Historical finish in bowling event

By C. Scott Holland

History was made at the 6th annual Roger Beaupre Match Play Tourney held at Empire Lanes in Leamington during June 1982. Chris Cincurak became the tournament’s first female champion and it was the first time that two female competitors vied for the title.

The semi-final and final games were played on the same night and it was evident during the semis that the two female bowlers were on a course that would have them meet in the finals. Each one took a commanding lead in their respective semi-finals contest.

Chris Cincurak (second left) received a trophy and a $225 cash prize for winning the 6th Annual Roger Beaupre Match Play Tourney as tournament namesake Roger Beaupre (left) presents the trophy. Runner-up Julie Ferguson (second right) received a $110 cheque from John Nikosey (right). It was the first time a female had won the event and the first time two women competed for the title.

– Photo courtesy of the C. Scott Holland collection

Julie Ferguson topped her opponent Rob Barna by a 17-pin margin and Chris Cincurak defeated Roger Wiebe, also by a 17- pin count.

The two ladies kept the finals relatively close as Ferguson bowled a 126, 157 and 127 for a 410 triple, while Cincurak emerged the first female champion of the tournament by compiling a 149, 139 and 149 for a 537 triple.

In total, 16 other players received cash prizes in the event.