The Cordova Bowling Center was the place. April 26th was the day. A day that will live in bowling infamy. It was on these hallowed lanes that the Memphis Classic Chevys threw down the gauntlet and challenged the Mid-South Mopar club to a friendly bowling tournament. Our invitation was accepted. The game was afoot!

Although we neglected to take a role call, the MCCC showed up in force with at least a dozen members and their guests. A virtual armada of eager participants. Things were looking bleak for the Mopar gang as only two of their members made an appearance to defend their honor. Obviously, they didn't stand a chance. How could two make a stand against the virtual bowling machine that is the MCCC?

Since "team play" appeared to be pointless with the odds at hand we converted the tournament to a "best score" format in the spirit of proper sportsmanship. After all, team MCCC needed to appear civil as we mopped the floor (lanes?) with these Mopar guys... right? And since we had 12+ on hand, it was only a formality before claiming the crown anyway... right?

The Mopar duo hung back. Cleverly baiting us by "waiting" for additional Mopar re-enforcements. They sized us up as we loosened our stiff middle age bodies for the showdown. Keith Holly of the Mopar club then took on a new persona. He arrived with his own personal bowling bag, and unveiled a custom ball, shoes, and wrist guard while most of the rest of us rented shoes and searched for a communal bowling ball. What could this mean? Keith gently polished his ball with a hand towel and then took on a textbook style stance to deliver the ball to the pins that stood at the business end of the lane. I think I know what this means! Our confidence was struck a serious blow as team MCCC realized we were up against a bowling shark!

MCCC member Larry Abramson & his wife Michelle took a similar approach by arriving with all the proper bowling accessories in place and matching T-shirts to boot. Larry plied the lanes with "English" on his deliveries and saw appropriate success in knocking over pins. There was hope after all.

When it was all said and done, and the smoke had cleared, one of the closest battles in bowling history came down to one point! Keith Holly single handedly secured the crown for the mostly absent Mopar club by bowling a high score of 211. However, Larry Abramson put forth a valiant effort and scored a 210 in his final game! Can it get any closer than that? MCCC president Jack Mabry turned in a respectable 173 to secure third place. Regardless, even though outnumbered, & outgunned, team Mopar left with the bragging rights. Team MCCC was well represented, but it was not to be. Maybe next year.

LK