New records were set during the BOV National Junior Bowling Championships held recently over 2 days at the Eden Super Bowl. The championships attracted no less than 38 bowlers, most of them participating in more than 1 category.
Philip Gruppetta and Sara Xuereb, each won the U23 championships for the sixth consecutive time. Philip has the absolute record and Sara, who beat her sister Raquel in the final equalled Amanda Cini's record of 6 wins in this category.
In the U16 competition, reigning champion Edward Xuereb found no tough competition winning his third consecutive championship, and a record in this category, by 238 pins. The girls' title was a tussle between 13 year olds Kathryn Fenech and Ruslana Grima. Katherine led by 55 pins on day 1, however on day 2 it was Ruslana who bowled an 892 as opposed to Kathryn's 792 to win the title with a 1766 total.
Kayden Lagana, competing in the U12 category led from the start rolling an impressive 701 series and a 642 series on day 2 to win the title by 99 pins over 2nd placed Chris Fenech (1244). Karlise Bartolo also led the girls' category from the start with 514 and a 503 to place first by 175 pins crowning 2 new champions in the youngest category.
Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta and Paul Baldacchino, President of the Malta Ten Pin Bowling Association presented the trophies to all the winners.
Supporting junior sporting initiatives forms part of Bank of Valletta's commitment towards a healthier community from a young age in a healthy competitive environment.