Who, me?

Sunday 10.30am start against Eynesbury Bowls Club at their ground. National 2 rinks first round. So it's two teams of four, each player rolling two bowls, twenty-one ends.

Don't ask me what I'm doing here. The club's seven best bowlers and me. Someone had to point out my name on the selection list. Never bother looking at the A Team noticeboard. 'It was a bit of a surprise' said one wag. Build up my confidence, why don't you! Playing lead too, so no hiding place. More than a bit nervous about the match.

Arrive even before any of the home players have turned up. Eynesbury Bowls Club is one of the hardest to find. Although this is my third visit, still have to be careful not to miss the very narrow Rectory Lane, off Church Street. You then squeeze between two ancient metal gates.  Wind your way left and right, wondering if you're really in the right place, to park near a marina. Notice a blue plaque at the lane entrance commemorating James Toller, the Eynesbury Giant. Born in 1798, James lived in Rectory Lane and grew to over eight feet tall. Must have been a bit of a squeeze for him, getting back and forth down such a narrow alley.

We're off to a good start, soon opening up a comfortable lead. Same for the other St Ives team. Our rink has a wicked bend on one hand, hardly any on the other. Even the home team is finding it difficult to get a consistent line. At least I'm not disgracing myself. Get shot bowl a few times as well as a count in the head.

Gets even more difficult as the sun comes out. Faster and more unpredictable. Our skip, a real class player and past national two bowls champion, is the only one getting any consistency. The opposition gain five on the last end, all to no avail. We win 22-20. Almost identical on the other rink. Going into the last end up 22-16, Eynesbury win five to end up losing 22-21. Phew!

Here's a satellite image of the location of Eynesbury Bowls Club.