By Pip R. Planas
JEDDAH — Micah’s Pride succeeded on its “warrior save the queen” tactics when its mighty four columns squarely delivered to snap stepladder survivor Ekis-9 on a cardiac finish that entertained audience till anchor bowler rolled the last and deciding ball that once again crowned the Ester Santoc-captained and-managed team at the conclusion of the FEDBG Friday Morning Bowling League 18th meet at the Bowling city here.
Prior to this most awaited match, Ekis-9 convincingly outlasted Pin Busters 1,202, Pin Down 1,192 and Sagmit Dental Clinic 1,138 with its 1,239, Faisal Relativo, Rey Beltran and Jimmy Mandingiado noticeably delivered 249, 238 and 236, respectively, while Malou Gime, Zaldy Bacero and team chief Ernie Geslani combined for the rest. With the same lineup fielded — Bacero, Mandingiado, Gime, Relativo, Geslani and Beltran — Ekis-9 jetted all the way to finals needling Dabarkadz (1,317-1,175) defending champion BCT-JBS Pip’s Pro Shop (1,338-1,235) and Cool Guys at 1,224-1,209.
But against top seeded Micah’s Pride, a bit of aloofness engulfed the atmosphere of Ekis’ campaign with the same lineup to face Oca Bernabe, Ester Santoc, Carling Constantino, Jack Jarin, Melvin Lising and Igna Salgado.
The match took off in an observably probing progression highlighted with classic trade of marks. Halfway of the match Micah’s Pride was trailing at 530-545.
Micah’s Pride then showed acceleration in the next four frames to lead 1,018-975 prior to last and most crucial blocks. With only Jarin, Constantino and Zalgado marking, Micah’s Pride totaled a reachable 1,103 scratch to place Ekis’ chance on Beltran’s hand.
Holding the seemingly heaviest ball on his career aiming for a strike out, Beltran who has been sizzling on the first four games, succumbed to exhaustion for eight break and a strike bonus for an 1,102 team contention that made Micah’s Pride the champion on final handicapped tallies of 1,196-1,182.
FEDBG would like to thank all the participants of this FMBL 18th meet and the well wishers.
Final standings: 1. Micah’s Pride, 2. Ekis-9, 3. Cool Guys, 4. BCT-JBS Pip’s Pro Shop, 5. Dabarkadz, 6. Pin Busters, 7. Pin Down, 8. Sagmit Dental Clinic, 9. Kabalen Strikers, 10. FB Rinos, 11. RL Titans, 12. JB Alleygators, 13. ARCI-5, 14. Superbowl Dozers.
