Roll with it
After a slightly intoxicated conversation in the Bongo several weeks ago, I have managed to join a bowling league. Not that I have ever properly bowled before mind you. I estimate I may have played 10 games in as many years. Indeed it wasn’t so long ago that I actively avoided bowling alleys. The pervading air of chavness diminished any vague interest that may have had the potential to form.
It was thus with some trepidation that I began my professional bowling career in earnest two weeks ago. Up against players sporting rings bearing the magical “300″ for bowling the perfect game; who discuss the oiling of the lane and bowl with exaggerated spins that see the ball curling wildly before smashing home and creating a blizzard of flying pins.
Luckily beer is also served at these places. With dutch courage onboard and a prayer to whichever deity oversees bowling alleys I hurled my first ball pinward. Comically/confusingly (you pick) this resulted in a strike. Walking back sheepishly to my seat I suspected that maybe bowling wasn’t too bad after all.
Now we are two weeks into proceedings and I am somewhat more relaxed. Heck I think I may even be getting addicted to the game. Certainly the initial strike was not a precursor of my overall game. I am presently more than happy to break 125 and have a lowly average of 115 or so.
Perhaps the most important factor is that the league is ran with a handicap system based on your ever changing average. I can play against a far more technically skilled bowler and provided I have a good game, actually win.
The league is set to run for the next three months and if I manage to get a little better by the end, I may even buy a customised ball. I am already beginning to curse the house balls and crave something tailored to my fingers and perfect weight.
I’m now excitedly looking forward to each Thursday evening where I can live out my Big Lebowski fantasies; I’m also champing at the bit to be able to find the perfect situtaion to utter the legendary “f*ck it dude, let’s go bowling”.
June 11th, 2007 at 9:20 am
We went bowling at the weekend - Paul got about 180 after 4 strikes in a row and coming tantalisingly close to 200. Just one better ball…
I got 152 which is my best in the UK. I bowl better Stateside :)
June 11th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Yay for bowling :) As Dan said I had a pretty good time, I guess my best ever UK performance too as I also bowl better Stateside :) If we actually go more than once or twice a year I might yet break 200 1 day.