Thinking tactics

Friendly bowl with friend Tony and his daughter this morning, each playing four woods. Retire after an hour and a half while still ahead and the gap is narrowing, score 9 - 6 - 2.

There are strict instructions to play away from the clubhouse before 5pm. The favoured direction is parallel because of a more predictable line. Since all competition, league and friendly matches are being played this way whatever the time of day, the green is beginning to show uneven wear.

The unpredictable line certainly shows in our game this morning. On a medium length jack one hand is unbelievably straight as though there's no bias on the bowl. The other hand has a slight curve right at the end. Get either side of those lines and the bowl certainly finds a bend, leaving you way off to the side. Much better with a longer jack.

Away on holiday to Hunstanton until Friday, I've organised a couple of Sunday morning Club competition matches for my return. Not sure my opponents realise we'll be playing in the unfavoured direction. Think I can put this to my advantage. Certainly be avoiding rink 2. Played rink 6 and it has a reliable bend both ways. A short practise Saturday evening before the matches to establish the line will give me a definite advantage. Anything to gain a slight edge!