“On the Jack”

Finding Your Line — and Losing It Gloriously

Welcome back to “On the Jack”, the only bowls blog that utterly understands the heartbreak of a perfect delivery… that clips your opponent’s bowl and gifts them two shots.

This week, we are diving into the wonderful world of finding your line — that magical invisible path your bowl is supposed to follow — and why it sometimes feels about as stable as a jelly on a trampoline.

The Myth of the Perfect Line

In theory, finding your line is simple:

• Visualise the path.

• Set your bowl down nicely.

• Let the bias do the work.

In practice?

It often goes more like:

• Panic.

• Aim vaguely left.

• Shout “turn, TURN!” at a bowl that stubbornly refuses to listen.

We have all been there — it is part of the joy (and the madness) of the game.

Skilful players do not always find the line on their first shot — they just adjust quicker than the rest of us. (And they somehow make it look like they meant to do it all along.)

Rink Conditions: Your Frenemy

The line you think you know at your home club green. Forget it when you visit away venues.

Some greens are lightning quick, some are lush and heavy, and some have secret invisible potholes that only your bowl can find. The true art is reading the rink:

• Fast green? Bowl wider, let the bias drift in.

• Slow green? Tighter line, more oomph.

• Patchy green? Sacrifice a small chicken and hope for the best.

(Note: Consult the club committee before any sacrificial rituals.)

Rink-side Observations:

A few things spotted this week:

• One bowler took longer to line up a shot than it took to finish the Coronation of King Charles.

• Another forgot which rink they were on and delivered beautifully — directly into the neighbouring game.

• Someone landed a toucher off a drive. We are still waiting for anti-doping test results.

Ask the Skip: Your Questions Answered

Question: “How do I stop overthinking every shot?” –

Answer:  Overthinking? In bowls? Perish the thought.

Honestly, keep it simple:

1. Pick your line.

2. Pick your weight.

3. Deliver smoothly.

No shot has ever improved because the player stood there, staring into the distance like Hamlet.

Final End

Finding your line is an art, a science, and sometimes pure, dumb luck.

Celebrate the good ones. Laugh off the disasters. And remember it’s only a game — but it’s the best one ever invented.

This Week on the Green:

Alan Paterson, Press Officer  –  Club news and activities.
The 2025 season is now in full swing with 2 warm-up sessions played in rather chilly conditions, followed by a friendly match away to Goring Manor. This finished at 2 games apiece, with Marine Gardens gaining the overall victory with 66 - 43 shots. Top Rink honours went to Trevor Punnett, Mark Berriman, David Barlow, and skip Norman Deegan with a solid 22 - 8 win.

2 Brodie Tray league fixtures followed this match, the first being at home to Steyning, who ran out 3 - 1 rink winners with a 67 - 60 shot victory. Terry Ashley, Nick Sinden, Pamela Chambers, and skip Mark Berriman salvaged 2 points with a fine victory 16 - 9.
Shoreham then spoiled our visit by beating us with a similar scoreline of 3 – 1 rinks and a winning score of 73 - 63 shots. On this occasion, skip Duncan Gayler steadied the ship and steered his teammates Keith White and Alan Paterson to a 16-12 win. In both matches, Marine Gardens held the lead after 9 ends. Everything did change after tea!!

Back on the home front at Marine Gardens, the Ladies were on the wrong side of a 4-2(100-79) scoreline in their match against the Gents. An enjoyable fixture played in a good spirit in lovely sunshine with the sun shining brightest on Fred Knight, Larry Abrahams and skip John Dorkings, who posted a 20 - 9 winning score.

Let us hope the sun continues to shine for the special upcoming events.
Thursday 8th VE Day special celebrations
Saturday 10th Supreme Champion
Sunday 11th Open Day

A warm invitation is extended to everyone to attend all these events.

Until next week:

Lawn bowls is more than just a game; it is a community, a tradition, and yes, sometimes a comedy show. Whether aiming for the jack or just staying upright, there is always something to enjoy. So, dust off those bowls, head to your local green, and join us next week for more tips, tales, and chuckles.

Keep it smooth, keep it steady, and keep it “On the Jack”. Thank you for visiting our blog.

If you have a question, a story, or just a cracking photo of a perfect head, send it our way. We would love to feature you in an upcoming edition.

I hope you find them entertaining and useful. Norman Deegan,
Marine Gardens Bowling Club.