So, the league is on vacation, B.E.E.R. is off savoring their win, and most teams have already begun the crazy free agency recruiting period.  There will be lots of BoPo updates in 2011, not least of which is a new home.  Check out that place while you wait, at www.baysidebowl.com

Hugs,

Karl Hungus

(Oh, and thanks Natro…Hooray BEER!)

As we sipped victory beer from the chalice last evening, I was reminded that when we were facing elimination in the first round of the playoffs, I had made a promise.  “Win the title, and you all get a bottle of Crown”.  What a coachable bunch.  That rally from a 6-4 hole to a 9-6 win in the first round was the springboard for the most unlikely championship run in BowlPortland history.

After that first round scare, B.E.E.R. did something in the second round it hadn’t done all season - dominate.  All year long this team played to competition, making every game close win or lose.  But with the lesson learned, B.E.E.R. advanced past the Incredibowls in two games and waited for the Urban Achievers in the quarters.  That was a rematch of 2009 when the Achievers overcame a hostile crowd and sent B.E.E.R. packing.   Not this year.  In game one, Filthy put up a 200 and Hungus a 182, but it all came down to Cheddar in the tenth frame of game one.  A 15 would make it 3-2, a 21 would make it 4-1.  Mr. Clutch put up a 28 and B.E.E.R. was on it’s way.  Cheddar put up a 210 in game 2 to keep it going, and then, with B.E.E.R. on the verge of blowing a 7-3 lead, Cheddar put the team on his shoulders and picked up top point to advance us to the Semis.  That’s the background.  Now the story.

Entering Friday’s semis, B.E.E.R. was a loose bunch.  “No one expected us to be here” shouted Filthy, and he was correct.  After an incredibly tense win over UA, B.E.E.R. was downright giddy playing in the semis, up against a very friendly rival.  Unfortunately, Livin’ On A Spare took advantage of that ‘happy to be here’ mentality, and jumped to a 5-0 lead.

Shithawk 186  Hungus 159 - Natro 178 Cheddar 142 - Precious 166 Filthy 130 - Coco 139 Bishop 112 - LOS 669 BEER 543

Ouch.  Livin’ On A Spare was rightfully thinking about Finals matchups, but B.E.E.R. was not about to go away.  Four B.E.E.R. players had recently gone with the BoPo travel team to Vermont, and our iron will was forged in the crucible of that playoff-type test.  This time, it would be Filthy’s turn to be the hero on a night of many heroes.

Filthy 208 Natro 166 - Hungus 180 Precious 149 - Cheddar 167 Shithawk 141 - Fern 146 Alley-Leujah 97 - BEER 701 LOS 553

Just like that, a tie game.  That’s when B.E.E.R. faced a crucial character moment.  A true team plays all its parts, and “Hacksaw” Tom Richards was ready on the bench.  Hungus waffled.  Hacksaw waffled.  Filthy threw a scissors to Hacksaw’s rock, and it was settled.  Welcome to the semis Hacksaw.  He certainly didn’t disappoint.  Hacksaw opened with a turkey, and the roars from the crowd were so deafening, Hungus’ turkey went under the radar.  By frame six, with Hacksaw and Hungus both sitting on five strikes and Cheddar not far off the pace, LOS knew that the stars were shining on this B.E.E.R. squad and joined the cheering section as B.E.E.R. poured it on.  With the game already decided, Cheddar found something to shoot for in the 10th frame anyhow.  An 18 would tie the BoPo team score record.  He posted a 19.  5-0 B.E.E.R., and a 10-5 win.

Hungus 243 Natro 155 - Hacksaw 218 Coco 153 - Cheddar 178 Precious 133 - Fern 129 Shithawk 128 - BEER 768 LOS 569

B.E.E.R. 10 Livin’ On A Spare 5

Onto the finals.  While B.E.E.R. basked in the moment, Binga’s was taking care of business against old foe Off Constantly.  Jamaican Jerk’s 264 was sealing the deal, and B.E.E.R. began finals preparations (read: bourbon and more beer drinking).  While the large crowd definitely had a pro-B.E.E.R. lean, there wasn’t a whole lot of hope for the upset.  After all, Binga’s had made it through 2009 with no losses, and was one win away from two years and two titles without a loss.  B.E.E.R. looked like a sacrificial lamb.  But there was one thing giving us a glimmer of hope.  We were the only team to have given Binga’s a run for their money in the regular season, having a 5-5 game before getting run over.  Then thee was the Sweet 16, when Binga’s looked vulnerable, falling down 5-0 to the upstart Sweet Rolls before roaring back.  So, while the crowd may not have had a lot of faith, B.E.E.R. did, and they would feed off the energy of the fans.

Neither team came out firing, perhaps feeling a little pressure.  B.E.E.R. unveiled it’s last bench player yet to get in a game, and Slow Roll handled the crazy intensity and scrutiny. After slow starts, everyone settled in a bit, and this game went into the 10th frame with a possible range of 5-0 Binga’s to 4-1 B.E.E.R.  A rested Filthy McNasty edged the Jerk, and Hungus and Cheddar both faced big tests.  Hungus needed a 17 in the tenth to grab a point.  He spared, and got 18.  Cheddar needed 16.  He spared, and got 18.  B.E.E.R. took spots 1-3, but lost 4th and overall, to take a 3-2 lead.

Filthy 178 Jerk 174 - Cheddar 161 Hot Mango Mike 155 - Hungus 157 Danny Diesel 155 - Chernobyl 138 Slow Roll 112 - Binga’s 622 B.E.E.R. 609

A 3-2 lead over Binga’s doesn’t mean much, but it did give B.E.E.R. confidence.  B.E.E.R. knew Jamaican Jerk would not be in the 170’s again.  Cheddar knew it more than most.  So far, Hungus, Hacksaw and Filthy had all had 200’s on the night.  Cheddar turned to Hungus and said “I’m going to put up a 200.  I need one.” Hungus just said yes, do that (that’s coaching!) and accepted a pitcher of Long Trail from a supportive Bustah Nut.  Hacksaw reentered the game as well.  Binga’s brought in Booth, a hero of the 2009 playoffs.  Cheddar delivered, opening with a turkey, and having some beautiful meetings of the minds with Jamaican Jerk as they rolled at the same time, a strong mutual respect between them.  One of Cheddar’s rolls even earned a “that’s sharp, Cheddar” remark.  In the end, Cheddar won his duel, edging the Jerk 206-203.  Hungus ran away with second, and Fern pulled off third, giving B.E.E.R. 7 points and moving them to within one of a title.  Then things got weird.

Cheddar 206 Jerk 203 - Hungus 191 Valley Girl Jess 157 - Fern 148 Hot Mango Mike 141 - Buffalo Booth 140 Hacksaw Tom Richards 123 - B.E.E.R. 668 Binga’s 641

For the last few frames of game two, we were the only game in town. Literally.  All the other lanes had been cleared of bowlers in preparation for “Galactic Bowl” and the only sound was a piercing high pitched whine from a broken sound system.  That and the thunderous cheers from the fans in the peanut gallery.  Well, with the BoPo title on the line, conditions got even weirder.  Yes, we went Galactic.  The lights went off, the blacklights came on, the tunes were cranked, the teenagers surrounded us.  Tough conditions.  Both teams’ scores would be affected.  In fact, B.E.E.R. didn’t close a single frame before a spare in the third.  Luckily for them, Binga’s was not running away.  The underdogs were definitely feeling, and showing, the tension.  That’s when some trickle down coaching saved the day.  Fern told Karl, Karl told Filthy, Filthy told Number One, and Number One told Cheddar…relax, you’ve got this.  He responded with two strikes that changed the tide.  The rest of the team bounced back at the sight of their leader getting his groove back.  Things looked good after 9, and in the tenth, B.E.E.R had two shots at 4th place, and two shots at 2nd.  Fern ended any drama as the second bowler in the 10th, when her 117 was good enough to clinch the last place spot and the title.  Cheddar’s 165 for second was icing on the cake.  B.E.E.R. had stunned the bowling world.

Jerk 195 Hungus 176 - Cheddar 165 Danny Diesel 157 - Valley Girl Jess 124 Filthy 118 - Fern 117 Buffalo Booth 114 - Binga’s 592 B.E.E.R. 576

B.E.E.R. 9 Binga’s Ringas 6

It was a magic moment for B.E.E.R., and a big moment for the league to show that anything is possible.  We hope to see you at the Bowling Ball tonight to help us celebarte the title and another great year, and to present all the individual trophies around the league.

Well done BowlPortland, well done B.E.E.R. !

B.E.E.R 9 Binga’s Ringas 6

Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2010 BowlPortland Champions…

B.E.E.R. !

While I recognize the ability for any team to win on any given night, these projections are a product of months-long research and the recording of every available statistic. I have been tirelessly developing algorithms for my super-computer to generate the most accurate data.

Here are my final calculations, with odds…

the Semis:
Bingas 5/2 favorites over OC - while Oz can put up big numbers, he’s been a bit out of form, and even when he is, can’t match JJ’s 3-game avgs (who can?). Lots of questions for OC here… Will Tron or Number 1 or Hunny Bunny be a hero tonight? Will the captain sit anybody who could hurt their total pin counts? The main question in Binga’s mind:  “What are we wearing to our victory dance tomorrow?”

LOS 4/1 favorites over B.E.E.R. - Four (count ‘em) rollers that can post high scores with some amount of consistency for the Spares. Their captain is the only one who isn’t placed firmly in the top of the individual standings - and Alley-lujah has no qualms about sitting out for the entire evening. She also eschews solidarity and refuses to wear her team’s jersey. On B.E.E.R.’s side of things, only Cheddar and Hungus can throw down regularly at 160+. Karl readily admits that they’ve stood on Cheddar’s shoulder’s to reach this season’s heights. Filthy McNasty will need more than cognac to mix up something that can hurt their opponents. What does that mean for Fern, Tom Richards, and The Bish ‘o Bowl? Cinderella’s clock is ticking… will midnight strike before this semifinal has been decided?

Tasty odds for BEER… who wants to give me their money?

…and for the Finals?

Bingas 3/1 favorites over LOS - Ironically, Livin’ on a Spare is going to have to convert pretty much all of it’s second ball chances to give the reigning champs a run for their money. Does Precious even know how to approach a ten-pin? Will Coco prove that she’s better than second-best? Can Shithawk  morph into a bird-of-pray and petition the Almighty for some of her grace?

Prove me wrong, oh BowlPortlanders! Turn out in droves and spur on the underdogs! Let’s keep it exciting up to the very end!

Semis and Finals tonight, starting at 6pm at Yankee Lanes.  Come cheer or boo and drink and laugh.

Tomorrow, 3rd Annual Bowling Ball Awards Gala.  8pm-1am at Binga’s Stadium Downstairs, bowling chic.  Be there!

The semis are set.  I don’t have the scoresheets, and I’m still a bit woozy, but here’s what happened, I think.  On one side of the semis, we will have a rematch of last year with defending champ Binga’s Ringas playing 2008 champs Off Constantly.  OC cruised through the first round, then won their rematch with DHD to get there.  Binga’s was actually down 5-0 in the first round before rallying to win a close match over Sweet Rolls.  Then they blitzed Saucy Posse to advance.  On the other side, Livin On a Spare will face B.E.E.R.   LOS had little trouble in beating ICBING and Huevos.  B.E.E.R. beat the incredibowls, then held on for an 8-7 win over Urban Achievers (who had advanced with another 8-7 win over TDYOB).

So, Binga’s vs Off Constantly and Livin’ On A Spare vs. B.E.E.R.  Friday Night Lights!

1-2 (open for BoPo players)

3-4 Urban Achievers vs TDYOB

5-6 Sweet Rolls vs Binga’s

7-8 Young & Bowled vs Saucy Posse

9-10 Dirty Half Dozen vs Strikes of Hazzard

11-12 Gutterballs vs Off Constantly

13-14 B.E.E.R. vs Incredibowls

15-16 Huevos vs CB O’Nutz

17-18 Livin On A Spare vs ICBING

19-20 (open for BoPo players)

quarterfinals on lanes 5-12

First, a note to the schedule complainers.  The reason we are starting early on Tuesday is because if you win you have  another game.  This way you may still be done before 11.  I have discussed it with all your Captains.  In the case of problems, I have worked out deals with your Captains, so, in short, just talk to your Captain.

Now, breaking down the games.  Since we have two rounds being played on Tuesday, and I can’t guess at games with yet to be determined opponents, I decided to just look at the four ‘pods’, with odds of each team in that pod to reach the Semis on Friday.  It’s fun to say pods, too.  So, here goes.

Pod 1: (the Pod of Death) Binga’s vs Sweet Rolls - Saucy Posse vs Young and the Bowled

Binga’s: No one has really shown any ability to challenge the defending champs this year.  BEER had a game with them tied at 5-5, but Binga’s closed with a shutout, suggesting they were just toying with the commissioner’s team to curry favor.  Sure they have The Jerk, and his league record 10 200+ games and the top average, but they also have Buffalo Booth and Hot Mango Mike regularly putting up massive scores, and a one-two women’s punch of Chernobyl Lane and Valley Girl Jess.  Danny Diesel has kept them focused, and with the Bowling Ball at their home bar, they have every incentive to stay hot.  Odds to reach semis: 6-5

Sweet Rolls: America’s Happiest Team, the Sweet Rolls at least offer the guarantee they won’t get discouraged.  They picked up a couple of points when they played Binga’s earlier, and probably will do about the same this time around.  Hot Tamale would need his best week ever, with Frenchy and Candyman doing the same, and then they might get 4 points.  Odds to reach semis: 250-1

Saucy Posse: With a playoff win finally under their belt, SauPo now looks to make some noise.  Walter has been completely consistent, and based on early survey results, everyone in the league loves these guys.  This comes down to Hot Sauce and N-Sauce, who have both had big weeks but rarely at the same time.  If they get to the Elite Eight, they would need career games from the regulars, and a return to early season from from the mysterious Redonk to shock the league.  Odds to reach semis: 50-1

Young and the Bowled: Lou Dawg has remade this team after last year’s rough expansion season.  He has his reliable ace in Pistol Pete who is itching to make his name in the playoffs.  RR has been having to carry a lot of weight on the ladies’ side, but should get some help from Anya this week (she’d better, because the potential of six games for one bowler is a lot).  Senator ITZ or Killer B need to have big weeks to get them through to face Binga’s, but getting by Binga’s would take a miracle.  Odds to reach semis: 50-1

Pod 2 (the Pod of History): Off Constantly vs Gutterballs - Dirty Half Dozen vs Strikes of Hazzard

Off Constantly: After winning the inaugural BowlPortland crown in 2008, OC had the misfortune last year of ending on the same side of the bracket as Binga’s and failed to reach the finals.  This year a last week collapse put them back in the same position, but they have a more philosophical approach now, recognizing they’ll have to beat Binga’s somewhere along the line.  Turns out, however, that their other old nemesis Dirty Half Dozen could get in their way first.  It was DHD who put them in this perdicament in the first place with a week 12 tie. It will be fascinating to see if this team can regain their mojo.  Odds to reach semis: 2-1

Gutterballs: These guys have been complaining about a lack of respect.  So I did some digging.   Truth is after a big week 8 from Rusty Nail, I had them ranked #8 in the league.  I also had them as a ‘lottery ticket’ team in my tourney preview, listing them as one of a small handful of teams with any shot at the title.  Well, maybe the ‘no respect’ angle is just Daddy TL’s latest motivational tactic.  I will give him some material here - I think they will lose to Off Constantly (you’re welcome Daddy TL, hope it helps).  Odds to reach Semis: 40-1

Dirty Half Dozen: Noone ever talks about these guys, but they have been to the finals both years we’ve existed.  They live for the playoffs.  Getting to the finals this year will be no easy task however, as both OC and Binga’s are on the same half of the draw.  They are not short on confidence right now after a tie with OC in week 12 and big first round win.  Harlyn P finally returned from the woods to post a 196, and Pirate has been a top 10 bowler all year.  JELTZ! can go off at any time, and Lil’ P has been solid.  When Riggs and Toonces perform well, this team is as deep as any in the league.  Odds to reach semis: 3-1

Strikes of Hazzard: These guys are happy to be here. They don’t seem to feel any pressure from the playoffs, they just keep smiling their way along, surprised each time to realize how well they’re doing.  They’ll need every bit of that happy-go-luckytude to get through to the semis.  Uncle Jesse has emerged as a powerhouse, and if last week’s legal eagles Bos Hogg and Rosco keep performing well, and Mabel T shows up, they could put a scare in the 6ers, especially if DHD is looking ahead.  Odds to reach semis: 30-1

Pod 3: (the Pod of Drama) Urban Achievers vs TDYOB - Incredibowls vs BEER

Urban Achievers: These guys have been called lots of things: robots, mercenaries, quality bowlers.  Last year they were called a boy band, but they turned that perception around this year by signing La Gatita, the league’s top woman and second highest overall bowler.  She joined with Pinky to turn this into what is now a woman-run powerhouse.  Unfortunately, that has apparently impacted the manhood/ego of DRMA, who has resorted to childish name calling and impotent rage.  The always even-keeled J Hammer has done a good job of keeping him focused when he’s at the lanes, however, and DRMA and M. Knuckles both have rolled well all season.  The only potential weakness here is based more on rumor - that rumor being that La Gatita was a much different bowler in the intense Lewiston Series.  This will be her first BoPo playoff test, everyone  will be watching, and there is the potential she’ll need to roll six games to get the Achievers back to the semis.  Odds to reach semis: 2-1

TDYOB: Well, love him or hate him, you’ve probably all heard Dr. Thunder’s name by now.  He hasn’t made a lot of fans, but he thrives on boos, so it is part of his master strategy.  When he faces off with DRMA fans will face a dilemma.  You have to at least give him credit for talking a big game to keep his team thinking they can win.  They are huge underdogs, but I guess you can’t go into a game thinking that way. Odds to reach semis: 100-1

Incredibowls: This is another quiet, overachieving team.  Quick, name three members of the Incredibowls.  Can’t?  Ok, how about two?  One?  Yeah, they aren’t flashy (despite neon green shirts), and they keep to themselves a bit, but these guys can roll.  Last year they kept pulling surprises to make a deep playoff run.  This year they have a seven seed, so they don’t get to sneak up on anyone.  They don’t have any top 20 bowlers, but they are solid all the way through the roster.  They also will have no hesitations about beating Karl Hungus.  Odds to reach semis: 40-1

B.E.E.R.: Last week B.E.E.R. came within an eyelash of losing in the first round.  The question is how will they react.  This team has the talent to scare the league titans, but not the consistency.  Any result is pretty easy to imagine.  Fern seems to have found her game, and Karl, Filthy and Cheddar are all settled in to their averages.  Bishop will get the start, and is a wild card, but no card is wilder than Tom Richards.  When he wear plaid pants this year, his average is 190, without them it’s around 120.  So look no further than Tom’s legs to predict how far these guys can go.  Odds to reach semis: 20-1

Pod 4: (the Pod of Betrayal) Livin’ on a Spare vs ICBING - Huevos Rancheros vs Cracked Bowl O’Nutz

Livin’ On A Spare: They were the preseason choice to win their division, and ended up getting there after a struggle.  Does that mean they are weaker than expected, or battle tested?  I don’t know.  I do know Natro and Coco can kill some pins when they get their yacht rock on.  I know Precious has the balls to practice at the lanes by himself with his name in the scoreboard as ‘Precious’.  I know Shithawk can fly, and Alley-Loo can manage.  I also know they are great frontrunners, so to have a chance against them, you need to strike early and rattle them.  Odds to reach semis: 4-1

ICBING: They don’t fit the pod theme, as the rest of these teams all have former players mixed up on each other’s rosters.  ICBING just has madras.  Oh, and Fabio, who has emerged onto the scene and last week had the playoff high score of 235.  That makes them dangerous, but they’ll really need to climb on his giant, muscular back to advance.  Not to mention they got first and third in the NCAA brackets.  Nice work.  Odds to reach semis: 40-1

Huevos Rancheros: Like BEER, these guys almost flamed out early but are still standing.  Now they face some former teammates in a grudge match.  Bubbles will have to exert some roster control, keeping off strangers.  Barry will have to team with Rambler for big numbers, and A-Frame needs to show up.  They are driving a long way, so it’s possible they’ll tank to make it home in time to feed the horses.  Odds to reach semis: 8-1

C.B. O’Nutz: This team is made up of former members of Huevos and LOS (though those teams have changed their names in an attempt to fool the public).  Now they have the chance to potentially knock both of them out of the playoffs with a dramatic run on Tuesday.  I wouldn’t put it past them.  Herbie and Bunny have been rolling well, and Peanut has been battle tested on the travel team.  It may come down to Sugar and Deez Nutz (tee hee hee).  Odds to reach semis: 15-1

Hey everyone, I didn’t get to see enough of you all at postgames to spread the word, but the 3rd Annual Bowling Ball Awards Gala is this Saturday, 8-1am, at the Binga’s Stadium Downstairs space.  Trophies, dancing, mingling, maybe even a karaoke-off.  Come celebrate with your leaguemates.  This is the event of the season…don’t miss it!

Karl

Well, there was little drama in most of the first round games this week.  I’ll write up the close ones, and do a digest format of the rest.  Expect a lot more excitement next week, with two rounds of action.  It will be a test of endurance for those teams that reach the quarters.

Huevos Rancheros 9 Lesbowlians 6

Well, I’m going to write about the stirring effort by the Lesbowlians, but it seemed appropriate to mention here DRMA’s serious confusion.  I suggest to any guys playing against him, give him a hug.  His head might explode.  Anyway, when Tilt-A-Whirl, the top rolling Lesbowlian struggled in the play-in game, her teammates stepped up to get them through to the playoffs.  Once given that reprieve, Tilt-A-Whirl thanked her teammates with a 163 in game one against the heavily favored, 6th seeded Huevos.  That in and of itself wouldn’t have been too much of a surprise, but when Stayfree matched that 163, and Knocker Rocker posted a 142, a buzz started going through the crowd.  The Lesbowlians were ahead 4-1, and had posted a season best 586.  In game 2, a suddenly nervous Huevos came out swinging, and normally their 592 would have been good.  On this nihgt, however, the magic appeared to be with the Lesbowlians, and Knocker Rocker’s 160 (where did those two scores come from?) and Downtown’s 152 accompanied Tilt-A-Whirl to grab 2 points, and going intot the final round it was 6-4 underdogs.  Then Trixy made a fateful decision.  She stuck with fairness over rolling her top players, and Tilt-A-Whirl and Knocker Rocker watched from the bench as Huevos rallied for a 5-0 third game to advance.  There are rumors it’s because several of her layers, lacking confidence, had already booked vacations for next week.  Whatever the reason, the Lesbowlians made a strong showing, and gained leaguewide respect.  Meanwhile, the Huevos got a scare but managed to come through in the clutch.  That experience should come in handy for the next round, a classic showdown against  former Huevo (when they were DMB) Herbie.  Should be a good one.

B.E.E.R. 9 Wrecking Balls 6

This was the other near upset that had the crowd at Yankee lanes on the edge of their collective seat.  B.E.E.R. captain Karl Hungus had warned his team and himself against complacency in facing his lower seeded but elder brother The Dude’s team.  He opened with his top 4 rollers to “smack ‘em in the face”, and the 661 they put up should have been enough.  But on this night, The Balls were here to Wreck s%$#.  Lulu, who knew she was in for a long night with no subs, put up a personal best 164.  When Karl left the tenth frame open to finish with a 198, Swing pounced, and posted a 200 to steal top point.  The Dude managed to pick up another point with a subpar 115, and after taking BEER’s best shot, the Balls trailed only 3-2 and felt pretty good about things.  Both teams fell off the pace in game 2, but BEER fell a little further.  Cheddar and Karl each dropped 60 pins from game one, and only a point for last place salvaged any hope.  A rattled BEER team trailed 6-4 going into game three.  Desperate to turn things around, and with a long offseason of what-ifs staring him in the face, Karl turned to an old standby - shots.  They were meant to calm the nerves, and they may have helped.  Karl is no Trixy, so instead of even playing time, he loaded up with his top 4 again (sorry BOB - you start next week).  With most game wrapped up, people started gathering around to watch the thrilling conclusion.  Unfortunately for the Balls, they started to wear down.  Cheddar’s last frame 18 to loud cheers gave him the top point over The Dude, and BEER survived a gutcheck, 9-6.  The Wrecking Balls showed why they are always a dangerous playoff team, and BEER got a wakeup call.  It was great to feel the playoff atmosphere, to hear the oohs and ahhs of the crowd.  Look for even more of that as the playoffs progress, and please stick around to watch these games, it’s fun for all involved.

In other games, a determined Dr. Thunder led (by led, I mean he was there, his teammates did the heavy lifting) TDYOB to a big win over Happy Hands, 15-0, setting up the match that almost had to happen: Dr. Thunder vs D.R.M.A.  Watch for smack talk devolution.  The Gutterballs overcame a collapse by Rusty Nail to beat Roll Another, 12-3, and avoid the one predicted upset.  Dirty Half Dozen dispatched Three Fingered Willies 14-1, after the Willies had won their play-in game over the Who?  Nice to see Harlyn P back around.  Fabio posted a very impressive 235 in leading ICBING to an 11-4 win over the Pinups. Peanut also played well on his birthday to cement the victory.  CB O’Nutz cracked Bowlderdash 15-0, with a very evenly distributed performance.  Walter held off Xander Rolle, and SauPo beat Splits Happen 11-4 for their first ever playoff win.  Walt will need a little more help than he got this week if they are to get by the next round, but they have to feel good to shake the monkey off their back.  Law enforcement night, as Roscoe P and Boss Hogg both had big games in leading the Strikes of Hazzard to 14-1 moonshining of Three Livers, who played without top roller Wilma.  Sweet Rolls beat Pud’s Taxi 14-1, though it was a lot closer than that.  The first game could have been 5-0 puds with a total of 12 more pins, instead they lost 4-1.  They still danced.  Young and the Bowled snuffed No Pins Intended 9.5 - 0.5, getting a big 204 from Pistol Pete to put the nail in the coffin.  Finally, playoff experts The Incredibowls took their time in wiping up UREA!, 12-3.  UREA! had won their play-in game over The Madbotts.

Now, it’s on to the Sweet 16.  I’ll write about those matches soon.  To all of you who are done, great season.  I hope to see you at the lanes next week to watch the games, and definitely at the Bowling Ball Awards Gala on the 10th.  Then, coming in late May, I hope to see you at Bayside Bowl, a collaboration of Karl Hungus and Senator ITZ that will be the coolest new place in town.