Sharpstone strikes it lucky

Jake Sharpstone stole the show

Jake was recently selected to represent Bedfordshire at Under 18 level and whilst he is too young to represent Great Britain at next year’s Maccabiah, he is hopeful of making the 2013 event. Sharpstone’s performance was almost eclipsed by a near-perfect game from eventual tournament champion Paul Loberman. In the final against fellow Maccabiah hopeful Ricky Cohen, Loberman rolled 11 consecutive strikes whilst a crowd of spectators gathered in anticipation of a rare 300. But the ten pin was left standing on the penultimate ball and he finished with an impressive 289.

That game was preceded by a score of 247, meaning Loberman lifted his second championship in three years.

Loberman paid tribute to his father. “I haven’t bowled much since my father passed away, so to play well and beat three European Maccabi Games medal winners in the knockout stages felt incredible on such an emotional day for my family. I’d like to dedicate this victory to my dad to whom I will always be grateful for getting me started in this sport.”

In the ladies’ competition, Ruth Daich took first place, followed by Linda Isaacs in second and Fran Dee in third.

Trials are now under way for the men’s Maccabiah squad and Maccabi GB are hopeful that a ladies team will also travel to Israel for the first time since 1993. For more information, contact one of the committee members at http://www.maccabibowling.com or apply online at http://www.maccabigb.org.