Post Messenger Recorder -

Going into the last week of play for the second half of the season, the possible winner narrows to just two teams. The upcoming match on March 7th between the Norsk Pranksters and the Harley Blue Express will determine if a playoff match is needed. To get here, the Pranksters defeated the Mounties (It’s Time) on February 28th in a match that was decided by just 5 points. It must be said that the 63 points, this week’s low score put up by Jim Day and Harold Grabandt, was a major factor in the loss by It’s Time and that the 116 points (this week’s high score) put up by two subs for the Mounties, Roseann and Lavern Maier, wasn’t enough help.

In a must-win match for Harley Blue, the Express came out on top over the Riley Shufflers. The Shufflers found themselves in an uphill battle from the start. The 110 points added to the Shufflers’ score by Stan Hook and Ed Chancellor was quickly countered by John Scheidegger and Charlie Steinhauer’s 110 points. It was the 116 points (tied for this week’s high score) amassed by engineers Opie Taylor and Huffy (Steve Hoffmaster) that secured the 37-point win for the Express. This is scheduling at its finest and the league secretary should be commended, as the stage is now set for the previously scheduled match between the Pranksters and the Express. If the Pranksters win, they’re in the championship match. But if the Express wins, the Pranksters and the Express will play each other in a playoff match.

In the match between S’Wisco Taphaus and Jones’ Plumbing, Keith and Kendal Wenger narrowly avoided a skunk in their first game against Mark Losenegger and Ross Neshiem, who were up 13 before Keith and Kendal could get on the board. Mark and Ross received their only loss at the hands of Bryan Buesser and Brett Hoesly in the third game. Mark and Ross finished the night with 113 points. Jones’ Plumbing went on to defeat S’Wisco Taphaus by 44 points.

Elsewhere, the River Rats of J&M Bar had their chances of joining the mix, but had their second half dreams squashed by a mere 5 points as well. The 5-point loss came at the hands of the Kleeman Hay Shakers, who had a long shot at the second half title. The Hay Shakers needed to win, which they did, they needed the Pranksters to lose both of their last two matches, and the Express to lose at least one of their last two matches in hopes of ending the second half in a tie for first place. Although the Hay Shakers won and Jeff and Jerry Judd finished the night with 113 points, the Hay Shakers’ season is over since the Pranksters won their match. However, Kleeman’s still has something to look forward to. Highlight March 14 on your calendars, as Kleeman’s and the Hay Shakers will host the Spring Tournament. Registration will begin at 7:00 p.m., play at 7:30 p.m. All current and past players and subs are eligible to play in this tournament.

Standings: Norsk Pranksters 6-1; Harley Blue Express 5-2; Kleeman’s 5-3; J&M Bar 4-3; Norsk Cowboys 4-3; Jones’ Plumbing 3-4; Riley 3-4; S’Wisco Taphaus 2-5; It’s Time 0-7.

Schedule for March 7: S’Wisco Taphaus @ J&M Bar (8:00); Jones’ Plumbing @ It’s Time (7:00); Norsk Cowboys @ Riley Shufflers (7:00); Harley Blue @ Norsk Pranksters (8:00); Kleeman’s – Bye.