Maine Heat gives Charles Milan III his first team title

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Charles Milan III is among the most recognizable names in the history of candlepin bowling.

The venerable owner of the Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes has racked up an incredible 21 state singles championships. Until Saturday, there was one elusive title to which Milan had not attached his name.

The 65-year-old Milan fired a three-string total of 412 Saturday, helping the Maine Heat of Brewer claim its first-ever Men’s World Candlepin Bowling Championship team crown with a 1927-1901 victory over MacLaughlin Truck & Trailer of Halifax at the Halifax Fairlanes.

Shawn Morrison rolled a double strike in the seventh and eighth boxes of Saturday’s final on his way to a team-high 450 series to spark the Maine Heat to victory.

Tim Matero bowled a 381 for the winners, while Russ Nealey and James Milan each registered a three-round total of 342.

It was the first time Charles Milan had been on a world championship team in 17 trips to the competition. Bangor-Brewer Lanes will be the site of the 2002 championship next November.

Sean O’Flaherty led MacLaughlin Truck & Trailer with a match-best 458 series, followed by Tim Carrigan (399), Davey Somerton (342), Pat Birchill (330), John Harrietha (264) and Barry Soward (121).

The Maine Heat had advanced to the championship match by beating Travel Anywhere of Bedford, N.H., by a 1870-1772 score, then eliminating the New Hampshire All-Stars 2,025-1953.

Men’s World Candlepin Bowling Championships

Saturday’s Results

Championship

Maine Heat def. MacLaughlin Truck & Trailer (Nova Scotia) 1,927-1,901

Maine Heat (Charles Milan III 145-131-136-412, Shawn Morrison 155-128-167-450, Russ Nealey 117-112-113-342, Tim Matero 121-135-125-381, James Milan 104-123-115-342)

MacLaughlin Truck & Trailer (Barry Soward 121, Sean O’Flaherty 139-164-143-458, Davey Somerton 111-110-120-342, John Harrietha 147-117-264, Pat Birchill 96-125-109-330, Tim Carrigan 127-152-120-399

Round 1

MacLaughlin Truck & Trailer def. Pelham Electric (Halifax) 1,939-1,816

Maine Heat def. Travel Anywhere (N.H.) 1,870-1,772

Round 2

MacLaughlin Truck & Trailer def. Maria’s Sub Shop (Mass.) 2,010-1,939

Round 3

Maine Heat def. New Hampshire All-Stars 2,025-1,953