Secret weapons

Third semi final this evening, Mixed Singles. Best of three sets. My opponent the same as yesterday evening, the club's best player. Got close in that match, beaten 11-12 in the Over 60s semi final. That's four times he's beaten me, but each time I've got a little closer. Can I win this time?

My grandson Sammy is with me to watch the match. He was there for the quarter final pairs win last week. Might be the free ginger beer and mars bar I supply, but he's become my lucky mascot.

Since there are only seven ends per set it's fatal to get behind early. So it's a bit frustrating when I yet again have a slow start. Three down after two ends. Having pulled that back by the fourth end, I'm yet again behind on the fifth. But I'm getting into my stride and go ahead on the sixth. I'm playing long ends and they're working. Seventh end to me and the first set is mine, 7-4.

A good start in the second set and I'm 4-0 up after two ends. He's under pressure. Pulls back to 5-4 on the sixth. On the seventh end neither of us are that close, but I've got shot bowl. With his last he tries to cannon a short bowl in to go two up and a chance of winning the set. It's the wrong shot, the easier a clear draw for a single and possible drawn set. Doesn't work and I don't need to roll my last bowl. Second set 6-4 to me and I win the match 2-0 in sets.

Without doubt my best result to date. Much of the difficult in beating this player is psychological. He applies relentless pressure end after end, rolling at least one bowl right up to the jack. Often it's several up close. You always have to keep an eye on the form of the head. If there's an opportunity to knock one of your bowls out to convert his single advantage to three or four, he'll spot it and go for the shot. Often he'll be successful.

But I've beaten him for the first time. It won't be the last. And I'll be making at least one appearance on Finals Day again. I've booked grandson Sammy for all future bowls games. Here's the scorecard.