Bermuda’s bowling team struggled to come to terms with the synthetic surface of the lanes at Barra Bowling and appealed for the Island’s archaic wooden lanes to be replaced.

But despite the handicap the quartet are confident of improved performances in today’s singles qualifying series after disappointing finishes in yesterday’s doubles contests.

The men’s team, comprising of up-and-coming bowler David Maycock and veteran Kevin Swan came 14th out of 16 countries.

Maycock scored 1892 with Swan chalking up 1809 to give them a total score of 3701, 723 behind runaway winners USA.

It was also a trying day for their female counterparts who finished 12th with Bobbie Ingam scoring 2197 and Patrice Tucker with 2110, to give them a total of 4309, 1049 off the USA who reigned supreme.

But Maycock stressed Bermuda’s contingent were at a disadvantage due to the wooden surface of their lanes back home which was hindering their development. “We are a little disappointed with our position and we need to learn how to play these lanes quicker,” he said.

“We need to get used to them because they’re a lot different to the lanes we have in Bermuda.

“Back home our lanes are of wood and guardian surface - it’s a lot more forgiving than synthetic lanes.

“They have a lot less margin for error and every tournament in the world has them now.

“Therefore it’s vital we have synthetic lanes installed in Bermuda - it really hinders us on the world stage.

“It takes about six games to get used to the surface and by that point you can be playing catch-up.

“But I’m feeling a lot more confident for today’s singles competition after two days getting to grips with the surface.” Kevin Swan supported his doubles partner’s call for synthetic lanes to be put down at their training base in Warwick, and revealed the bowling team also encountered a turbulent journey to Rio with Brazilian air staff working to rule.

“Bermuda’s bowling lanes have become outdated and we really could do with moving with the times in terms of bowling,” he said.

“But they would cost about $100,000 and it’s all about securing funding.” He added: “We had quite a tiring journey from Bermuda. About four hours into our flight the pilot told us Brazil Airspace has closed and we would be heading to Atlanta. They then changing their minds again and we flew to Costa Rica where we refuelled. I believe Brazil Airspace staff were working to rule. It wasn’t an ideal start to our preparations.” Despite Pan-Am debutant Patrice Tucker admitting yesterday’s display had not gone to plan she said she was relishing the whole Rio experience.

“I also had problems with the synthetic surface and I was hoping to do better. But it’s been a wonderful experience being part of these Games and I couldn’t ask for a better bowling partner than Bobbie Ingam.

“Hopefully today will bring with it an improved performance for Bermuda.”