BLACKBURN!!!
The first stop of the Team England Ranking Tour was the Blackburn Singles, in Blackburn obviously on the 20th January. I bowled my 6 games qualifying at 9am and finished on a total of 1353 (208 226 241 224 232 222) I was really happy with my total although a little annoyed I did miss a couple of silly spares. I was 2nd after round 1 behind Zara Glover who had a total of 1364 including a 299 in game 1
Round 2 was 4 more games 222 278 195 162. After round 2 I was still in 2nd place with a total of 2210 behind Zara's 2232 and just in front of Finny Banks on 2163 and Jo Cundy on 2105. The top 6 was made up with Laura Marcham on 2039 and Junior Team England member Katrina Maciver on 2034.
I played Laura in the first game and scored 205 to Laura's 204 earning me 30 bonus pins. It was a close game from the start and went down to the final ball. The second game I tied with Katrina Maciver on 185 for 15 nonus pins, again it was another close game where we matched eachother frame by frame. Game 3 was 226 against Jo Cundy 201 for another 30 bonus pins. In game 4 I came head to head with my good friend Finny which is always a tough match! We both had the first 5 strikes before having a 5 minute break for a lane fault. Finny struck again and I got 9. Finny had a great game of 247 to my 224 which meant going into my final game against Zara, Finny was leading the tournament and I was 2nd 100 pins behind. Zara was close behind me and I knew I had to win that game to guarantee 2nd place!
100 pins is easily picked up in a Round Robin but with Finny having 4 previous games of 248 227 219 247 I wasn't expecting it to be possible! I started well with the front 5 strikes then a couple of taps. Finny was on the next lane and I could see she was struggling and was looking to make a 180. The first ball in the 10th I knew I needed to strike to catch her, I threw it fast and scored 7. I spared then struck to finish 2nd by 6 pins and a cheque for £150.
I was very happy with my performance at the event, especially as I didn't give up fighting even though I was 100 pins down. I averages 219 for 15 games so cameaway very happy indeed.
DUBLIN!!
Last weekend I travelled to Dublin with my Mom & Dad to play in the Irish Open at the Leisureplex in Stillorgan. I've been playing this event for 5 years now and I love it more 7 more every time! It's a lovely tournament to play and great to have a weekend away with both my parents!
I didn't play too well this year. I never settled properly and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. It was something so simple but I didn't realise untilI went to practice when I got home from the event. I came 11th, so I was still happy as it could have been a lot lot worse. I haven;t had much time to practice since I returned from resting my injury over christmas and I feel this has a lot ot blame for me being un prepared for the event.
Work have been great giving me time off but I've been working so much to cover the time I need off meaning I cannot prepare 100%. After long discussions with my parents over the weekend I have decided to quit work and concentrate on bowling. I know I have the talent and the ability to compete so if I have the time to practice and prepare well I feel I can do well in the European events.
This is a massive step for me and huge decision which I couldn't do without the support from my Mom & Dad. It will be financially difficult aswell as being a strain both mentally & physically on my body. It's something I've thought a lot about, what my dreams have been made of and I will be taking it very seriously. I have organised a personal trainer and nutritionist to help keep me healthy and fit.
Financially I am going to be looking for any help possible and hoping to receive some sorts of sponsorship throughout the year. If you are interested in supporting me or have any advice on how I can appeal to sponsors please email me at jojo@joallsebrook.com.
I have a free weekend this week but I will be bowling alongside the Junior England Team when they come to Sheffield for their final training session before they travel to Finland for the European Youth Championships in May. I am going to Blackburn tomorrow to see Jim, I'm gonna have a look at my physical game on Bowlers Map then have a bowl on long & short patterns in preperation for my trip to Tilburg for an EBT event on the 7th February!
Better get some sleep now, Nighty Night :o)
JJ xxx
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
ETONIC
Etonic
International Amateur Staff
Over christmas I signed onto the International Amateur Staff of Etonic shoes! To be associated with such a successful company is such an honour. The shoes are fantastic, the comfiest shoes I have ever worn aswell as been super stylish!
I am currently wearing the ESS Action in pink & silver (see above)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)