Greetings everyone! Week 3 of the Partytimers league started very auspiciously. 4 open frames, 2 splits and 2 makeables, led to a 167 start. Not quite the rebound that I was hoping for. Using the Sublime, after the 3rd frame I lost my carry, placing way too much pressure on my spare game. Made the decision to switch to a freshly drilled Motiv Pride Liberty. I was able to produce a clean game, but with only 4 strikes, and a decent 195. I really liked that ball's shape on the lane, however, and kept at it in game 3. Turned out to be an excellent choice, as I strung the first 6 strikes before stoning a 9 pin in the 7th. Made the spare, and struck out the rest of the game, except for a 9 count on the fill ball for a 278. I'd been looking for a ball to blend out the lane transition in games 2 & 3, and on this night the Liberty did exactly what I'd been hoping for. I've been plagued by the standing 7 pin leave lately, and this ball made the pins carry differently. The coverstock provided continuation through the pin deck, and the barely asymmetrical core provided a great entry angle to the pocket. So far, I'm very pleased with this ball.

A reader asked last week why I decided to blog about the 2023-2024 league season. I have to admit, it wasn't something that I was planning on doing. The idea for the blog just kind of sprung itself on me after I'd been watching some ball reviews online. I know a lot of people who spend a lot of time watching these review videos, including myself. They're excellent tools for helping bowlers make informed decisions about purchasing a new ball. The only part that bothers me is that after the reviewer declares this new ball to be the best and most hooking product ever, we never hear another word about the ball. Did it stay in their bag for a week, or a year? Did they feel they had the most appropriate layout on it from the start, or was it plugged and redrilled? Or maybe they just drilled a fresh one. Did they shoot any big scores with it? Following up on these questions is one of my goals for the blog, which is why I try to mention my equipment choices as often as possible. Another goal is to just provide insight into the experiences of an average bowler, albeit now a senior bowler (63). I don't overpower the pins, and if you've read any of my earlier posts, you'll know that I'm not a great spare shooter! I'm just trying to pass on my experiences, and hope that it helps current bowlers, and maybe encourages new bowlers to try the sport.

As always, please contact me at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Until next time:

• Learn something new about bowling.

• Encourage others to enjoy bowling with you.

• Talk to your local PSO if you have questions about what's right for you.

Craig