It's the holiday season and our league members are traveling. So today's turnout was lite, and expectations for the rest of the month suggest it likely will be the same. Unless there are any strong objections, I think suspending team play until January's reset might be in order. We'll just bowl for averages and bragging rights until then. My intent is, in January to reset everyone's handicap at 100% of the difference between their averages and 200 starting from scratch (it's currently at 90% of the difference).
First, Dog (Doug) gets a big fat Asterix (✽) behind his scores today. I have been accused in the past, not unfairly, of practicing some gamesmanship, trying to get in the bowler's head to affect the outcome of a throw, not necessarily in a positive manner. However, today was not the case. Because we had so few bowlers, about halfway through the second game, I took the opportunity to make a suggestion or two with the intent of honestly being helpful. Dog's second game score was basically his learning curve. By the third, Dog was almost back to his average, and in my opinion, rolling the ball smoother and more consistently. If Dog figures out his optimal starting alignment and aiming points, lookout. His game will be on the rise.
I once again had over 600 pins NET, but it wasn't enough to carry the day. Todd suffered through a mediocre first game and managed to post two pretty good 160+ games, and with his handicap, NETTED 640 total pins for top honors today. My 603 pins were only good enough for second.
Not much movement in our standings. Todd keeps bouncing between an average of 134-136, only affecting his handicap one point either way. My 165 average for the day, although above my 160 overall average, was not enough to move the needle on my handicap. Maurice also bowled above his average but only manage to drop his handicap by a point.
Looking ahead, Christmas day and New Year's day are both on Wednesdays. There will be bowling invites sent out for December 11th, and 18th, for anyone interested in getting out of the house for lunch and bowling for the day, just no team events.
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season!
R-
