The Nanaimo men's bowling team from Brechin Lanes took first at the Island Championship in Port Alberni April 26-27. In Ottawa, Brechin's Lornita Phillips and Jessica McGee earned a bronze medal at the YBC youth nationals in junior girls doubles May 8. (Brechin Lanes)

By Dan Marshall

Throwing Strikes

Nanaimo five pin bowlers from Brechin Lanes post strong results

May 11, 2024 | 10:27 AM

NANAIMO — The men’s five pin bowling team from Brechin Lanes had a standout performance at the 36th annual Vancouver Island Championship in Port Alberni.

The team won the title for the second year in a row.

Stephen Leynard was part of both of those groups.

“Winning the men’s event for the second year in a row was a very humbling and rewarding experience. Having our top men from our bowling alley being able to win feels great.”

There was some turnover within the team with two different players from 2023 to 2024.

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“Don Campbell is the grandfather of the team. We have Kaleb Wallon who just got out of youth bowling and he’s an incredible bowler. Shawn Eby and Brayden Wallon made it on to the first team this year.”

Leynard said winning the championship was a tight battle throughout.

“It came to a close battle in the last game. The host Rainbow Lanes got very close to catching up to us. We also had the Duncan number one team right on our tail the entire tournament too.”

The Nanaimo based women’s team earned a second place finish while several Brechin players were given tournament accolades.

Don Campbell was a second men’s all-star, Mikayla Eby was a 2nd ladies all-star and Carla Burgmann was named a 3rd ladies all-star.

Leynard was impressed with how the women’s team performed.

“The women played incredible they have some very talented bowlers. Next year they will definitely have a shot at taking it all. They came in second place and ended up losing to the Duncan ladies team.”

Two more bowlers from Brechin Lanes earned an invite to the five pin junior nationals.

Lornita Phillips and Jessica McGee captured the junior girls doubles bronze medal May 8 in Ottawa/Gatineau.

Phillips and McGee needed a tie breaker over Southern Ontario to win third place at the three day event.

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