As the curtains fall on the thrilling Fall 2023 bowling season, Vigs Eras Tour 2023 retains their championship title – an achievement they clinched in a dazzling display of skill last week. But hold your applause until next week, we're gearing up for a night of award ceremonies, cash prizes, finger-lickin' fried chicken feasts, and a rollicking 9-pin-tap fun night. To get us ready for that, be sure to vote in the People's Choice awards!

In the grand finale, the standings witnessed a shakeup with two teams ascending and one gracefully descending. JoAnne Barber dazzled with a high game (137) and series (373) for the woman (as usual), while Matthew Taylor dominated the men's scene with an impressive high game (231) and series (565). Now, let's dive into the nail-biting showdowns that transpired on the lanes.

Barber Claus is coming to town. (Click to view larger, unless you've been naughty this year)

On lanes 1 & 2, Vigs Eras Tour 2023 clashed swords with Balderdash in an epic confrontation. Despite Jonathan Vigliaturo's below-average series, the Vigs Tour crew managed to secure only 1 win against the mighty Bald Boys. (A result to be expected when your team's best performance was below average -- but why does it matter, they already won!) Matthew Taylor, wielding a powerful 565 series, led his team to a triumphant victory with 3 wins. As the dust settles, Vigs Eras Tour 2023 reign supreme in 1st place, while Bald Boys gracefully conclude their season in 2nd.

Shifting our gaze to lanes 3 & 4, the Sun Dolphins cheekily balanced beach balls and jumped through hoops hoping to score some mackerel from √-1, but Clayton Burrow's above-average 401 series couldn't save them from being driven to near extinction by Imaginary Number. Scott Murdock, backed by his better-than-normal 466 series, played judge and jury for Imaginary Number, with Jim Koger acting as executioner by pulling off the trifecta (#1 Power-Ranked, #1 Head-to-Head, and Most Valuable Bowler), sweeping the Dolphins back below the waves. The Sun Dolphins take a 2-spot bottlenosedive to land in 5th place, while Imaginary Number ascends one rank to claim the 3rd spot. But the good news for the Dolphins? 5TH PLACE IS NOT LAST PLACE!!!!

Down on lanes 5 & 6, the clash of the titans unfolded as DB Lenz a Hand faced off against Glory Bowl. Doug Lenz, armed with a stellar 472 series, led the DB Handlers to victory with 3 wins against the G-Holers. In a valiant effort, Brett Affolter's better-than-normal 511 series bolstered the G-Holers, securing them a solitary win but couldn't save his team from the rest of DB's Lenzded hands, nor even from Jeremy's hands. DB Lenz a Hand climbs the ladder, securing the 4th position, while the G-Holers wrap up the season in 6th.

Bowlers who sat alone in The 200 Club discussing the pros and cons of how the ToC Championship round works include: Matthew Taylor (231) and Scott Murdock (202)

After a hard fought season, the Tournament of Champions was won tonight by Chris Lenz (Division 4), with Doug Lenz (Division 3) landing in second place. Chris will pocket the nice first-place pot, while Doug will take away the second-place pot. Congratulations!

Though tonight was the last night that counts, we still have one more week to go! Next week begins with a league meeting led by Vigs Eras Tour 2023, where awards winners will be announced and prize money handed out. Everybody gets cash! The meeting will be at 6:30 and, unless otherwise announced later, will be held at Lane 1. After that, 9-pin tap bowling just for fun! (Knocking down 9 pins on the first ball counts as a strike.)

As we bid adieu to the Fall 2023 season, the echoes of strikes and spares linger, paving the way for a memorable night of celebration and camaraderie. Stay tuned for next week's grand finale where champions are crowned and legends are made!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Jim Koger Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Jim Koger Runner Up: Clayton Burrow	#1 H2H BOWLER Jim Koger Runner Up: Brett Affolter
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "I tried to be discrete, but Seth caught me staring at his strikingly handsome ball bag." Dennis Walling, unable to keep his eyes off it.