By Tom Vartabedian
Staff Writer

Pilgrim Lanes has much to celebrate.

Two of its youngest bowlers finished 1-2 at an International Candlepin Tournament in Portsmouth, N.H.

And the locals brought home 24 out of a possible 96 awards for its best showing ever with 11 first-places, four seconds and nine thirds.

Robbie Taylor captured the all-around championship over 167 other contestants with the best effort of his burgeoning career. The 14-year-old threw a 602 over five strings, including a 171 single, for a 120 average. In doubles, he rolled a 628 for five strings which averaged out to a 125. His 3-string team total was a 370 for a 123 average. A $500 scholarship will be presented to him for the college of his choice.

Taylor posted a 21-pin victory over teammate David Godwin, his closest rival and friend, who threw a 599 in singles, 615 in doubles and 367 for a team total. Each was required to bowl 13 strings in one day.

"What we have here are two of the finest young candlepin bowlers in the game," said their coach, Bart Maderios. "They each bring out the best in one another and are destined to have solid professional careers should they choose that path. They're way ahead of others their age."

Taylor threw his first ball at 18 months and was rolling high 90s at the age of 3 at St. Joseph's Alleys. He's got 16 state titles to his credit, along with four on the international front. The Portsmouth outing was his first all-events title. He owns a high single of 171 and high triple of 391 with a 100 average.

Taylor is a freshman at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence and also plays baseball in the Haverhill Babe Ruth League. He's the son of Jimmy and Carla Taylor of 74 Crystal St.

"Bowling is a way for me to escape from stress and hang around others who share the same interest," said Taylor. "The league is unbelievable. We cheer each other on. Coach Bart makes the game fun by lifting everyone's spirit."

Godwin gave Taylor all the heat he needed before finishing with a 1581. The Whittier Tech junior once threw a 413 and 401 back-to-back, then a 390. This past Saturday in Pilgrim League competition, he rolled a 160 single which seemed natural. His career high single is a 181. He threw his first ball at the age of 5 and has been at Pilgrim the past six years where he holds a 121 average.

Godwin is a 2003 Division 2 international champion (11-13-year-olds). Both he and Taylor have now advanced to Division 3 (14-15-year-olds). He's the son of Donna Godwin of Haverhill.

Both boys hope to join the Pro Tour once they reach 17. That calls for six 10-string tournaments around New England against the best adult candlepin bowlers around.

Published on Thursday, December 8, 2005
Haverhill Gazette, Haverhill, MA.
Reprinted with permission.