The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

It’s getting down to the final showdown as bowlers get into the swing of things this week to secure their spots in the live television roll off for the rights to be crowned the champions of the Bahamas Bowling Federation’s National Championships at Mario’s Bowling Palace on Sunday.

The nationals got started last week with defending champions Driskell Rolle and Richard ‘Ritchie’ Pyfrom surging to the top of the standings after the first two game blocks.

However, those positions could change when the roll-off continues tonight with the men’s D bowlers and Wednesday when the A, B and C bowlers compete in their third blocks as the bowlers vie for the top 16 spots in the fourth round on Friday.

“The numbers are down from last year, but the excitement is still brewing,” said Clayton Gardiner, tournament director. “We have some new persons who have been performing very well.

“Alcondo Hepburn took the early lead, but Ritchie Pyfrom came back in the second block with an average of over 200 to catapult him back into the lead with more than 1,000 pinfalls. Alcondo wasn’t that bad. He shot a 999 in that second block.”

Pyfrom currently leads with a total of 1,988 pins and an average of 198.80.

Hepburn follows with 1,971 pins and a 197.10 average, trailing by 17 pins.

David Slatter, one of the most consistent bowlers, is sitting in third with 1,845 pins and a 194.50 average. He is behind the leader by 43 pins.

Rounding out the top five are Leonardo ‘Lee’ Davis in fourth with 1,907 pins and an average of 190.70 to trail the leader by 81 pins, while Ken Brathwaite Sr occupies the fifth spot with 1,870 pins and a 187 average. Brathwaite is 118 pins out of first place.

One of the perennial bowlers to watch, Sonith ‘Kemosabee’ Lockhart, is sitting in 15th spot with his total of 1,761 and a 176.10 average, which has him 227 pins out of first place.

“The top 16 bowl an additional block, so he’s not out of the woods just yet,” Gardiner said. “One of two persons, who didn’t bowl in the A, B or C category, could push him out depending on how they bowl on Tuesday and Thursday. Kemosabee will have to bowl a tall round on Wednesday to get in the standings.”

Only the top 16 bowlers will stay alive to bowl on Friday when the finalists will be determined for Sunday’s live television roll-off.

On the ladies’ side, with a limited field of competitors, Rolle has established her top position with a total pinfall of 915. Jonice Lockhart follows with 793. Last year’s runner up Janice Hoyte is in third with 836. Angela Smith holds onto fourth with 902 with her daughter Tara Culmer completing the top five with 873.

“There are only 12 women competing and only the top five will advance to the final on Sunday,” Gardiner said. “So it will be interesting to see who gets in and who will be on the outside looking in.”

Gardiner said they are expecting a real competitive showdown for the rest of the week as they gear up for the grand finale on Sunday at Mario’s Bowling Palace. He wants the bowling community to come out and cheer on their favourite players.