Words by Gutther Bawl.

14th April 1912. 5th June 1944. 29th July 1966. 19th July 1969. 29th June 2023.

All these dates precede events of incalculable historical significance. Days and nights during which humanity stood at the precipice of greatness, triumph, and disaster.

What was occurring in the minds of many during those hours is beyond comprehension; the sacrifices that would be made, and the hardships that would need to be overcome. Questioning, “what do the morning fates have in store for me?”

The eyes of the world were upon them, and the legacy that followed lives on in infamy.

The last date in our list, however, is different, as we do not yet know what awaits us. All we can do is strain our collective necks beyond the parapet, and attempt to judge this moment of history.

At the start of this season, I shared my thoughts on how this was the most difficult and important season in the history of Premier League Bowling. The third season brought with it a challenge as yet unconquered.

Never could I have known as I wrote that prediction, it would not only come true, but in a manner that would surpass all expectations.

To try and summarise the flowing narrative of this season would take more than I have to give.

We’ve had fierce rilvaries, new bowlers, fan favourites, myths formed, injuries suffered, mistakes made, lessons learned, songs sung, pints drunk, pins toppled, gutters bowled… all in service of something bigger than ourselves - sporting immortality.

This is the tightest race we have ever had in Premier League Bowling history. Pinter Milan and The Riders of Rowans are separated by a mere 6.5 points. It certainly didn't look like it would be this close a month or so ago, but that is the beauty and drama of sport. Tomorrow night will be pure sport, pure theatre - the better team will win, it is as simple as that.

We must also spare a thought for Pin City Rollers. Last year's new boys, even they will admit the league rankings don't flatter them. It's been a tough ride this year for the kitless crew, however they have had their fair share of individual stars. They have the off-season to put themselves to work, and come back next year, ready to challenge again.

As the sun sets tonight, the captains will likely be pondering their line ups, conscious any mistmatched pair could spell disaster. Their bowlers will be preparing mentally, physcially, knowing one poor ball or a missed spare could leave their dreams crushed, whilst realising those of their enemies.

I'm also excited to report, in advance, that we will see some old foes fight it out once more under the lights.

My sources have confirmed that The Big Time faces Balbert Bew, for another installment of the Battle of the Bulges, and Slaps will take on the The Tickler, a Battle of the Baldies, with J Money along for the ride.

The Milan camp is confident, as they should be: they’ve been the ones to catch all season. However the Rohirrim has mustered a late charge in recent weeks. Do they have enough to break the lines (and hearts) of the nero e blu?

Suffice it to say, come the morning of Saturday 1st July 2023, there will be those greeting the sunrise as winners, and those bemoaning a new dawn, as losers.

We'll see you on the lanes. Let's roll.