ON THE evening of Thursday, September 18, the lanes of Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre echoed with laughter, cheers, and the thunder of crashing pins.
Eight teams gathered under the glow of overhead lights, not just for a game, but for a shot at becoming legends.
It was the grand finale of the 2025 Business League season three, and the centre was alive with energy. Families watched from the sidelines, coworkers leaned forward in anticipation, and friendly rivalries hung thick in the air.
Everyone knew something special was about to happen.
The night began with eight hopeful teams: Balls of Fury, Balls Deep, The Turkey Slappers, City Lights, S&R Clarke Automotive, The Wooly Rollers, The Ex Men, and The Old Timers.
Each team had bowled their way through a tough season to earn their place in the finals – and now, it was time to prove who truly ruled the lanes.
Round One kicked off with intensity. Balls of Fury outlasted Balls Deep in a tight match (593–565), while The Turkey Slappers brought serious firepower to topple City Lights (661–534). On the other side of the draw, S&R Clarke Automotive edged out The Wooly Rollers (568–543), and The Old Timers delivered a composed, clinical victory over The Ex Men (622–587).
With just four teams remaining, the pressure was palpable.
In the first semi-final, The Turkey Slappers and Balls of Fury went strike-for-strike in what many called the match of the night.
But when the final frame ended, it was The Slappers who stood tall, 657 to 640.
Meanwhile, The Old Timers were quietly, confidently doing what they do best – staying steady.
Against a spirited S&R Clarke Automotive, they rolled to another victory, 628 to 603, earning their place in the final.
As the last two teams took their places for the grand final, the centre hushed.
It was The Old Timers – Katy Betts, Gerard Munnink and Glenn Collins up against The Turkey Slappers – J.L, Jack Ross and Ben O’Brien.
Two teams with wildly different styles. One title on the line.
Frame by frame, they went blow for blow.
Strikes, spares, missed chances – the lead changed hands more than once.
Supporters on the sidelines could barely stay seated.
But when it came to the closing stretch, The Old Timers found another gear. Calm, composed, and collected, they closed the game with trademark precision.
Final score: 622 to 603.
As the final pin fell, a cheer erupted across the centre.
The Old Timers had done it. Champions of Season 3.
They lifted their individual trophies, then raised the coveted Business League Comp Shield high above their heads.
Results:
2SCompany: First place Him And Her on 18pts, second place King Pins on 17pts and third place Jail on 17pts.
ABL: First place Just Bowl Already on 115pts, second place Fairlanes on 108.5pts and third place The Fireballs on 105pts
Phantom: First place Herdy Gerdy on 186 pts, second place Spin King on 179pts and third place Noddy on 159pts.
Top Scores:
Men: 208 Justin Porthouse, 207 Jason Bence and 197 Raff Merante.
Woman: 152 Valma Peterson, 151 Mary Dardha and 150 Jacky Dow.
Probus: Phillip Isand defeated Corinella 941 to 820 pins. Top scores Frank Robertson 279 and Lorraine Leek 215.
