RIYADH, 1 November — It was a big night for Saudi French Bank-2 and the team’s turn to sizzle as it bested the other banks’ powerhouse teams to become the “Team of the Week” honoree during the 6th session of the Inter-Bank Bowling League being played at the Hotel Intercontinental Bowling Center. SFB-2 bankable kegler Jess Bersamin anchored the team to victory against Saudi American Bank and crowned himself as “Bowler of the Week” awardee. At a week where points are low, Arab National Bank (ANB) registered the second best output of 260 points (3595 series) in its match against Saudi French Bank-1 who managed 130 points (3,502 series) in a drawn match. Another team to cross the 200-point barrier was the “bye-team” Saudi Investment Bank at 230 points (3,593 series).
Seasoned bowler and southpaw Jess Bersamin finally found the rhythm of his games, led in routing SAMBA team. Jess B playing with 16 handicap, rolled a towering 4-game series of 866 built on the rounds of 216-210-197-179, to emerge as the 6th Bowler of the Week. Team captain Freddie Solomon, fresh from a successful venture of mentoring the Unified Team who captured the 1st runner-up award in last year’s conference, did it again. This time, he employed a 6-man rotation tactic that seemed to be an effective strategy. Jess B high opener of 232 and the tandem of Sonny Ocampo (206), Noel Morales (184), Edwin Timanggo (183) and Freddie S himself (175) typified an easy win in the 1st set (980-901), good for 50 points plus 80 bonus points in their favor. Although SAMBA took the 2nd set (989-975), SFB-2 gained 80 bonus points for scoring above the 950 benchmark. On the penultimate set, SFB-2 bounced back and bombarded the lanes with series of strikes and spares, tallied the day’s high game with handicap of 1,034 pinfalls, crediting the team 164 points. Second stringer Martin Malaluan joined the squad who likewise fired a high game of 223. On the final stretch, the quintet maintained their momentum, single-handedly seared the lanes and swept a team game of 856 for the 50 win point. Other members of the team who provided the much needed moral support were Mohd AlKhud, Ric Quinto, Joey Culla, Yusof Fernandez, Angel Bamba. SFB-2 accumulated a magnificent 424 points (3,845 series), although failed to surpass the league records registered by SABBInvest during the 5th week, improved its standings, edged out SAMBA for the 7th place in the scoreboard.
Ed Robillos high game of 232 powered Saudi American Bank, grabbed the 2nd game to gain 130 points (989 pinfalls). He was assisted by skipper Allan dela Rosa, Gilbert Faustino, Bert Lopez and Tenz Taeza. With a 30 bonus point in the 1st game, SAMBA posted a total 160 points but moved 1 notch down to 8th position in the overall standings. In a bid to retain the championship title, Saudi Investment Bank (playing as bye-team) carded 230 points (3,593 series), dislodged SABBInvest and SAMA-ANB, moved to 2nd position and further trimmed down the lead of frontrunner Saudi Hollandi Bank to only 57 points. The triumvirate of Dong Calub (808) JR Bagon (798) Jimmy Ocampo (645) steadily played in 4 games.
Whilst the pressures and excitement have risen, the formidable SHBOnline.com team also dazzled to join the pack of achievers and send a warning to the top contenders. Pitted against SABBNet, SHBOnline.com had a poor start (831-917). The first stringers made up of Gerry Ayonon (745), Bert Sabinay (694), Greg Antonio (458), Gil Hembra (520) and captain Ben Carriaga (670) were unstoppable. The scores stood at 210-80 points in favor of SHBOnline.com
Arab National Bank prevented Saudi French Bank-1 early warning assaults by topscoring in the 3rd & 4th sets for 260-130 points. Abner Macapagal’s 9-man rotation was led by Jun Evangelista who rolled a 4-game series of 731, Cholo Nieto, Usman Navarro and Nante Peralejas contributed 587-562-601 in 3 games; Mike Dylliaco (354) Joel Purificacion (332) in 2 games and a game from Edwin Anonuevo, Toto Delgado & Mahmoud Salama. The high game scratch (243) and with handicap (256) of Nante Peralejas was the week’s best in the individual category of achievers.
Saudi French Bank-1 won the first 2 games for 130 points. the troika of Jimmy Medina, Mike Sharif & Wawi Mabaning submitted 751-709-709 in 4 games while Ric Singson, Art Bumatay had 529-465 in 3 games and 2 games (339) from Jun Bantug.
The grueling match between the last week’s top 2 contenders Saudi Hollandi Bank and its closest challenger The Saudi British Bank-SABBInvest resulted in a 2-2 draw (160-130 points) in favor of the latter. SHB successfully retained its number 1 slot in the overall team standings. Jun Pineda and Efren Castro was on the vanguard to score a 4-game series of 731 & 683 respectively, 3 games from Ed Iranzo (561), 2 games each from captain Rodel Yap (386), Jun Angara (339) and Alvin Crizaldo (359).
In another drawn match, Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency-ANB and Riyad Bank both earned 130 points. The trio of team captain Teody Zulaybar (715), Val Montalbo (702) and Ely Reyes led the topscores for SAMA-ANB with 3 games from Clem Guelas (586), 2 games from Guilbert Matias (368) and a game each from Remy Generales (159) Efren del Carmen (141). For Riyad Bank team captain Bert Barriga was on the forefront with 737 in 4 games, Sonny Alviso, Mark dela Cruz & Nilo Guerero drilled a 3-game series of 486-555-476, Angel Aniag, Butch Grino & Danny Paredes added 2-game series of 365-389-290 and Rob Wallace’s single game of 185.
This 5-man team League is organized by the InterBank Tenpin Bowlers of Riyadh (ITBR) and sponsored by the respective participating local banks. Special prizes to league achievers will be donated by Philippine Arlines (PAL) through its Country Manager, Mr. Jun Ordillano.
