IN round seven of the Mount Isa Pool Association, some teams’ high aspirations were confirmed while some of the lower sides’ hopes were dashed emphatically. There is evidently a divide within the ladder as big scores were recorded.

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BOWLING ALLEY BANDITS 13 (Kingsley Ang 2; Jean Lavictoire 2; Tim Graham 2) DEFEATED BARKLY MISCUES 4 (Chase Steffensen 2)

That said, the rest of the league is chasing Bowling Alley Bandits, who sit in first spot again after their triumph against a resilient Barkly Miscues side at the Barkly Hotel. Miscues could possibly be the most unlucky side ever to sit in last spot having competed hard against the top team where they were 2-all at a point thanks to good wins to Don Carter and Chase Steffensen.

While Steffensen took both his singles for Miscues, it was all too much to compete. Bandits clicked into gear taking five of the next six frames. The league may have been surprised by Bandits in 2015 as their three best players are all new. Kingsley Ang, Tim Graham and Rob Peni strengthen the middle frames while veteran Jean Lavictoire is building impressively. However, Bandits may not have it all their own way next round when they take on a very committed Club Hustlers, who are making their move up the ladder.

CLUB HUSTLERS 12 (Steve Healy 2; Greg Payne 2; Eggy Eggmolesse 2; Paul Degroot 1) DEFEATED BARKLY STR8 SHOOTERS 5 (James Hay 2; Robin Buckley 2)

Club Hustlers continued their enigmatic form, after being defeated by the JMI last round, disposing of Barkly Str8 Shooters, 12-5.

Str8 Shooters seemed to be up to the task competing well and capitalising on Hustler errors early for a 2-1 advantage. But the strength of the Club side came to the fore with Steve Healy, Greg Payne and Eggy Eggmolesse all clinical in taking on their opponents, showing a return to form for the Hustlers. James Hay kept his outstanding form going for the Shooters, who were still undefeated on the year taking two singles frames, but the day belonged to Hustlers.

IRISH CLUB 303S 11 (Shaye Graham 2, Jason Graham 2) DEFEATED BUFFALO BILLS 6 (Nathan Mann 2; Paul Caulfield 1)

Irish Club 303s needed a big win to overtake the Bandits for first spot but found themselves in a scrap with Buffalo Bills, who welcomed back their three biggest hitters to their line-up. It was John Houng and Paul Caulfield who took out the top two for 303s for an early Bills lead. However, Jason Graham and AJ Saunders pegged the Buffs side back to lead 3-2 with Shaye Graham recording two singles frames for the day as well.

Nathan Mann took the next two frames for Bills to take a 4-3 lead, but a 5-0 landslide for 303s followed soon after. Jye Graham played particularly well to take out Bills player Jason Linke while John Tuimauga also out-potted Ziggy Grubczynski in the winning streak. This all but paved the way for a 303s win 11-6. Bills started and finished well but need to focus on their singles play if they are to compete with the top sides. Next weekend the Bills take on a Str8 Shooters side at home looking for redemption. Whereas 303s will hit a relatively soft part of the draw as they take on three of the bottom five sides in weeks to come.

IRISH CLUB OUTLAWS 14 (Troy Anderson 2; Pierre Pardo 2; Mick Lehtonen 2; Timo Kuivalainen 2) DEFEATED CLUB DEMONS 3

Club Demons took their inconsistent form and poor record across town to take on the Irish Club Outlaws looking for a big score. Opening up with a 7-0 lead showed Outlaws were on their way to a big score eventually taking out the Demons 14-3. Troy Anderson and Timo Kuivalainen starred for the Outlaws while Noodle String was good in defeat for the Demons.

BOWLING ALLEY CPR 13 (James Cartledge 2; Don Cameron 2; Lester Armstrong 2) DEFEATED OVERLANDER NEW STARS 4 (Brad Purcell 2)

The final match of the round saw Overlander New Stars relinquish five points in forfeits in their match against Bowling Alley CPR. The nine-point win was desperately needed by CPR to remain in fourth spot as the below teams gain more and more ground. Brad Purcell dug deep for the New Stars taking all his frames while recruitment seems the only way the Overlander Hotel side will improve.

LADDER

Bowling Alley Bandits 75

Irish Club 303s 72

Irish Club Outlaws 69

Bowling Alley CPR 64