BREWER – Halifax Fairlanes of Nova Scotia surged to first place Tuesday in the Pepsi-Cola Division in the second day of the World Team Candlepin Bowling Tourney at the Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes.

Halifax Fairlines, the 2006 champ, took 21 of a possible 24 points to roll past first-day leader USA East, a group of Massachusetts and Maine standouts who struggled and managed only 10 points.

Another former champ, Maria’s Sub of Massachusetts (1998), enjoyed another outstanding day as it captured 22 of 24 points to increase its lead in the Holiday Inn Division.

In the Pepsi-Cola Division, USA East compiled only a 10-14 mark while slipping to second place. The team has been paced by Nate Nealey (132-per-string average), Chris Sargent (123) and Shawn Morrison (121).

Halifax Fairlanes has been led by the strong efforts of Chris McGrady (131), Matt Harnett (124), Matt McPhee (124) and Tim Carrigan (123).

Paddy’s Pub of Nova Scotia jumped from seventh to third place by earning 18 points while led by Bobby Kyte (121), Mitch Seavey (119) and Chris Poberezny (119).

Maria’s Sub has maintained first place in the Holiday Inn Division with strong bowling from Bob Whitcomb (134), Craig Holbrook (129), and John Zappi (122).

Pat Birchill of defending champ MacLaughlin’s Truck and Trailer of Nova Scotia turned in the day’s high single of 179 while Fairlanes’ McGrady had the high series of 463 and Maria’s Whitcomb the high average of 134.77.

Maria’s Sub recorded the team high single (688) and Fairlanes notched the high series (1,907).

Action continues today with the playoffs beginning Friday afternoon before Saturday’s final rounds.

Candlepin bowling

WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

At Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes, Brewer

Second Day Standings

Pepsi-Cola Division

Halifax Fairlanes 39-9, U.S.A. East 30-18, Paddy’s Pub 28-20, N.H. All Stars 26-22, Colonial Lanes 25-23, Moncton Fairlanes/Storms 25-23, TNT Funtime 24-24, Borrelli’s 23-25, Total Chaos 20-28, Rick’s Pallets 18-30, Town Delivery 18-30, Downtown Jewelry 12-36

Holiday Inn Division

Maria’s Sub 42-6, Handi’s Rebels 36-12, Fenway Painters 35-13, MacLaughlin T&T 28-20, Kingswood 26-22, Park Place/USA 26-22, Maine Heat 24-24, NEC’s Plus 24-24, Crazy Train 22-26, Country Chicken Crashers 15-33, Vacationland Fire Power 5-43, Dixon Cider 5-43

Wednesday’s Top Scores

Team, high single: Maria’s Sub 688; high total: Halifax Fairlanes 1907; individual, high single: Pat Birchill (MacLaughlin T&T) 179; high series: Chris McGrady (Halifax Fairlanes) 463; high average: Bob Whitcomb (Maria’s Sub) 134.67