Cranford Bowlers Fall to No. 2 Union

The young and improving Cranford squad ran into a buzzsaw Wednesday afternoon, as Union bowled the second best game in the Union County Conference this season. They defeated the Cougars 7-0 with a total of 1,137 pins.

"We played very well, I think," said Cranford captain Chris Juliano. "We got better and better as we went on. They just had an outstanding game. The last game they rolled almost a 1,200. That's incredible."

"Well I thought we did pretty well against them in the first game," said Cranford's Scott Belmont. "I guess they decided to do better as we went along. We try to do the best that we can so we can get at least one win because it would be a major defeat for them. That would really hurt them in the standings, Today, they just did a lot better than our best."

Juliano led all Cranford bowlers with a high series of 570 pins for the second straight match, keeping his average at around 190.

"I think I did pretty well," said Juliano. "The second game, 10th frame, I didn't pick up my nines, so that killed me. I could have had well over a 200."

Union, which currently sits second behind Roselle Catholic in the Union County standings, was led once again by freshman standout Brandon Burwell. Farmers head coach Jim Jeskey said Burwell is probably the best freshman he's ever had at this stage.

"The first game we started off slow, but the second we picked it up," said Jeskey. "We had an excellent game, the players have been good all year and now it's somebody else taking a turn, but usually we have three or four bowlers working."

Jeskey's Farmers are looking to make their mark in what should be a very competitive county championship, which is set for February 1, 3 and 4 at Jersey Lanes.

"We should be very good along with Linden, Westfield on a given day, Scotch Plains, Elizabeth, Roselle Catholic is out of sight and then you have Governor Livingston, so it should be an excellent tournament."

The Cougars, meanwhile, will look towards the tournament as another growth experience as they continue to stay positive and roll every game with an eye on the future.

"I really think we can be a strong team next year," Juliano said. "I hope to continue to move forward."