Camerino and Pisciotta Win 2^nd Consecutive Cup

On another beautiful Labor Day in Minebrook Park the FRBC held its 4^th annual Championship Tournament. With the usual incredible spread of food and drinks available, and for the first time ever, two bocce courts, FRBC President Jim Camerino and Tommy ‘Fredo’ Pisciotta put on a dazzling display of bocce to capture their second consecutive FRBC Championship. They were never challenged as they won matches 16-5 and 16-6. Within minutes of the final toss, they confidently proclaimed themselves the best team ever in the FRBC.

The first match of the day should have been a hint of what was to occur as Tom Francavilla and Mikey ‘Joey B.’ Vellucci struggled to defeat Tony ‘Vegas’ Gargano and Merkle Phillips. Francavilla and Vellucci have traditionally dominated matches, but were in a dogfight in their first match. After 8 rounds the match was tied 12-12. Francavilla and Vellucci needed a late surge and help from a familiar source to gain the first-round victory. With Vegas Gargano thinking upset, his partner Merkle knocked Vegas’ ball aside to give Vellucci/Francavilla the game winning point.

The next match featured 2003 Player of the Year Jim DeSapio. DeSapio was forced to select a new partner as Michael Abbatiello was delayed and not at the championships on time. DeSapio quickly surveyed the prospective players of Lyman, Kurht, Steele, and Delmonico and confidently selected the good doctor. However, Delmonico was not much of an improvement over Abbatiello, as Camerino and Pisciotta breezed to a 16-5 victory.

Before the championship match, Scott Steele, Dave Lyman, and Rich Kurht made history by being the first non-Italians to play on FRBC Championship Day. Kurht teamed with Mike Abbatiello, who finally showed up and was able to take a break from eating, to play a quick game. It was a quick game as Lyman and Steele won 16-8, pushing Abbatiello’s losing streak to four (4) – that’s four years!

After more eating and drinking it was time for the championship match - Camerino and Pisciotta vs. Francavilla and Vellucci – the only two teams to ever win the FRBC Cup. Camerino and Pisciotta jumped to an early 9-1 lead, using three rounds of three point advantages. Then with Pisciotta nursing a sore ankle, Camerino’s team slowed down a little, but was still able to cruise to the championship with a surprisingly easy 16-6 win. President Camerino proudly completed the victory with the traditional drink from the Cup.

The Columbus Day Tournament is scheduled for October and will be the opportunity for Camerino and Pisciotta to prove that they are the best in the FRBC…