Wonky tactics!

What a roller coaster the Pairs League has turned out to be. Partnering my daughter's newish boyfriend, a new bowler with a full half a dozen games' experience. Time to think tactics. Might we gain an advantage by me playing lead, hoping to put the opposition under pressure?

First match a close call. All even at 11 - 11 after fourteen ends. Just couldn't keep up the pressure. Lost 12 - 15. Second match also close for the first ten ends and 10 - 10 at that point. Lost 14 - 21. Frankly, playing lead is just not my thing.

Decided time for a change of tactics. Should have been obvious. In a bowls match whoever has the last bowl is considered at an advantage. So maybe I should have played skip all along.

Third match we're comfortably ahead throughout and win 23 - 14. Fourth another win against one of the top Club players and his partner, 20 - 6 to us no less! Fifth match another very comfortable win, 29 - 7.

In spite of our first two losses, we're still in contention to come in the top two and qualify for the playoffs against the other division's top two. It's tight between three pairs, but we've got a magnificent bowls difference. All on our last match against really good opponents next week.

If only I'd not messed around. Should have played skip from the start. We'd have been home and dry and in the playoffs already!