Rotary Skittles

Yet once more came the call, could we meet the challenge? Were we ready for the ‘LP Match?’ Of course we were, Michael looked long and hard, where were our strengths, how can we improve our strategy, what did his detailed analysis of the members show? Was the slight wear on the left heel of number 8 causing an incorrect stance? So many factors, but with perseverance, persuasion and determination he had his perfect team, an ideal mix of youth, (well relatively), experience, (but what in?) and determination, he made the calls and then sent the following message.

“We are in the LP, (Losers Plate) matches and have been drawn against Trowbridge Wessex. The match is on Tuesday 5th March at the Lamb, Mortimer Street Trowbridge. Basket type food available and can be chosen on arrival. I would like to raise a team of eight for the match. This is our chance to shine and have fun. Michael”

John Spragg drove Stella, Blaise and I, your junior reporter,  to the Lamb, now what’s that quotation about leading lambs to the  ____,  oh never mind. We arrived to find Michael alone in the back bar and skittle alley. Soon after Peter Hopwood, Peter Mills and Hendrik arrived, along with the Trowbridge Wessex Team. They are a Rotary Club of 17 members and meet weekly at the Lamb pub, often for a chat and games.  Wait a minute, that’s here, what games, I wonder if they play skittles?

Drinks were bought and the basket meals served, they were very nice, as was the pub. We got to know our opponents and more about their Club, a lovely group of people, four ladies and four gentlemen. The match began. Blaise got us off to a great start with a win against Ian, followed by Michael loosing narrowly to Liz. We were neck and neck, unfortunately that bias from number eight’s worn heel must have been contagious as apart from Hendrik we lost the rest of the round one matches ending four behind.

Regrettably a pattern that was to repeat itself through the remaining four rounds despite some good individual rounds from the more experienced team members and all half and half on the beer round, the losers buying the winners a drink. The final game approached, we were trailing by 15, in order to win your junior reporter needed to score 16 more than Paul, whose average score over the previous 4 rounds had been 7, against mine of 3.75, let’s face it a bit of a challenge, Paul bowled first and scored 5. I stepped up to the mark, now how can I do this? I have 3 bowls, I need a score of 21, so say all 9 with the first throw, 9 with the second and then just 3 with the third. I approached the line and bowed, deftly removing the far right pin, oh dear, I played on and equally deftly removed the far left pin, leaving a very uniform group ‘in the middle, from which my third bowl removed 3, a score of 5.

We lost by 15. I wonder if there is a LLP? No, not a lawyer, which might help but a Loosers Loosers Plate.  It was a very pleasant and enjoyable evening, we applauded the victors and stood for group photographs, including the two teams together which was nice, see below. Thanks to all who took part and I must get the heel of my left shoe fixed.