Talk Tenpin

16th Dave Bamford 2010 Junior Grand Prix

AMF Ilkeston Bowl
Sunday 4th July 2010 

Scunthorpe ‘Steel the Show’ at the Grand Prix
 
Despite an unplanned clash with the U18 Inter-Counties that significantly affected the entry and average age of the competitors, this popular tournament still attracted a talented field of emerging juniors.

The handicap knock-out format once again resulted in an emotionally charged day to rival any World Cup. Although the prizes were generally spread around the centres; the Scunthorpe ‘Steelers’ squad had a particularly good away-day, providing the winner and two girls in the top 8.

With the top four bowlers all under 15, it was another memorable Grand Prix – be there next year!

First Round – (All h/cap scores unless otherwise stated)
Four conventional handicap games saw James Brown (H) & Oliver Spindley (S) leading the qualifiers on 864, whilst Jordan Orchard (U) hit the highest scratch score of 745 to qualify in 3rd place.

High H/Cap Girl’s Game of the day was bowled in game 3 by Chloe Wright (H) with 276 scratch (first 9 strikes) 311 h/cap.

The cut for the 32 bowlers progressing to round 2 resulted in a tie for the first time that anyone could remember.

So possibly the unluckiest bowler of the day was reigning champion Elliott Spindley (S) who tied with Chris McCloughlin (B) on 743 but went out 233/211 on last h/cap game ruling.

Knockout Round 2   
The format now changed to two-game, ‘head to head’ handicap knockout matches, where high average bowlers needed to be on top form to overcome some of the younger bowler’s handicaps.

Young Hayden Gilmour (S) gutted at drawing his match and being eliminated on the last h/cap game ruling; had some recompense when presented with a bowling pin as a memento for being the youngest boy in the tournament.

Others unfortunate to be knocked out in tight games were Shelby Kelly (H) by 1pin, Curtis Proctor (W) by 6 pins and Chloe Wright (S) by 7 pins. Also eliminated despite bowling well were Jenna Peel (I) 423, Katherine Pellet (H) 414, Josh Hicks (S) 409 & Sam Cox (C) 409.

Impressive scratch scores were posted by James Pellet (H) with 257 / 203, Jake Hussain (H) 218/170, Jordon Orchard (U) 174/205 & Amy Staveley (U) 171/201.

High H/Cap Boys game of the day was also bowled in this round by Chris Dixon (S) (242 Sc) 285.

Knockout Round 3
As the competition intensified, all of the winners had to bowl over 400 to get through this round.

Thomas Griffiths (C), Harry Hodgkinson (I), Becky Wood (H) & Tara Ford (S) all put in particularly good sets to overcome some tiring but resolute opponents in Jack Whittingham (S), Ayrton Warburton (B), Jake Hussain (H) & Stacey Hall (I).

Shocks continued as two of the favourites were unexpectedly knocked out. Tough on both 2008 winner James Pellett (H), who failed to overcome huge 142 pin h/cap deficit by 10 pins and Jordon Orchard (U) who lost by 8 pins despite a 193 last scratch game. 

The further you get the deeper the despair at going out, our commiserations to all of those eliminated.

Knockout Round 4
Those through could relax in the knowledge that they had won a Trophy; with the winners in this round going forward to a step ladder final, the loser’s position settled by running total handicap over rounds 1 to 4.

The qualifiers were now moving on to their ninth game, something few of them had experienced before, so stamina and consistency would play a big part in future success.

Chris Dixon continued his consistent form in overcoming Andy Bloodworth (I) 397/341, unfortunately his below par score saw him drop from leading qualifier down to 3rd place, whilst Andy’s reward for some gutsy performances in knocking out a couple of the favourites, was a very creditable 8th place finish.

Harry Hodgkinson (I) was now on a roll and his 483 not only eliminated Shannon Keay (S) but was also enough to move him into leading qualifier for the step ladder. Shannon, only 9 years old, had probably surpassed her wildest dreams bowling 18 pins above her average in beating much older and experienced bowlers to finish in 7th position. She was also presented with a bowling pin as a memento for being the youngest girl bowler in the tournament.

Thomas Griffiths (C) and Amy Staveley (U) fought out an epic battle, with Thomas’s 209 second game drawing him level on scratch to go through 471/433 on h/cap which also moved him up from 3rd to 2nd place qualifier. Amy had bowled consistently well all day and could consider herself unfortunate not to make the step ladder, as it was, she had to be content with a well earned 6th place this time.

Tara Ford (S) and Becky Wood (H) also played out an exciting match, with Tara holding her nerve to edge through as 4th place qualifier 413/399. Becky’s reward for her superb performance, 21 pins above average over the day, was a 5th place finish, improving on her 8th place of last year. This must make her one of the favourites for next year.

Step Ladder Final
Match 1 – Tara Ford (Scunthorpe) 398 v Chris Dixon (Scunthorpe) 468
Unfortunately the two Scunthorpe qualifiers were drawn together with 11 year old Tara being the surprise package of this year’s final but far from being overawed. Chris however raised his game with 179/203 scratch to power his way through. Tara finished in a magnificent 4th place; having bowled 30 pins above her average. It was invaluable experience, certainly something for her to build on for the future.

Match 2 – Chris Dixon (Scunthorpe) 434 v Thomas Griffiths (Chesterfield) 385
With little between the handicaps this was about who could gain the early initiative. Once again Chris, firing on all cylinders, rolled a quality 188 to 132 scratch to take the first game as Thomas’s previous form eluded him. From then on he was always playing catch up. Although valiantly he fought back to take the second game by 2 pins, this proved to be one step too far. A bitterly disappointed Thomas finished an excellent days bowling 28 pins above his average, in 3rd place and with mixed emotions on what could have been. 

Step Ladder Final
With leading qualifier 12 year old Harry Hodgkinson (I) emerging through the pack and 14 year old Chris also clearly on a roll, a large, enthusiastic crowd anticipated an exciting finale and they weren’t disappointed. An enthralling, confident performance by both bowlers saw Harry edging Game 1 by 222 to 214.

Game 2 and showing little sign of fatigue, it was Chris who started to gain the upper hand. Harry bravely tried to match him, but Chris cruised into overdrive, finishing on a high with a 210 scratch game and the title, much to the delight of the large Scunthorpe contingent.

Tough on Harry at coming so close, however he must have been delighted with his best ever tournament performance and the runner-up position. There should be many more to come.

Presentation
Chris Dixon, a proud and worthy Champion for 2010, collected his trophy before a very appreciative audience.

He had risen to every challenge, bowling 16 consecutive games, at an average of 177 scratch, 31 pins above his average (220 h/cap). On the way he had knocked out both older, experienced bowlers and younger high h/cappers, to take the winners shield back to Scunthorpe for the second year running.

Chris also won a personal trophy, £25 in vouchers, plus the Boy’s High Handicap Game trophy.

Together with Tara and Shannon finishing in the top 8, Chloe Wright bowling the Girls High H/Cap game and Oliver Spindley winning the Supplementary Competition, it sure was a good day for the Scunthorpe ‘Steelers’ squad.

With five of the top 8 bowlers all under 16 years old, the tournament had once again fulfilled it’s objective of giving youngsters valuable tournament experience with a realistic chance of winning.

On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that helped with the tournament, Ilkeston AMF Bowl for their support and all of you bowlers (and parents) that made it such a successful, and memorable day.

Sorry I couldn’t mention you all, you were a credit to your YBC’s; keep practicing it could be your turn next year.

Final Result
1st – Chris Dixon (Scunthorpe)
2nd – Harry Hodgkinson (Ilkeston)
3rd – Thomas Griffiths (Chesterfield)
4th – Tara Ford (Scunthorpe)            
5th – Becky Wood (Huddersfield)
6th – Amy Staveley (Uttoxeter) 
7th – Shannon Keay (Scunthorpe)
8th – Andy Bloodworth (Ilkeston)

High H/Cap Game Girl – Chloe Wright (Scunthorpe) 311
High H/Cap Game Boy – Chris Dixon (Scunthorpe)   285
Supplementary Competition – Oliver Spindley (Scunthorpe) 217

Graham Elliott
20/07/10