The A Team calls

Suddenly finding I’m being selected to play for the men’s A team. This evening playing in the Stocker Cup against Hemingford Bowls Club. Thursday evening it’s St Ives A v Sawtry. And a week on Friday it’s the Warboys Cup at Peterborough against Parkway, one of the best clubs in the county. For that I’m partnering a former EBF 2 bowls singles champion as our club’s pair. We have to put up singles, triples and fours as well as a pair. Maybe something to do with my club competition win against the current champion last Tuesday in the men’s 4 bowls.

On this evening’s form my elevation to the A team might be short lived. Lots of rain over the last few days means a heavy green. It’s pretty cool as well. I seem incapable of adjustment, most of my bowls landing short. At least a few are bang on the jack. And I’m not the only one struggling.

Hemingford is one of the best clubs around. We lose handsomely on all three rinks. By coincidence, our B team is also playing Hemingford’s other team at the same location. They lose 2-1. The Stocker Cup is our own club’s by invitation inter-club competition. So it’s a bit embarrassing both of our teams are knocked out.

Retire to the pavilion after for a drink. Hemingford have got a magnificent set up. The bar is on the first floor with a balcony, tables and chairs overlooking the bowling green. Must be an idyllic place to spend a warm summer’s evening.