On
Tour with Robert Smith
Cheektowaga, New York (Nov.
12, 2007 )
Hey everyone. Hope everyone had a nice Veteran's Day. This week we
were at Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY, in Buffalo area. This stop
last year was were I had to defer my exemption. I had this tourney
on the schedule circled because it would be longer than I lasted last
season. So was I actually relieved somewhat on a physical standpoint.
My first block of qualifying, lets say was 59 feet to nothing. Spinning
a Dave Ryan catch phrase. +65 for the block, and felt about 200 better
than that. I opened 4 times and maybe had one 5 bagger. Tough and
it showed being in 61st. Anger may not have been the right feeling
I had after the block, but I was 'hot' to say the least. I threw a
Blue Alien and Chameleon. Big back end layouts, and my carry suffered.
During the break a few friends of mine had to get the brunt of my
anger, at them about me. (Sorry JJ and Coop). When I came back for
the 2nd block, Billy Yinger, An Elite Rep and Ex-Ball rep, tweaked
a few balls that I had not thrown. More surface to get the ball to
be tamer in the backs. He thought my R43 and a Shark I use late already
would be the right ones to change. And just like that, the ball was
hitting the pocket flush instead of light and half-pocket the whole
time. +368 for the night block with 2 opens. Execution was just as
good, but angle was different. Lesson remembered, lined up is one
thing, but the goal is to knock them all down. I won't forget.
My match with Jack Jurek was gonna be tough, but not the way I thought
it would be. I usually have a tough time with the fresh lanes, speed
kills. So usually games 1 and 2 are donations, but not this time.
I went up 2-0 with a R43 at 1000 grit. Gave me the recovery in case
I got a little firm with the shots, a tendency when I play straight.
Game 3 and 4 are my favorites, and backwards as before Jack gets the
next 2, with me losing my line and hunting for a game and a half.
Finally went to my Shark, the same ball I use late in most blocks,
including the last 3 in the 2nd block of qualifying. And played in
with a big hook. A 7-10 and 2-8-10 in game 7 hurt Jack. I won but
a tough one as usual.
Against Mike DeVaney, was the same thing as with Jack. I go up 2-0
playing straight. Then I lose the line and move in, and the carnival
begins. Mike plays left of Jack and what happened is I got forced
too far left, so my backend was too strong, like 1st block of qualifying.
I couldn't carry, and when I missed I paid for it. Bad combination,
and Mike exploited it, winning the next 4 without a threat from me.
He made the show, so happy for him. Nice bowling Mike.
Well next week is Merrillville, Indiana. Stardust Lanes and some wood
lanes I believe. Happy. Till then, take care and be safe.
Robert Smith
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