A local house runs a weekly King of the Hill singles tourney during the fall and winter months.  During the summer it is a doubles tourney.  Top 8 teams make the cut, bowl match play.  Since the beginning of last fall, I have been fortunate to make the finals in the singles and doubles format 4 times.  All 4 times I have lost.  Tonight in the finals my partner and I bowled 2 excellent bowlers.  We had a great chance to win, as our opponents only shot 397.  For some reason, I just never bowl well in a finals match.  I don't believe nerves are the cause.  I just don't seem to execute good shots.  I threw a box Shock n Awe all 7 games and had a great look until the last 2 matches.  I always have to chase the oil way inside by that time, which wouldn't be a problem if I didn't have such a hard time "walking left and throwing right."  I knew I drifted to the right real bad, but it's never been an issue until I have to find a way around the ball return on the right lane.  I tried switching to what I thought would be a less agressive Slate Blue Gargoyle.  That was an utter failure.  The SBG moved a good 10 boards more than the SnA.  So until I learn to play deep inside, I don't plan on having much success in tournaments.  I am disappointed and frustrated with coming so close and letting myself and partner down.  He has bowled great 2 weeks in a row now and is carrying me.  /vent

Don