The annual State Scratch Doubles tournament returned to Midway Lanes this past weekend in conjunction with the State Scratch Singles event. Traditionally, this tournament has been a 2 day marathon, but with the singles becoming its own touranment, doubles was turned into more of a sprint this season.
All bowlers would bowl 6 games on the 44-foot Billy Hardwick pattern, and the top 5 teams would advance to a baker stepladder final based on combined 12-game total.
While the pattern offered a moderate scoring pace, the short format did not allow for many mistakes. Those who avoided the tournament killing game were able to stay in contention for a berth in the stepladder finals.
Leading the way in qualifying was Daren Seney and Matt Smallin. Seney/Smallin used a rather consistent day en route to a 2532 total. Joining Seney/Smallin in the stepladder final was Jon Breckel/Jeremiah Smith, Jamey Kragh/Nathan Smith, Trysten Climer/Clayton Reid, and Ryan Sandvick/Karl Olsen. The cut to the top 5 was 2455.
Baker Stepladder Finals:
Climer/Reid def. Sandvick/Olsen 206-175
Kragh/Smith def. Climer/Reid 222-168
Breckel/Smith def. Kragh/Smith 222-196
Breckel/Smith def. Seney/Smallin 211-183
The win gives Breckel/Smith their first State Scratch Doubles Title. The pair went toe to toe with the qualifying leaders in a title match that saw both teams strike 4 out of the first 5 frames. Breckel/Smith took home the $2200 top prize following so many close finishes at Scratch Doubles in years past. Great bowling, fellas!
As for Seney/Smallin, the elusive Scratch Doubles Title will have to wait another year. This marks the 4th time in their last 9 tries that the pair has finished 2nd.
Another big thank you to Bryan Goehring and the staff at Midway Lanes for hosting the tournament.
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, and we will see you all at State Scratch Team on December 14th & 15th at Sunset Lanes in Moorhead.