A couple of bowlers rolled perfect 300 games in league play recently. Dave Morgan just missed an 800 series, rolling games of 268, 300, 224 for a 792 series in the Automotive League at Bon Aire Bowl.

I apologize for the lateness of this report, but Bill Fay rolled his eighth 300 game a couple of months ago in the Casino League at Sherwood Lanes.

In 1841, the state of Connecticut made it illegal to own a bowling alley because they became places where gamblers congregated. How did the bowling center owners get around this law to stay in business? Answer at the end of the column.

The track area is an important part of a bowling lane. For most centers, it is the second arrow area on the lane or the place where most bowlers roll their ball.Since it gets the most use, this area also is the spot that will change the most. On most nights in league play, you can line up and roll your ball straight up the second arrow, get a good reaction and hit the pocket, especially early in the night.It will dry up, though, so you'll have to make a move. One option could be moving your feet two boards toward the center of the lane and roll the ball out to the second arrow, therefore "banking" your ball off the drier boards.Another option could be to move toward the outside by a couple of boards and play a more direct line to the pocket.The next time you bowl, pay attention to the track area and make your adjustments accordingly.

The Butler County Bowling Association will hold an adult and a youth singles tournament at Meridian Lanes. The dates are March 14 and 15, and March 21 and 22. For information and an application, visit the BCBA web site at butlercountybowling.org.

Wes Malott defeated Ronnie Russell 248-195 to win the Etonic PBA Championship in Indianapolis Sunday. Malott, who sat out last week's plastic ball championship and took some heat from ESPN's Michael Wilbon on "Pardon the Interruption," never trailed in the championship match.Pete Weber finished third, Bill O'Neill fourth and Chris Barnes, fifth.The PBA heads to Columbus, Ohio, for the Don Johnson Buckeye State eliminator. The finals will be televised on ESPN at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Malott was asked about his decision to skip the plastic ball championship, a tournament in which all of the competitors were issued a plastic bowling ball for use in the entire tournament. Malott said that it was the placement of the tournament on the schedule that kept him from bowling, not the fact that the PBA dictated the equipment that was to be used.I guess you could accept that answer, but there always will be some doubt in my mind as to what Malott's intentions were.

• <B>Automotive League:</B> Bill Yost 245 (722)• <B>Buckhorn League:</B> Daryl Claypoole 240 (676), Ed Desmond 248 (662)• <B>Kelly Automotive:</B> Don McLaughlin 247 (714), Bob Casey 224 (651)• <B>Coins League:</B> Betty McIndoe 221 (525)• <B>City League:</B> Ron Henry 279 (734), Mike Dunklerley 252 (721), Brian Marcellus 256 (719).

In 1841, the game of ninepins came to America from Europe, and quickly became a favorite of gamblers. Connecticut made it illegal to own a ninepin center, so alley owners skirted the law by adding a 10th pin, which created the sport we know and love today. Now, bowling centers are being added to casinos.Ron Willison is the bowling columnist for the Butler Eagle.