Staten Island bowling: Jeff Scire strikes again in New Year Singles Classic

An old saying in athletics goes, “It’s harder to repeat.”

That proved to be the case on Saturday when Jeff Scire defeated a string of past winners and up-and-coming talent to win the New Year Singles Classic for the second time in a row at Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills. In the final match, Scire topped Chris Riordan’s 227 with a 288 to win the title.

Staten Island’s oldest open bowling competition, the 49th Classic, attracted a number of the best keglers in the borough as well as those from the surrounding metropolitan region. Scire’s draw in particular was challenging, requiring him to perform at his peak from the start.

After the victory, Scire remarked, “This was a tough field.” Steve Soss, a two-time winner, and Sean McAuliffe were my opponents in the first two bouts. And then I met Rob Baranello.

In the end, the Rossville native faced Riordan in the championship match.

I’m facing a 23-year-old, and I’m 51. He said, “This wasn’t easy.”

The gifted southpaw Riordan faced challenges of his own, particularly during the semifinals.

According to the Woodrow resident, Tim McAuliffe is among the Island’s top bowlers, and I faced him. Despite the tight play in lanes seven and eight, we managed to grind it out.

The Scire vs. Riordan title bout was exactly what the Rab’s fans had been hoping for. The fight began when Riordan opened with four consecutive blows after Scire saved the opening round.

It would be an understatement to suggest that Scire responded. The reigning champion was unstoppable after the mark in the opening frame, delivering ten consecutive strikes to win the title and growing increasingly agitated as the run extended.

I suppose he added later that “animated” is a good word. He chuckled, “Some people might use different words, but I like animated.” I play with a lot of emotion, let’s say.

Scire’s response to the question of whether his second title felt any different from his first was intriguing.

I believe that you can’t win two until you win one, regardless of the sport. I won my first, which was really memorable, after more than thirty years. Gaining a second is gratifying.

NOTES: The event was a huge success for Jim Elliott, the originator and director of the tournament. He claimed that a large number of fans always attend this fantastic tournament. However, the bowling was excellent today. It was a wonderful day for everyone. In just his second participation, two-time Advance All Star Riordan made it to the finals. Last year, he placed sixth, and Riordan received $700 for second place, while Scire received $1,000 as the top prize. Tim McAuliffe ($350) came in fourth, followed by John Baranello ($500).