Gsy	1131	460	446	579	2616	174.40
30	Robin Johns	Gsy	968	559	484	592	2603	173.53

YAC Triple Crown Livingston 2011-Ladies Section

1	All Events  Autum    Chamberlain	Eng	1295	573	642	669	3179	211.93
2	Danni Hopcroft	Eng	1260	677	580	629	3146	209.73
3	Katrina MacIver	Eng	1193	625	625	653	3096	206.40
4	Cherise Denham	Eng	1183	693	640	573	3089	205.93
5	Aimee Kellegher	Ire	1204	572	640	608	3024	201.60
6	Rebekah Hamlet	Eng	1166	680	582	528	2956	197.07
7	Katherine Wallace	Sco	1159	586	497	621	2863	190.87
8	Stephanie Fisher	Sco	1127	585	567	518	2797	186.47
9	Zara Yusaf	Sco	1065	580	558	586	2789	185.93
10	Stephanie Cleary	Ire	1067	548	582	583	2780	185.33
11	Tania Yusaf	Sco	1171	555	572	472	2770	184.67
12	Sara Kelly	Ire	1137	530	558	484	2709	180.60
13	Holly Fleming	Sco	1227	479	492	510	2708	180.53
14	Sarah Overall	Eng	1043	526	543	492	2604	173.60
15	Niamh Haughton	Ire	1034	556	488	506	2584	172.27
16	Hazel Morrison	Sco	930	590	475	526	2521	168.07
17	Olivia Flavin	Ire	955	509	467	480	2411	160.73
18	Jaye Kinsella	Ire	807	397	446	465	2115	141.00

Adult Triple Crown Review

The Adult Triple Crown took place in Norwich, England last weekend, with multiple successes for the Irish teams, in particular the men's team.

Ireland's Paul Stott took gold in the singles on day one, bowling a perfect 300 game in game four on his way to 42-pin victory over England's Steve Miller. England's Rob Thurlby took the bronze medal, beating Ireland's Darragh McLoughlin into third spot by just 4 pins.

In the women's singles Aimee Kellegher was the pick of the Irish, finishing in 5th place. The gold went to England's Autumn Chamberlain, who posted the highest total of any player in the tournament, male or female, on her way to a very comfortable 102-pin victory. Jo Cundy and Laura Ivory made it a clean sweep of medals for the English.

The Doubles saw Ireland take another gold medal in the men's section, with Paul Stott and Alan Bride pipping Steve Miller and Rob Thurlby by 16 pins. The bronze medal went to the Welsh pairing of Gareth Roberts and James Footner.

The English ladies continued their domination of the medal haul with a second consecutive 1-2-3 in the doubles, with the gold going to Angie Brown and Alison Taylor. Jo Cundy and Autumn Chamberlain took the silver with Sarah Purnell and Laura Ivory finishing in third place. Ireland's Dymphna Kestell and Aimee Kellegher just missed out on a medal with a fourth place finish.

The English men got their hands on their first gold medal in the trios, with Steve Miller, Chris Oates and Rob Thurlby beating the Irish team of Alan Bride, Fran Puzzoli and Paul Stott into second place by a considerable gap of 138 pins. The bronze medal was taken by the Welsh team of Lyndon Walters, Paul Green and James Footner.

The English ladies once again showed the gulf in class between themselves and the rest of the field in the trios, taking both gold and silver ahead of Guernsey, who took their first medal of the tournament. The gold went to the team of Angie Brown, Jo Cundy and Autumn Chamberlain, with silver taken by Sarah Purnell, Alison Taylor and Laura Ivory. The Guernsey team which took the bronze consisted of Danni Machon, Linda Robilliard and Lauren Hurford.

The Five-man team event had huge significance in the men's section, as it would decide whether Ireland could hold off the English and take the shield, awarded to the team which accumulates the most points over the course of the weekend.

Unfortunately for Team Ireland, England were simply to good on the day, with only one of their five players shooting under 700 for the three games. The Irish posted a positive total of 3386, but the English put in a masterful display to finish on 3533 and take both the gold medal and the shield, by a mere 1.5 points. The Irish men had been ahead since the opening game of the first event of the weekend, so it was a disappointing end to a very positive weekend.

It was not all bad news for the Irish men on Sunday, however, as Paul Stott and Alan Bride made it an Irish 1-2 in the Masters. And Darragh McLoughlin also bowled terrifically to share third place in the Masters with England's Rob Thurlby.

In the Women's section, Team Ireland took the silver medal behind the dominant English team. Aimee Kellegher qualified for the women's Masters, where she eventually finished in sixth place. The top five places were filled by English ladies, showing once again just how dominant they were throughout the weekend. In the end they took the women's shield by a remarkable 202.5 points over Team Wales, with Team Scotland in third place. Team Ireland eventually finished in fifth place overall.

It was a strong showing form Team Ireland at this year's Adult Triple Crown, in particular from the men's team. Overall the two teams collected three gold medals, three silvers and two bronzes, in a much improved performance from twelve months ago, when a young, inexperienced team were outclassed in Scotland.

Bowltalk would like to congratulate all who were involved, with special mention to Paul Stott for his Masters win and his perfect game, and Alan Bride for his second place finish in the Masters. Also congratulations to Aimee Kellegher, who bowled fantastic all weekend to qualify for the Masters.

For a complete list of results, go to the Irish tenpin bowling website, www.tenpinireland.com, and follow the link to the Adult Triple Crown.

Junior Triple Crown-Singles Girls Under 19's and Boys Under 16's

Ireland's Holly Evans and Laura Curran start with strikes. Tough start for Ciara McDunphy though, who splits both opening frames and opens both as well.

England's Autumn Chamberlain covers opening split and open frame with a strike in frame two.

In the Boys section, Scotland's Paul Addison opens with a strike, as does Ireland's Gareth Byrne.

Ryan Leong leaves a ten-pin in frame one but converts it comfortably. Similar story for England's Brandon Roberts on the same lane.

Stephen Dillon bowling well for Ireland, on a turkey and staying cean through frame six.

Scotland's Jack Kerr also looking confident through six frames. His teammate John O'Neill, however, was unlucky to leave a 7-10 split in frame 7 as he struggles in game one.

England's Daniel Cook recovering well from split in frame 4 with a double. Teammate Jamie Elliot struggling to keep up with Ireland's Kevin Wattimena on his lane.

England's Verity Crawley bowling well, pacing a 200-plus game in game one. Scotland's Naomi Lawson, on the same lane, is keeping clean but lagging behind a little.

Ireland's Laura Curran opens frame seven after very good opening six frames. She needs a couple of strikes now to pass the 200 mark.

Scotland's Victoria Chatburn scores 246 for an excellent game one. Ellanor Thurston of England posts 248 to just better her rival.

Ireland's Ciara McDunphy struggles to an opening 139, while teammate Emily Goode also struggles to a 156.

Boys well into game two, with Scotland's Addison pacing 258 after a strike in frame 8.

England's Brandon Roberts on a turkey through eight frames, currently pacing a 268.

Ireland's Stephen Dillon on a four-bagger and is pacing a 248. On the same lanes, England's George Ackerman also has a four-bagger and is pacing 259. The scores are vastly improved in game two.

England's Brett Armer goes front five in game one, but leaves a single pin in frame 6 to miss out on the chance to shoot 300.

Ireland's Sarah Finlay was pacing 290 after frame 5 but split and opened in frame 6 to halt her run in game three.

England's Ellanor Thurston converts 4-10 split to save opening frame six.

Scotland's Danielle Carr struggling on 88 through frame 6.

Scotland's Naomi Lawson front three in game three. England's Verity Crawley, on same lanes, pacing 290 early on.

Scotland's Danielle Carr solid through first half of game four, all clean frames and high counts so far.

Ryan Leong pacing 279 through five frames of game four in the boys' section.

Stewart Matthews follows up  an open first frame with a five-bagger to pace a high game in the fourth.

Brandon Roberts double in frames 6 and 7 keeps him on track for a 249 in game four.

Jack Kerr pacing 268 after a strike in frame 5.

Laura Curran double in frames 6 and 7 covers for an open in frame 5.

Kevin Wattimean doubles in frames 5 and 6 as he paces 268.

Daniel Cook opens game 4 with a four-bagger but can only manage a 7-spare in frame 5.

Kimberley Perch shoots 203 in game four. Autumn Chamberlain shoots 206, while Ireland's Sarah Finlay posts 222. Hannah Frsot shoots 196, Verity Crawley shoots 227.

Brandon Roberts pacing 290 through frame 8, Stephen Dunne pacing 280 through the same frame, on the same lanes.

Roberts opens frame 9 to leave himself 227 going into frame 10.

Jack Kerr posts 162 in game four. Roberts posted 227, Dunne 145, Matthews 223, Leong 222. Roberts then posts 236 in game five tom keep his good form in the singles going.

Live updates to stop now for this squad as scores are taken in and compiled. Look out for final scores shortly.

Apology for lack of coverage at Junior Triple Crown

Bowltalk would like to apologise for being unable to post its live updates from the Junior Triple Crown today.

Due to problems with internet connection in the centre, updates had to be postponed for the day. Bowltalk attempted to do the updates but after only half an hour this morning the connection problems manifested in such a way that it was not possible to continue with the updates.

Hopefully the issue will be resolved in time for updates to resume tomorrow and for the rest of the tournament.


Thankfully the event was well supported in the centre, and after just the first two squads Ireland have managed to secure three gold medals and two silvers, a very good start to the tournament.

Apologies again for anyone who logged on during the day expecting updates on the event.

Junior Triple Crown-Boys Under 19 Doubles

Mixed start for the Under 19 Irish pair of Gratten and Byrne, with a Byrne split and a Gratten strike.

English pair of Crosby and Lam start with a split-strike and a double respectively.

Scottish pair of Willaimson and Biondi start solidly, both close the opening two frames.

Welsh team of Griffin and Cunnigham also have a good start, with two closed frames followed by strikes-a-piece in the third. 

Irish pair Rynhart and English scoring positively in game one. English has a four bagger to start and Rynhart doubles after a slightly nervy start to get going in the championships. 

Scottish pair of Gillespie and Reed also starting strong through the first half of game one, with only Gillespie's opening split blemishing their clean-looking games so far. 

In the Under 16's, Wattimena, Dunne and Dillon have started well in the first half of game one. The English trio of Cook, Elliot and Armer are the early pace-setters.

Back in the Under-19's, Ireland's Matthew Kestell shoots a seven-bagger to start the tournament and is still pacing an opening 300. His partner Sloane is also playing strongly as this pairing show their intentions early on. 

Simon English struggling a little now, but his partner Rynhart is scoring well to keep the pair within reach. 

Kestell shoots 298 in game one, hitting a little light on the head pin on the 12th ball to leave the 5-8 standing. His partner Sloane posts 216 to complete a great start for the Irish pair.

England's Crosby struggles to a 155 in game one, but his partner Lam shoots 235 to repair some of the damage.

Gratten and Byrne post combined total of 390 in game one for Ireland.

Williamson and Biondi start game two well for Scotland, as do Cunnigham and Griffin for Wales.

Gratten and Byrne also start game two positively for the defending champion host nation.

Crosby and Lam both start game two with turkies for England. Kestell continuing his good form in game two for Ireland, pacing 290 through the half-way point.

Ben Howiston-Johnstone and Adam Maher struggling a little in game two for England. English and Rynhart scoring well halfway through game two for defending champs Ireland. 

Crosby and Lam still scoring heavily in game two for England. Crosby is pacing 278 through six frames, while Lam paces 279. 

biondi pacing 290 for Scotland halfway through game two. His partner Williamson was going strong too until an open frame in frame 5, but hit back with a strike in frame 6.

USA Make Two Changes To Weber Cup Team

The teams for this year's PartyPoker.com Weber Cup have been announced, with the USA making two changes in an attempt to wrestle the title back from the Europeans.

Tim Mack, who was previously the only bowler to play in all eleven Weber Cups, has made way, while Pete Weber, whose father has the tournament named after him, has also been left out.

In their places have come Team USA bowlers Bill O'Neill and Michael Fagan. Both players will be making their debuts in the event.

Tommy Jones and Chris Barnes return to accompany the two newcomers, with Barnes taking over the captaincy with Mack's departure.

The Europeans are unchanged from the side that overcame the Americans 17-13 last year, with Dominic Barrett, Mika Koivuniemi, Paul Moor and captain Osku Palermaa returning to defend their title.

The event will once again take place at the Barnsley Metrodome and will run from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October. For tickets, contact Matchroom Sport at info@matchroom.com.

European Champions Cup-Results

Austria's Thomas Gross and home favourite Krista Pollanen have been crowned European Champions in Lahti, Finland.

Gross took the men's title with a 2 games to 1 victory over Russia's Ivan Semonov, while Pollanen defeated Sweden's Joline Persson Planefors 2 games to 0.

It was a mixed week for Ireland's competitors, but ultimately neither made it through to the top eight after the short and long oil blocks, with Paul Stott finishing 11th and Caitriona Mulhall finishing 29th.

For complete results visit the official website,  http://www.keilailu.fi/ecc/.

Stillorgan Wednesay Summer Singles-Final Standings

The Stillorgan Wednesday Summer Singles came to its conclusion this evening.

The ninth and final week of the league saw an exciting fight for the top spot, with four players in realistic contention.

Leader Barry Brown had pre-bowled his final three games, with Kevin Fitzgerald, Jason Byrnes and Jim Donagh all in the hunt to catch him.

Fitzgerald started the night closest to Brown, with Byrnes 34 pins behind him and Donagh a further 15 pins back.

In the end it came down to the final frame of the final game, with Fitzgerald and Byrnes neck-and-neck in their pursuit of Brown's final total.

Both players palyed well under the pressure in the final games, but it was Byrnes who eventually pipped it, shooting a final games of 231 to take the league victory by 3 pins over Fitzgerald, who posted a final game of 223 to beat Brown into second palce by just a further 5 pins.

The league sees Byrnes' first victory in either league of tournament play, with a first place qualification to the finals section of one Rocks Tour event his previous best showing. He eventually only managed second place in that event.

The final standings for the league are listed below.

1. Jason Byrnes         6008
2. Kevin Fitzgerald   6005
3. Barry Brown         6000
4. Jim Donagh           5907
5. Dave English         5873
6. Des Vella               5847
7. Victor Rock           5782
8. Dave Noonan        5777
9.Bernie Vella           5770
10. Simon Connellan 5719
11.Tom Brady            5695
12.Colin Gaffney       5694
13. Shane Hendrick   5163
14. Elspeth Gailey     4472
15. David Keogh       3140

European Champions Cup-First Squad News

Ireland's Pauls Stott lies second after the first four games of the eight-game first squad of the men's section, which is currently ongoing. The squad is due to be completed at approximately 6 pm this evening.

Stott posted a score of 842 for his opening four games, a score which was bettered only by France's Anthony Fabre, who shot 870.

In the ladies' section, Irish representative Caitriona Mulhall lies 17th after first eight games, all bowled on the short oil condition.

Mulhall posted a score of 1440 for her eight games, an average of 180. She currently lies 72 pins of the top eight qualifying positions.

Keep an eye on Bowltalk for a full review of the first day and continuing coverage ove the next few days.