Bruce Watts had been bowling for more than 50 years when he pulled off a rare feat at North Bend Lanes last month — one that became part of an even more unusual night during the Cash Classic League.

Watts, of Coos Bay, had the first of two perfect games during the league on the last Wednesday of bowling before Christmas.

Watts has bowled a variety of high scores throughout his long career, including a 299 five years back. The December game marked Watts’ first ever perfect score.

“My first 300, it feels unbelievable,” said Watts.

Watts’ claims that the entire game, the first in his series that night, went incredibly smooth.

“I just couldn’t do anything wrong!”

However, when the final ball came around, the pressure began to grip at him. As he let go of the ball, it appeared to be destined for the center pin. It was sure to be a 7-10 split, however a last-second curve left no pin standing.

After the milestone reached by Watts, North Bend resident Aaron Funk scored an unlikely 300 in the second game of his series. Although a second perfect score that night defied the odds, it certainly wasn’t surprising that Funk was the man to do it.  

“I have been bowling as far back as I can remember,” said Funk, who graduated from North Bend High School a few years ago.

Funk also has two other perfect scores to his name.

“This was the most nervous game, but they all feel great,” said Funk. “It’s not something you see everyday. Some bowl for years and years and are never able to achieve a 300, but when it happens, it’s just your time.”

North Bend Lanes manager Mark Mattecheck couldn’t remember the last time two bowlers rolled 300s in the same league the same night at the alley.

“It’s very rare here,” he said.

Mattecheck was particularly happy for Watts, who has worked hard on his game since coming to the Bay Area several years ago.

Watts bowls four or five days a week and always shows up early to warm up, even practicing his approach steps, Mattecheck said.

“It’s always nice when the guy who bowls a lot, practices a lot, tries to get good equipment — it’s always nice when a guy like that get (his first 300 game),” he said.