The U.S. Open Lawn Bowling Championships are being held this year locally, here in our Sarasota. Fourteen countries are being represented with over 250 participants. Our local Club (SLBC) has been preparing for over a year to host this international competition - attracting the best of the best.
My first day of competing - with no friends or family expecting to be there sitting green-side - heading out the door this morning, I was more than lucky, surprised when my Knuckle's offered me the biggest, longest tongue, face kiss ever received. A very good omen.
My "Fours" (our foursome team) narrowly lost in our first morning match (13-17). So as the acting designated captain, we decided to switch up positions, with me taking the next play as the start-off 'lead'. We jumped-up big on our afternoon match - and won in a huge landslide victory - (34-9).
Tomorrow early we compete again in the next bracket - and once again when leaving the house - I'll be looking forward to that big, wet send-off from a very supportive and excited Knuckles.
Signage along Sarasota's Bayfront Drive.
International dignitaries arriving.
The stage was set.
Individual countries being announced and introduced alphabetically on to the greens.
Thank God for our little "Miss Siesta Key Teen" USA. She made me smile. It helped a lot.
My new friend, a "cool cat" Marcus Zeino, representing the San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club.
Aussie "Jeff" in his club's team colors.
My two "bowling" buddies with their two opposing national flags - Australia & New Zealand.
Our "fours" team after today's competition, photographed by an ecstatic fan.
Richard, Bob, Clem and myself.
(Wednesday update)
Today we played two more matches, in the semi-finals and in the division finals - we won both. Now new fans, with cash and a trophy. The imagination runs wild - considering this to be my first ever international event.
U.S. Open Men's Four (flight 3 division) Champions.
With our team's "foursome" win, I dedicated it to our Club's, Dick LaBrie - (a sportsman and a shepherd).
Very well done! Had no idea that bowls was such an international sport!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the sport of British Origin?
ReplyDeleteThe bowling on "grass"(on lawns) I believe originated in England, going back to at least Henry the 8th. He apparently loved the game. Over the years Lawn Bowling has become popular with most of the British Commonwealth countries, particularily Canada, Australia, England, Scotland etc.
ReplyDeleteThe game of "bowls" itself goes as far back as the early Egyptians. Bocce, boules etc. is a derivative of the same sport. "Lawn Bowling" has larger greens and played with a little more subtle finesse. Each "lawn bowl" (ball) also has a slight weighted bias to be used to curve into the "head".