The Tribune

IN a blistering display of bowling prowess, Sonith “Kemosabee” Lockhart rolled a perfect 300 in his third game of the monthly Bahamas Bowling Federation handicap tournament, according to a press release.

“With play stopped (on the other lanes) as he proceeded to bowl his final ball, you could hear a pin drop on what we bowlers call the “short side” of the alley. As soon as the ball left his hand, there was a crescendo of cheers and hoping, praying that we’d witness a ‘perfect game’. And there it was a perfect 300 by the confident Lockhart, who now is poised to repeat as Bahamas Bowling national champion.

“Let the word go out loud and clear, there are ‘pretenders’ and there are contenders for the coveted 2014 Bahamas Bowling national crown. Lockhart will put up a valiant ‘fight’ to retain the title. So with that said all of us better bring our “A” game. Meanwhile, Jarien Winters has a new “bowling name”....Lucky! In the second game of the 3-game set, Winters shot a 237 and really did not need his handicap pins to beat the field. With that scratch score, no one in the field was close. Winter will be entering the 2014 Bowling Nationals and his bankers’ team is also in the banker’s league playoffs so their opponents should keep a close eye on “Lucky,” said the release.

RBDF Officer Byron McClain, who has been bowling very well, won the first game with a 239 scratch and with his 12.6 handicap, just nipped Janice Hoyte who bowled a 225 scratch and, with her 25.9 handicap, came in second at 250.9.

“Hoyte has cashed in before and so has Officer McClain at these monthly tournaments and I am sure she is still trying to find those 1 or 2 pins she should have picked up in that first game,” said the release.

2014 Bahamas

Bowling Nationals

The BBF’s 2014 Bahamas Bowling National Championships slated to start on Monday (March 24) and culminate on April 6 with the televised “Championship Sunday” when the 2014 champions (men and women) will be crowned.

Current champion Driskell Rolle returned the floating trophy on Saturday and she would love nothing more than hoisting it up again above her head at the end of the championship on Sunday, April 6.

However, to do this she will have to “fend off” formidable bowlers like Joy Lockhart, Xynea Johnson, Joanne Powell, Carmille Burnside and Janice Hoyte.

Veteran bowlers like Marina (McClain) Nixon (Kayla) and Smith (Angie) will also have something to say as well. Newcomers Tara Johnson, Dolly Knowles and Michelle Outten will be trying to establish themselves as viable contenders for the title. But Rolle is not going to go ‘quietly into the night. The game is “still played on the lanes.” At the end of the day, those who want it, must bowl...and bowl well.

Sonith Lockhart is looking to join the ranks of, if history is correct, Leonardo ‘Lee’ Davis and Sammie Symonette as the only 3-time champions on the men’s side in the history of the bowling nationals in the Bahamas.

But for Lockhart to join that elite company, he is going to have to “go through” the likes of David Slatter, Lee Davis, Hawk Brown, Pyfrom brothers Richie and Johann, Bryon McClain, Stan Bethel, Ryan Davis and a host of other bowlers, including coach Ken Brathwaite, Tyrone Knowles and Kevin “Benedict” Williams.