Team Bowlway takes lead in Elgin Cross-Town Classic

Submitted by Elgin Cross-Town Classic

A standing-room-only crowd had a chance to see history being made as Team Bowlway took a 151 pin lead over Team Elgin during the inaugural Elgin Cross-Town Classic.

Team Elgin led each of the three matches well into the middle frames, but a strong finish from Team Bowlway, led by Mike Grocke’s 675 series and Wayne Curley’s 663 series, helped the home team pull out three consecutive victories. Drew Perly’s 681 series and Cary O’Donnell’s 637 series led Team Elgin.

Team Bowlway won each match by 52, 9 and 90 pins, and finished with 3,091 pin total for a 206 average. Team Elgin finished with 2,940 pins for a 196 average.

“We saw some excellent team play today,” said honorary captain and Bowlway Lanes co-owner Norm Grocke. “Elgin was tough, but our guys kept their composure and made some excellent shots when it counted. I’m looking forward to next week.”

“It was a great event today,” added Elgin Lanes honorary captain and general manager Lex Perly.

In addition to the action happening on the lanes, every frame was being televised live via USTREAM TV with the support of the Beacon Academy at South Elgin High School and the Elgin Academy video department.

The Elgin Cross-Town Classic will continue next week at Elgin Lanes, 402 Shepard Drive, Saturday, April 20, starting at 1 p.m. The team that knocks down the most pins over the two week’s competition will be declared Elgin’s Match Game Champions and will personally receive the Mayor’s Cup from Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain.

The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Bowlway Lanes, Elgin Lanes, Miller Lite, madwill creative, City of Elgin Parks and Recreation, Bault Bowling, FLIK Productions, Anderson’s Trophies, Beacon Academy and Elgin Academy.

Tournament certification is provided by the United States Bowling Congress.