Bowls 42

BEST KEPT POT GAMES SECRET

How did you persevere through the many rounds of both the National Trips and Interclub Triples tournament.

For the National trips, it was my first time playing back-to-back games, which lasted for at least two hours, with close to an hour of break in between on both the Saturday and Sunday. The sun was scorching hot too on both days. However, we made sure the team was well hydrated with isotonic drinks or coconut water, not forgetting a big packet of Hariboo for Aman and myself after our turns. There were no breaks for our skip and captain Edmund. For the Interclub Triples, I think Edmund rotated the team (Josephine, Kelvinya, Hui kai and myself) well over the 12 weeks as everyone of us played the same number of games and there was always sufficient cover whenever one of us was unavailable to play. We didn’t put any pressure on ourselves and our aim was to have fun while trying to win. Eventually, we missed out the title narrowly and came in second.

What’s your personal strategy (as a younger and more junior player (in terms of years) bowling with as well as against very seasoned national bowlers?

For the Nationals Triples, Aman and I were bowling with Edmund who was the skip. He was always giving us good advice throughout the game. As a second, it was easy to just listen and try to execute the shot the skip wants. Even when we bowled bad bowls, he would encourage us to do better and at the same time come up with a clutch shot to bail us out. That made us pretty relaxed throughout the tournament.

In all our matches, I was up against a seasoned national bowler most of the time which was great for me as I took the opportunity to learn and at the same time try to cause an upset by beating their bowls. Also, I guess knowing that I am still relatively new to the game eased a lot of pressure off myself In the Club Triples, Hui Kai and Josephine were very helpful towards Kelvnya and myself. They were very encouraging and made the game very lighthearted throughout. We were laughing most of the time especially at our mistakes, funny how we managed to emerge second.

What were the most memorable moments

Definitely winning the National Triples as I really didn’t expect to win when we first entered the competition and even so when we lost our first couple of matches. To be honest it took a while for the feeling to sink in, but I think I was probably suffering very bad side effects from one of the club member's Declan Marten's Stag that weekend.

Also, the moment we actually lost the league to ELBC as the title came down to the final shot against them in the last end in our game against them. I think the score was 16-15 to us and we were holding at least one in the final shot. May took the jack and got two or three bowls in the end to win the game. Heartbreaking but fun nevertheless.

What do you enjoy about bowls?

Good Question. I like that it is competitive and at the same time not very physically exhausting especially since I have played Rugby most of my life. I also do get a sense of joy whenever I manage to sneak in a good shot which happens very occasionally. It is also a great social sport where you can play with literally anyone, have a couple of Gin & Soda and a curry puff during the game, dish out wisecracks (only to your friends) and head up to Stumps right after for a few more.

Any bowling philosophy?

I think just one which is a philosophy I applied a lot during my time playing rugby: it is about staying in a "blue head" where one is calm, in the moment, accurate and, focused especially during high pressure situation. Learned this from one of the best rugby teams in the world, the All Blacks.

Advice for newcomers?

I am still new so I think I should be the one seeking advice. Well perhaps to give yourself a year or two to master the game. Get a few mates/kakis and keep playing regularly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from the senior players as we are fortunately enough to have plenty of players who have represented Singapore, such as Rosemary - our coach and mentor, Mary - our Section captain, Amira and Shermeen - our Commonwealth Games National players, to name a few. And if you are entering a competition, find skip with strong shoulders to carry you through all the way, and this way you’re scaffolded by them and they can teach you well. Cheers to Lawn Bowls!!

The battle began with Bowls being the deciding Sport, contributing to overall victory for SCC!