Storm, composed mainly of Vargas Family, lifted the championship trophy after discharging Titans 7-2 in Round 19 of the 46th DFBC-All Filipino Bowling League-Lacoste Cup at the Dubai International Bowling Centre in Al Mamzar.
Brothers Paulo 'PJ' Vargas and Juan Rafael 'JB' Vargas carried Vrgy. Storm with 632 and 620 scratch series respectively while their father and team captain Butch Vargas had a relaxed game, finishing with 495 pin falls. Alfie de Ubago, another valuable member of the team, delivered 601 series and Mimi Malik sizzled with 587 pin falls.
– #Quiz360: WIN dinner for 2 at Channel, Media Rotana, Dubai
This was the second championship trophy since 2011 for Vrgy. Storm, who were deemed favourites to win the crown but always faltered in the latter stages of the tournament.
But not this year. Vrgy. Storm grabbed the leadership in Round 15 after trouncing The InKredibowls 8-0, and never looked back since.
Storm suffered a surprise defeat in the hands of Team Lockdown in Round 18 which reduced their lead to only six points going into the final round. But they did not take chances in Round 19 and registered a convincing 7-2 win over Titans for a total of 115 points.
“We’re overjoyed. After finishing several times as runners up, we finally clinched another championship trophy,” Vrgy. Storm team captain Butch Vargas told Sport360. “This is our second championship in DFBC and seventh over-all, including other tournaments.”
“The key to our success is that we don’t just play as a team but we bond as a family. We support each other win or lose,” added Vargas.
Elsewhere, five-time champions Lacoste-Dante’s Peak settled for second place after finishing with 106 points while Ballantine’s came closely behind at third place with 103 points.
Rounding up the Top 10 places are Covenant (4th, 101 pts.); Titans (5th, 100 pts.); Real Pin Pals (6th, 100 pts.); Genesis Xtranol – 24 (7th, 96 pts.); Crazy X (8th, 94 pts.); No Bandage (9th, 93 pts.) and NDO (10th, 92 pts.).
Individual Awards
MVP-Male: Ricky Reyes
MVP-Female: Uella Marcial
Rookie of the Year-Male: Michael Clarin
Rookie of the Year-Female: Merle Pilapil Cada
Most Improved Bowler-Male: Michael Clarin
Most Improved Bowler-Female: Merle Pilapil Cada
