I've made Finals Day!

Men's Handicap semi-final this evening. Playing against my pairs partner and A Team lead bowler. We've both got a handicap of 5, so it's first to 21.

He thrashed me 9-21 in a friendly early in the season. I was then still in my five-year mode of changing things. I've been settled for several months on my delivery process and playing much better. Can I win?

It very close in the first few ends. I'm surprised he's playing a long jack. That my territory! And accuracy with his first bowl is unnerving. We're not just talking close. Think millimetres. Thankfully I've got the lines on all four hands pegged. Just my length that needs some thought.

By the tenth end the pressure of his superb lead bowling has told. A string of three winning ends and my opponent is leading 5-11. As always, I'm calm. Improving on length, a four to me on the next end narrows the gap.

Soon after I string three winning ends together, I'm 16-13 ahead. Then drop three and it's 16-16. Another three ends to me and I'm almost there. Takes a further two before I roll the winning bowls.

Really enjoyable bowls match. So close. And some wonderful shots. Most importantly, I'm in the Men's Handicap Final! Hurrah!

A couple of days bowls-free before team matches on Wednesday and Thursday. From Friday I've got one quarter-final and three semi-finals to play in five days. Must stay focused! Here's this evening's scorecard.