Bermudian bowlers achieved a milestone at this year’s Annual Championship Tournament of the National Bowling Association (TNBA) of the United States in Indianapolis.The Island’s men’s team, comprising of Dennis Trott, Graeme Furbert, Terry Gibbons, Sinclair Paynter and John Simons, claimed first place in the men’s handicap division and with it the $5,000 in prize earnings.It was the first time Bermuda have won team honours at the event.Competing against 240 other teams, the Gombeys’ number five team amassed a combined scratch total of 2,880. The team’s combined handicap allowance was 816, which gave them a winning total of 3,696.Congratulating the local team on their success was Bermuda Bowling Senate president Lionel Dowling.“This is the first time as a team we have placed first so naturally I and the rest of our members are very pleased with the success of the team,” he said.The TNBA organisation consists of approximately 30,000 members across the United States and Bermuda, that currently boasts about 100 members. All branches of the organisation are referred to as Senates.“I consider this as a major success for little Bermuda especially since we are the only organisation outside of the United States who are members (TNBA),” Dowling added. “And we have been members for than 30 years.”Bermuda were also represented by the Gombeys Two comprising of Vernon Daniels, Harold Minors, Anthony Zuill, Carl Reid and American substitute Colbert Pearman. They placed 15th in the men’s handicap division with a score of 3,501.In singles play, Zuill finished 31st and Donald Dane 85th in their handicap divisions in a field of 1,322 competitors.Bermuda also took mixed teams with Bermuda Storm and Bermuda Rainbow placing 15th and 16th respectively.In 2010 Bermudian bowlers earned $10,000 in prizes at the annual tournament. Next year’s championships are to take place in Louisville, Kentucky.