MONTE CARLO AT BEL MATEO BOWL

The Coach outside Bel Mateo Bowl

The Blockheads crossed the Bay to Bel Mateo Bowl in San Mateo for the Monte Carlo tournament I wrote about a few days ago. Sharon and I arrived early and bowled a practice game to get a feel for the lanes. The conditions were good and we scored well which made us feel good about our chances in the tournament.

Olivia and Gary arrived just as we finished our practice game. We still had about ninety minutes before the tournament was to start so we drove a few blocks to a place called Jack's Prime Burgers & Shakes for a pregame meal. As tempting as the burgers looked, we didn't want to weigh ourselves down before bowling so each of us ordered a salad. The food and service were excellent.

Olivia shows off her new ball

We returned to Bel Mateo Bowl with time to spare and settled in to bowl. They had game seven of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff finals on the TV above our lanes so we were able to watch the game as we bowled. Bel Mateo must mix in more colored pins than the other places we bowl in Monte Carlo events because the money shots came up with greater frequency. I had money shots in my first four frames and six in the first game alone. Each of us shot several strikes on money shots. I know Gary hit one worth $8.00 and Olivia had at least one $5.00 strike. We nailed several $1.00 and $2.00 shots. The spotters alternately encouraged and needled us (in good fun) as they called out our money shots. The game scores went well, too. Olivia finished in third place and I finished in second for the tournament.

The interior of Bel Mateo Bowl.

The managers at Bel Mateo Bowl, Lou Himenes and Mike Pallandino, made us feel most welcome and they encouraged us to return for their next Monte Carlo tournament. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. The only negative thing about the day was the temperature. It was a warm spring day and Bel Mateo Bowl's air conditioner was kaput. It got uncomfortably warm and a bit stuffy as we bowled. Beyond that trifle, it was a splendid day.

Tomorrow is a California Bowers Tour handicap doubles tournament at Diablo Valley Bowl in Concord. The Blockheads will be there!