My brain hurts

Yes, I did manage to get a last solo practise this afternoon. Sunny and hot it was... a bit too hot to complete 36 ends, but ever a glutton for punishment.

First time using the new scoring system. Here are the two scorecards...

Certainly a tough challenge. Came away feeling somewhat underwhelmed, uncertain if the change is for the better. The scores seem so paltry, particularly on the second go when I suspect heat exhaustion was taking hold. Five out of seventy-two bowls within one foot of the jack? Doesn't sound great.

Tried to judge if the scores indicated how I'd fare against an opponent. Realised you can't tell. I'd probably win ends where a bowl was within one foot as well as a couple within two to three feet, such as on ends 3, 4, 6 & 9 of the first scorecard. But you can't tell by how many I'd win. End 17 is an example... getting two bowls right next to the jack gives an opponent a big target to hit.

And the bar charts don't tell a story either. Haven't a clue what target I should set myself. Here they are...

Suppose their value will come by measuring progress over time. And from these results it looks like there's plenty of room for improvement.

Have to keep reminding myself I'm making it just about as difficult as it can be. Keep changing the length for each end. Keep bowling two forehand and two backhand for each end. Of course not all the forty-six bowls in the first attempt under 'others' are wasted bowls. Many were just a few feet behind the jack, ready if an opponent drew the jack through. And in a match it's much more likely ends will generally be about the same length and I can deliver most bowls from the same hand.

Off to Hunstanton until Friday for a few days holiday. Nearest I'll get to bowls is to gaze longingly at the greens on the sea front. Next week it's into full swing with the club competitions. Can't wait!