Concentration!

Here's the picture greeting me when I turned up at Brampton Institute Bowls Club 8.44am this morning. Excited about playing in the EBA Benevolent Triples Tournament. But judging from the crowd control problems, I was either the first one to arrive or I'd screwed up on the venue.

Phew! It was the former. Only an hour and a quarter early. By 10.00am the place was buzzing with players lining up to start and spectators lounging in the bright sunshine.

The format was that we played five other teams, each match of eight ends. Ten points for a win, five for a draw and one point for each end won.

Somewhat nervous playing skip for the first time. My partners, experienced lady players from our club, wouldn't need much direction from a novice like me. Just shout out how we were standing and distance from the jack, thought I.

Close first match against accurate opposition. Lost in the last end. We won our last match against a team containing a past ladies county singles champion. The middle games? Forget it!

At least I came away for the first time feeling I'd played some decent bowls. Beginning to understand the most important thing to concentrate on is...