It marked Marlboro's first championship in four years.

Tools and Equipment needed just nine points from the match, but their opponents took the first game and six points. The second game was a nip and tuck contest with Marlboro again prevailing to win by 12 pins and taking seven points.

In the third game, ending a 30-week schedule, the title was up for grabs and Marlboro had to win the game plus points.

They finally pulled it off, winning by a 24-6 margin and finishing on top of the table, just 5.5 points ahead of their opponents.

Marlboro posted the night's top team series of 2882 and second high game of 969 with Mike McCallum rolling second high series of 645. Dean Lightbourn's third high game of 234 and 621 series led Tools and Equipment to the third high team series.

The fight for third place saw Thompson's beat Lite Ice 19-11 behind Carson Bean's top game of 256 and Victor Thompson's high series of 649. But they still fell short of their quest for maximum points in order to finish in third place.

Dr. Pepper had an unexpected easy 22-8 victory over Stevedoring Services to slip into fifth spot by only 1.5 points.

In a game of little significance Franklin Travel assured themselves of seventh place despite slipping to New Mix Ups by a 21-9 score while Team Spirit and Spoilers battled to a 15-15 draw.

Dean Lightbourn led the league's averages with 201, Doug Hines had the top series of 681 and Conrad Lister the top game of 287.

The match point winner was Colbert Pearman, most improved honours went to Clevie Harris and the Dave Diel Sportsmanship award went to Woody Jones.

ATHLETICS ATH Bermuda Pacers will hold their qualifying track meet for the East Coast championships at National Stadium tomorrow,, starting at 1.30 p.m.

Interested athletes are urged to report early for registration which will take place at 1 p.m.

The schedule is as follows: 1.30 p.m. -- shot putt; 2.00 -- 1500 metres (Open, male and female); 2.15 -- 400m (Open, male and female); 2.30 -- 100m (Open, male and female); 2.45 -- long jump (Junior, male and female); 2.45 -- 3000m (Open, male and female); 3.00 -- long jump (Senior, male and female); 3.30 -- 200m (Open, male and female); 3.45 -- 800m (Open, male and female); 4.00 -- triple jump (Open, males and female); 4.15 -- 4x100m and 4x400m relays (male and female).

Meet director is Cal Simons who will provide further information at registration.