But who is Wayne Webb… because I’ve never heard of him ! a quick google search tells me he was a bit of a BIG thing in during the 1980s. Won lots of titles and a lot of ladies’ hearts with his big 80s perm.
Participation numbers were hit with 16 bowlers away on international duty and then there were some bowlers playing Midland Scratch League which had its big end of season finale. And this is a serious consideration I have to make when deciding to do these again next year…. It’s a packed schedule. We got 10 tenpin tours, 7 resdevs, potentially 3 county weekends (if the plate is played again) 2 weekends for the Nationals – so that’s 22 weekends out. And getting decent centres who want tournaments out side of the summer months is hard as well. Is there room for another summer series ?
So into the first round… playing for a place in the top 24. 1st was Steve Thornton on 1396 a 232 average. In 2nd place at this stage was Wayne Willacy on 1324 and 3rd was Hillary Cooke 1313. We had a closest to the pin competition where all bowlers had to guess what the cut score would be… and the closest to the number would win a MOTIV Ball – that’s any ball from their excellent range – https://www.motivbowling.com/ – it was Gordon Humphries who was bang on with a 1153 rolled by Chris Ellis. But on 1187 well inside the cut was Mary but bless her she had gone home not realising there was a 2nd round and she wanted to get home to her poorly dog. All of that meant the Chris Skudder sneaked in via the back door, and I missed the cut by 1 pin ! – Fuming !!! Livid… turbo !
Round 2, was 2 games with the 12 top going through. Steve Thornton started off with a 171 game, but there was no need to panic as he came back with a 255 to remain in the lead. Hillary Cooke moved up into 2nd, and fittingly Gary Cooper had moved up into 3rd. I say fittingly because there was a Gary Cooper who was a Hollywood movie star back in the day and he actually grew up in Dunstable. Which makes him the 2nd best thing to come out of Dunstable, with the first being the A5 road out of the place. The cut to the top 12 was Linda Pray on 1655 – a 207 average.
Round 3, another 2 games with the top 6 going through. Two solid 200 games from Thornton kept him at the top. Gary Copper moved into 2nd with Hillary slipping to 3rd. Wayne Willacy hit some heavy turbulence in game 8 with a 113 and that allowed the Exeter Exocet Chris West to take the final place in the final 6.
Wayne won £100 for his 7th place finish, and Paul Morris won £80 for finishing in 8th.
So, the final round, and another 2 games. Westy put a charge on and had games of 237, 263 to surge up into 3rd place. Gary Cooper stayed in 2nd – well pleased for Gary, he has really supported these tournaments this year, and he’s found them a struggle but he’s preserved and his got his rewards with £400 in prize money. But the Winner and a supreme performance from Steve Thornton, who lead from game 1 through to game 12 – amazing. Winning by 105 pins. Steve’s haul was £180 in brackets, £475 in prize money, a qubica pin, a ball spinner from www.printable3d.co.uk and a shirt from https://strikingshirts.bigcartel.com/ – the number 1 shirt company.
Also lets hear it from Hillary Cooke who just pipped Debbie Payne to be the highest placed lady bowler, as well he prize money Hillary also wins a MOTIV ball !
A good event – and a good mix of bowlers cashing. Scratch bowlers on top of their games against the handicap bowlers having a decent day – something for everyone in this event.
Thank you’s
James the tech at Dunny. And Rob Yandell and Skuds for helping on the day.
Big thanks to my two glamourous assistants – Lobbers and Richie Beck. Who not only help me on the day… but give me good advice in the lead up to the events. Because I was nervous and apprehensive before I started this series. And I’m nervous about the decisions I have to make… I want you to feel happy, and them two give me the re-assurance I need… that’s a lot of love right there.
Massive thanks to the sponsors this year… firstly to Qubica AMF. We all know their key product is string machines.. but the success and health of sport bowling in this country is important to them and they backed these events financially – so massive thanks to them.
Motiv Bowling – brilliant balls. Best looking balls on the market ! FACT.
Striking Shirts – what makes them the best ? it’s there customer service. Mark at striking shirts is a fantastic designer. If you want a shirt look no further then Striking Shirts.
And late to come on board but I’m thankful for their contribution was Printable 3D with their fantastic ball spinners.
Like I mentioned at the beginning I want to do these events again.. but I need some free weekends, some available centres (relatively close to where I live) and importantly I need some sponsorship – I’m talking to my friends at Qubica again, and I’m waiting for their budgets to be finalised, and I have friend who owns a business in Dunstable who may put some money in.
And if we get some events… I got a few ideas.. a senior team event, and perhaps a matchplay tournament !
Thank you to all those that bought into the “challenge” aspect of these tournaments. Thanks for your support.
Peace and Love
Basher.
Qubica AMF Summer Series T5 Dunstable 2025
