Made several attempts, stopping to check the satellite map on my mobile 'phone. In the end abandoned the car in a main road parking space and set off on foot following a passerby's directions. Found myself heading along a narrow twisty lane full of puddles. Had to avoid the wash from cars who knew the route and were squeezing themselves towards the bowls club. Made it with about fifteen minutes to spare.
The format for Over 60s matches is three triples teams each side, with three bowls each player and eighteen ends. Did seem a bit keen to play less ends. Although there was a short burst of light rain, the talk right from the start was of what happens if rain stopped play. And half way through, after the rain had passed and weather was improving, there was a call to finish at twelve ends. We soldiered on to the full eighteen, with tea and biscuits after nine ends.
Our team got off to a cracking start, 5-0 up after four ends. Even better, four of those winning bowls were mine. By the fourteenth end it was all square, with their skipper getting increasingly accurate. They then went into the lead and finished up winners, 21-15. We won ten of the eighteen ends, but half their points came in two ends.
Of the other two rinks we won only one, so lost the match. Think that's the first defeat for the team and the first defeat for me in a competitive match (played 6, won 4, drawn 1, lost 1). With three club competition matches in the next five days, hope it's not an omen.
Didn't enjoy playing skipper. No problem giving instructions. But always seemed to be bowling to a crowded head either trying to save the end, or where we were winning already. Little chance to bowl to a clear jack.
Here's a satellite view of Eynesbury Bowls Club. Beautiful, quiet and peaceful location... when you find it!
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