NATCHEZ — Robert McCoy slowly back peddled as he eagerly watched his bowling ball roll swiftly down the lane, anticipating the end result as it inched near the white pins on the other end.

Just as the heavy ball smacked into the pins, knocking them all over in unison, the Roxie native spun out of his back-step and strutted back to the waiting area.

“My knee is feeling good,” the left-hander shouted.

With heavy rain falling outside from a storm cell that moved through Natchez Saturday, area bowlers were nestled and dry in the friendly confines of Rivergate Bowl, competing in the opening day of the city tournament.

“It’s enjoyable for everyone to come together and fellowship,” tournament director Jane Webb said. “We just have a good time and bowl the best we can. Sometimes it’s good, and sometimes it’s not so good.”

Webb, who is currently serving her sixth year as tournament director, said this weekend’s events mark the 11th consecutive year for the city championship, having experienced strong success throughout the past decade.

“Bowling is fun, and it’s what I like to call my ‘me’ time,” bowler Cassandra Hauer said. “We just come out here and laugh, cut up and have some fun.”

Throughout the week, a number of teams take part in separate leagues, yet this weekend’s events allow for all the leagues to come together to crown a champion.

“Hopefully my teammates and I get out there and do what we are supposed to do,” Hauer said. “Hopefully, we can take it all home.”

There were smiles and cheers to go along with some fun-natured ribbing amongst the competitors.

“It’s a rivalry,” Natchez native Ed Bowser said. “We all want everyone to do well, but we want to be the top shot.

“We’ve been doing this for years. It’s like a big family.”

Webb said players will compete Saturday and Sunday, and all events will be added together at the conclusion of play today to determine the city champion.

Webb said however, the most important aspect is fellowship amongst the players and enjoying the overall experience.

“It’s just enjoyable,” she said. “Especially if it’s raining outside; you can’t do anything out there. You need to be in a bowling alley and enjoying it.”

McCoy and his teammates certainly did as they celebrated his strike with some nifty high-fives and laughs.

“The main thing is to have fun,” McCoy said. “I try to keep everybody laughing.”