Columnist John McCarron: McDonough hits again at NTBA event

John McCarron

Thursday, Nov. 6, 1997 | 10:56 a.m.

JOHN McCARRON is a former pro bowler, international coach and a member of the Massachusetts Bowling Hall of Fame. He can reached via the internet at J300SUN@AOL.COM or by fax at 254-7330.

TO MOST players' chagrin, the most consistent 1997 NTBA performer decided to compete in the Mahoney's Fall Survival event Sunday evening.

After placing second in Wally's Grind Out tournament at Sunset Lanes earlier in the day, Bob McDonough thought competing that night might be too much. But he got a second wind and off he went.

McDonough charged through the field like lightning, averaging almost 240 to cop has fourth NTBA title and a first-place check of $160. McDonough, a top teaching pro, has cashed in 14 of his past 15 events.

Veteran senior player John Cocchi pushed McDonough, missing first by only 14 pins and picking up $100 for his efforts. Poised Tim Swag took third, averaging 227 ($56). Rick Freels took high game at 279.

The next Mahoney's Survival tournament is Sunday, Nov. 16 at 9 p.m. Call tournament director Garry Griffin at 657-2750.

* SENIOR SCRATCH: The Senior Scratch Bowlers Tour senior super senior doubles held at Santa Fe saw Vaughn Doody and Ron DeGroat ($900, 484) overcome the doubles team of Dick Jensen and Hal Wilbur ($450, 444). Jensen and Doody had 279 games in qualifying. Other top teams: Tommy Evans-Ron Kolch ($300), Terry Vaeth-ohn Greco ($200), Dennis Laux-Jack Todd ($150). The next senior tournament is set for 10 a.m. Sunday at the Showboat. Call tournament director Gary Walters at 646-8466 for information.

* WALLY'S WORLD: Rick Benard held off the charge of Bob McDonough taking first place at Wally' Grind Out at Renata's Sunset Lanes. Benard (plus 53, 235 high game) earned $300. McDonough had the lead until a difficult pair cost him the lead but he held onto second by three pins ($160). Veteran pro Joe Salvemini took third with a plus 10 ($80).

* MAHONEY'S SKINS: Johnny DeBenedetta took home the trophy at the Mahoney's 6 and Skins, scoring a 299 ($300) to lock up the title. Johnny D (pro shop manager at The Orleans) also scored a 300 and 800 at the Sam's Town Boyd Classic league Monday evening, overtaking Orleans general manager Mike Monyak ($200) in his title run. Billy Hillers took third ($100).

* COMING UP: Sunday at Noon, Bart di Bartolo's Storm WildDOG Sweepstakes at Terrible Town. Entry fee is $80. Call Nevada Tournament Bowlers Tournament (NTBA) sanctioned event. Call NTBA founder and tournament director Bart di Bartolo at 435-7474 for information or reservations.

* COACH'S CORNER: There are many types of accessories on the market. These range from wrist devices to rosin bags, tape, skin protector, towels and many other tools. I call them tools because that's what they are -- tools that can enhance the enjoyment of the game to help your scores. Here's my opinion on these items: Not all are good for everyone. What may work for your friend may feel terrible on you. You should experiment with some of these items. Tape, rosin and Easy Slide are an important part of every bag. Tape to customize the fit, rosin to get the feel and stay in the ball and Easy Slide on your thumb or shoes for a clean release or slide. These items work.