Elgin Cross-Town Classic begins its sixth year, Bowlway to defend title
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic begins its sixth year this weekend when the top players from Bowlway Lanes go against the best Elgin Lanes has to offer. Bowlway looks to defend its title and retain the Mayor's Cup. The event is free and open to the public. "Elgin Today's" Jeff Myers will emcee the event.
The first three matches will begin at noon Saturday, April 14, at Elgin Lanes, 401 Shepard Drive. The following week on Saturday, April 21, Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa St., will host the next three matches, starting at 1 p.m.
The team that wins the most match game points will be this year's Match-Game Champion.
The annual tournament began in 2013 and consists of a series of challenges matches. Bowlway Lanes completed a three-peat by winning the first three years of the tournament.
In year four, Elgin Lanes dominated the tournament by setting a series of scoring records and claimed its first Mayor's Cup - an annual tradition when Elgin Mayor David Kaptain presents the traveling trophy to the winning team. Last year, Bowlway Lanes was able to win back the Mayor's Cup by just scratching out a 15-pin victory.
Bowlway Lanes returns this year with Mike Grocke (205), Dan Martin (201), Sean Hargadon (204), Daryl Rucki (204) and newcomer JJ Meyer (203). Elgin Lanes returns this year with star player Drew Perly (220 average), Keith Davis (208), John Mundt (210), Steve Mundt (208) and newcomer Brian Kummet (205).
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic features five players per team, selected from each bowling center. The format is simple: Bowlway and Elgin Lanes will match their best bowlers against each other for three matches (games) at each bowling center.
Whatever team has the most match points after two weekends is declared the winner. Total pins can break a tie in points. Each team can win two points for each game won plus one point for series. There will be a possible 7 points that can be won each week and 14 points total.
Since its inception, close to 60,000 pins have been knocked with 300 games bowled. Bowlway Lanes leads the total series with 17 wins. Elgin has 13 wins. Bowlway leads in total pin count by a margin of 409 pins.
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic VI will be held at noon Saturday, April 14 at Elgin Lanes, 401 Shepard Drive. The following week on Saturday, April 21, Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa St., will host the next three matches, starting at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Bowlway Lanes, Elgin Lanes, Elgin Today, madwill creative, and is certified by the United States Bowling Congress.