I alluded to the fact that I had a previous engagement in my last post, and that was a meeting of the Massachusetts Imperial Syndicate, a chapter of the international Star Wars fan club called FanForce, which was held at Pinz in Milford. The place was picked because it was close to a friend I’ll call Chris, who is one of the co-chapter representatives, but I knew the place wasn’t USBC-certified, so I didn’t want to risk bringing my “good” equipment. I did bring my shoes, though; Sean Richard told me I may not be able to use my own shoes, but brought them anyway, and was, happily for me, notified that I could. One of Chris’ friends, Jim, brought his own balls, but did admit that the last time he used them was the last time he was at this establishment, which was a year or more ago.
We rented a lane for an hour, and we managed to complete one game, with me throwing a game in the 160s with a 12 lb. house ball and a conventional grip. Even though I was trying to throw it like I normally throw my own balls, I couldn’t hook it much, and the best line for me was a more direct line. I had a double in that first game, but then lightened up and struggled (I even tried to throw thumbless at one point, which met with ill success.) My best friend Ed, who accompanied me, surprised me by getting a double in the incomplete second game. I knew Jim was a league bowler himself at one time, and it showed in his form, but he was actually hooking it too much and may have been experiencing some fit issues, as well.
Most of the time afterward was spent talking about an annual convention that is coming up, and our group usually does a collectibles raffle for some charity at the event, so I made sure to bring my donations with me. I don’t know if I’ll be able to attend this year’s event, but I wished the group well with this year’s effort, and told them I would join them if able. As a parting word, I suggested North Bowl in North Attleboro for the next bowling meet, as it’s pretty much between most of the people that made it to Pinz today.
The Tenth Board 