The 25th anniversary edition of the Queensland Ladies Classic (QLC) bowling tournament celebrated a hometown hero this past weekend at Caboolture Bowl.
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Alicia Melton, a longtime force on the Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) women’s circuit, emerged victorious from a talented field that included defending champion Bek Martin and six-time winner Bec Whiting.
Melton’s impressive performance ensured the coveted trophy remained in Caboolture, where she will now set her sights on an even bigger stage – her debut for the Australian national team at September’s Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships.
Melton quickly stamped her authority on the competition, firing off a blistering 977 over her first four games in the opening squad to seize an early lead. She maintained her momentum through the first eight-game block, posting a 1,758 series and 219.8 average to top the standings. Hot on her heels were Bek Martin just 11 pins back and legendary bowler Bec Whiting trailing by 27.
Day two kicked off in dramatic fashion, with six-time champion Whiting rolling a perfect 300 game to vault into the lead. But the local favourite refused to be denied her moment, battling back over the final six games.
When the pins settled, it was Melton celebrating her second QLC crown, posting a combined 12-game score of 2,987 (249 average) to edge out Whiting (3,043) and third-place Dena Buxton.
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For the tenpin bowling community in Caboolture, Melton’s stirring triumph on home lanes serves as a fitting celebration of the Queensland Ladies Classic’s impressive 25-year legacy. With their hometown hero leading the charge, the future looks bright for women’s bowling both locally and on the national stage.
Featured Image credit: tenpin.org.au
Published 30-May-2024
