Storm DeVincent won his first NEBA title at Nutmeg Bowl in Fairfield, Conn. Sunday. Besting the field of 167 bowlers on the medium scoring pattern, DeVincent didn't have too much difficulty as he was the top qualifier at +190 for five games. The large field was reduced to the top 40 cashers who all had a chance to move up the bracket. The top eight bowlers are seeded while the rest need to win to advance. The cut for the cashing was +37 or a 207 average.

"I like the format," Storm said. "It's win or go home. At least if you make the semis, you know you'll receive a check."

The road to victory wasn't easy for Storm. Seeded into the quarter finals, he would first meet Tony Reynaud. Tony, a nine-time time winner, fell to Storm to 247-182. In other matches Chris Viale prevailed over rookie Drew Honicki 256-246. John Conroy continued his steady play, beating Tim West 205-195. As the second seed, Bill Webb won a thriller over Chad Autore 268-248.

The quarter finals pitted Chris Viale, a two-time champion, against DeVincent, who won 247-182. Bill Webb disposed of John Conroy's chances of making the championship match, beating him 235 - 226. This set up Bill Webb, seven-time bowler of the year and 13-time titlist, against DeVincent in the finals.

Both bowlers started like tired heavyweights. Each opened early with splits. Webb had a slim 12-pin lead through four frames when DeVincent finally tuned in for a solid double. Webb answered with a double of his own but when DeVincent extended his string to a four-bagger, Webb's chances dimmed with a 4 pin in the eighth. After posting a strike in the ninth, Webb could only
watch as DeVincent tripled to close out the match and win the $1,300 first prize plus a paid entry into the Ebonite Tournament of Champions. Complete results of this tournament can be found on BowlNEBA.com.

DeVincent grew up in New England and bowled about a dozen NEBA events in the 1970s. He moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and became a full time member of the national PBA tour. He was a solid player, finishing second three times and winning seven regional titles. Now that he has moved back to Massachusetts, he should become a frequent entry at NEBA tournaments in the future.

The next NEBA is a doubles tournament at East Providence Lanes in Rhode Island the weekend of October 1-2, 2011. Information can be found at BowlNEBA.com or calling 203-377-0161.

Click here to view the final standings.

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