Gately, Werley win JBT doubles title

One thing you can say for Ryan Gately: He’s getting his money’s worth early in the Junior Bowlers Tour season.

OK, two: He’s been successful.

For the third time in four tournaments this season, Gately qualified in the fifth and final position for the championship roll-off, this time joined by partner Tony Werley at the JBT Doubles last Sunday at Lilac Lanes.

And for the second time, he marched all the way to the championship. Gately and Werley knocked off top qualifiers Jesse Covington and Karl Fencl 445-381 for the title.

The victory avenged a loss for Gately to Covington in the October JBT finals.

To make it to the final match, a bowler qualifying fifth has to face – and defeat – three opponents.

Last Sunday, Gately and Werley defeated Taylor Gamble and Jalen Hines (who finished fifth), Nik Gosselin and Justin Oens (fourth) and Nathan Rawley and Tyler Sumpter (third).

Gosselin had the singular highlight of the day, bowling a 300 during the match-play portion of qualifying.

Leah Anderson had high game for the girls, a 234.

The next JBT is Jan. 15 at Cheney Lanes.