On the Jack – Blog #19(New Season)

🟢 On the Jack – Blog #19

“The Jack – Small Target, Big Responsibility”

It may be only a few inches across.

It does not move very quickly. It does not complain when someone bowls past it.

And yet, without it, lawn bowls would be rather difficult.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the jack.

Small in size. Enormous in importance.

After all, every bowl on the rink has only one thing in mind:

Get closer to the jack.

🎯 The Jack Is the Boss

From the moment the jack is delivered, it becomes the centre of attention.

Players study its position. Skips discuss it. Bowlers aim for it.

And occasionally someone sends a bowl charging towards it with such enthusiasm that everyone nearby takes a small step backwards.

The jack does not care. It simply sits there waiting to see what happens next.

🌱 A Tip for New Bowlers

When you are new to bowls, it is tempting to stare at the jack throughout your delivery.

But good bowling requires you to think about more than simply aiming directly at it.

Look at the line you need to take. Consider the bias of your bowl. Judge the weight needed.

Then trust your delivery. Remember:

You do not necessarily bowl at the jack; you bowl to a point that allows the bias to bring your bowl towards it.

That minor change in thinking can make a significant difference.

🧠 When the Jack Moves

One of the most exciting moments in bowls is when the jack is moved by a bowl.

Suddenly, the whole head can change.

A carefully planned end can become a completely different puzzle in a matter of seconds.

A jack moved a few inches can turn a safe position into a dangerous one.

That is why experienced bowlers are always watching.

In bowls, nothing is certain until the end is finished.

📚 A Little Bowls History

The jack has been an essential part of the game throughout the development of lawn bowls.

Traditionally made from wood, jacks have evolved alongside the sport and are now manufactured to precise specifications.

Despite the changes in materials and equipment, its job is still wonderfully simple:

Give the bowlers something to aim for.

And it has been doing that successfully for an exceedingly long time!

🤝 Etiquette Corner – Respect the Jack

The jack deserves the same care and respect as the rest of the equipment.

Do not move it unless the rules allow it.

And do not wander through the head while players are considering their shots.

A little patience goes a long way.

☕ Clubhouse Chatter

This week’s jack was described as:

“A little short.” Then: “A little long.” Then: “Perfect.”

Then someone suggested moving it. Fortunately, the umpire was nearby.

The jack survived. The discussion continued.

The tea was eventually served. Order was restored.

😄 This Week’s Green-Side Quote

“Why is the jack always in the wrong place?”

“Because you’re bowling at it from the wrong place!”

There are some questions that are best answered by playing another end.

🌟 Final End Thought

The jack may be small. But it brings people together.

It gives us a target, a challenge, and a reason to keep trying.

Every bowl is a conversation with the jack:

“Can I get closer?”

Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it is no.

And occasionally the bowl gets nowhere near it. But that is the beauty of bowls.

You pick up your bowl. You walk back to the mat. And you have another go.

Because there is always another end.

And thankfully…there is always another jack.

See you, “On the Jack.”

Your Rink side Rambler 🟢🎯☕Norman Deegan.


This Week On The Green – Club News and Activities

🗞️ Marine Gardens Bowling Club Weekly Report

Week Ending Sunday, 30th August 2026

Alan Paterson, Press Officer.
After the tension and drama of Finals Day and several important league encounters, this week offered Marine Gardens bowlers a welcome return to friendlier fare — along with some much‑needed rain. Unfortunately, the downpour forced the cancellation of our fixture with Goring Manor, but the sunshine soon returned and allowed three friendly matches to go ahead.

 Marine Gardens travelled to Henfield for a five‑triples match which resulted in a narrow 3–2 defeat (86–75). Top Rink honours went to Heather Marsella, Les Gritton and Graham Ray, who’s excellent 19–12 win kept Marine Gardens well in contention.

 We then welcomed Burgess Hill for their first-ever visit to Marine Gardens, an inaugural fixture played over five triples. The home side produced a commanding performance, winning on four rinks and drawing the fifth to secure a resounding 100–52 aggregate victory. The foundation of this success was a superb 26–4 win by Gerry Perch, Geraldine Whitehead, and Nour Dissem. Burgess Hill will no doubt be eager for a rematch when we travel to them next season.

 The week concluded with a home match against Southwick Park in a four‑triples contest. Marine Gardens started brightly but the visitors rallied strongly to claim a 3–1 victory (83–58). The home side’s sole success came from Jim Masters, David Shelley, and Duncan Gayler, who held firm to secure an 18–16 win and earn Top Rink recognition.

 We extend our best wishes to the Touring Team as they set off for Bournemouth — may the weather be kind and the bowls run true.