New England team atop World Bowling bracket

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Park Place Lanes, a group of all-star bowlers from New England, stands atop the Pelham Electric division with a record of 20-4 after the first day of the World Team Candlepin Bowling Tourney at Halifax Fairlanes Bowling Center Tuesday.

The Maine Heat, the 2001 championship team, is 12-12 and seventh in the Pelham division, but they have already rolled against the teams that are currently second, third, and fourth.

Maine Heat is being led by Tim Matero (132 string average) and Shawn Morrison (128.4). Morrison has continued his strong performance after winning the singles knockout Monday.

Dave Hodge’s 131 average has paced Park Place Lanes.

Fatboy’s Pizza of New Waterford, Nova Scotia is in second place in the Pelham division while being led by Bert MacDonald (130.25).

Vacationland Bowling Center of Saco finished the first day with a 12-12 record, eighth in the Pelham division.

Defending champion MacLaughlin Truck and Trailer of Halifax is tied for first in the Holiday Inn Express Division at 20-4 with All Saints/Park Place Lanes of New Hampshire.

They have been tearing up the lanes, with team averages of 637 and 642, respectively. MacLaughlin’s is being led by Chris Hollett (133), the knockout champ in 2002 and 2000. Dave Richards (137.6) is leading All Saints.

Mid-Coast Maine of Rockland is in seventh place in the Holiday Inn Express division with a record of 14-10 and Getchell Brother’s Ice of Brewer is in 12th spot with a 2-22 record.

The day’s highest triple belonged to Justin Jones, who started the day with a 471 (175-144-152) for O’Brien’s Shooter Pub of Moncton, New Brunswick. Jones stands as the high average with 139.4. The high single belongs to Craig Holbrook, who had a 176 for his final string of the day.

The round-robin format continues until Friday afternoon’s quarterfinal round.