On the Jack – Blog #11(New Season)

🟢 On the Jack – Blog #11 (New Season)

“One More End!”

There are few phrases in lawn bowls more familiar than:

“Just one more end…”

It usually arrives just as players are beginning to gather their bowls, the evening sun is sinking lower in the sky, and thoughts are turning towards a well-earned cup of tea.

Then someone—often the captain—calls out those four magical words.

“One more end!”

Curiously, “one more end” has an elastic quality. It can mean one more end… or three. Occasionally, if the bowls are particularly good and the conversation lively, it becomes “just one more” until the light finally persuades everyone that enough really is enough.

🎯 Why We Never Quite Want to Stop

There is something addictive about bowls.

A beautifully drawn shot makes you want another.

A missed opportunity makes you want another.

A lucky wick makes you wonder if you can do it again.

Every end feels like a fresh beginning.

That is why bowlers are eternal optimists.

No matter how the previous end finished, the next one might be your best of the day.

🌿 A Gentle Reminder for New Bowlers

Do not worry if your game feels different every time you play.

Even experienced bowlers have days when everything seems effortless—and others when the jack appears to have developed an invisible force field.

Progress in bowls is not measured by one afternoon.

It is measured by enjoying the journey and learning a little every time you step onto the green.

📚 A Little Bowls History

For centuries, bowls has been played as much for companionship as competition.

Village greens, local clubs, and county matches all shared something in common:

People stayed long after the final bowl had been delivered.

The score was important.

The friendships were priceless.

🤝 Etiquette Corner – Finish Well

Whatever the result:

• Shake hands warmly.

• Thank your opponents.

• Thank the marker or umpire if one was involved.

• Congratulate good play.

• Leave the green exactly as you would hope to find it next time.

Good manners never go out of season.

☕ Clubhouse Chatter

• Several players agreed to play “just one more end.”

• Forty-five minutes later they were still discussing who had suggested it.

• The kettle, meanwhile, had already done its job and was patiently waiting.

😄 This Week’s Green-Side Quote

“One more end?”

“The score will be forgotten…..The laughter will be remembered”.

🌟 Final End Thought

The beauty of bowls is not simply found in perfect draws or match-winning shots.

It is found in games that stretch just a little longer than planned…

…in laughter echoing across the green…

…and in friends who are never quite ready to call it a day.

Because sometimes, the best end of all…

…is the one you almost did not play.

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, 5th July 2026
Alan Paterson, Press Officer.

Marine Gardens bowlers endured a challenging week on their travels, competing in two Brodie League matches with limited success.

The first fixture took place on the exceptionally fast green at Worthing Pavilion, where the home side secured a 3–1 rink victory with an aggregate score of 71–60. The bright spot for Marine Gardens came from the triples team of Alan Paterson, Pam Duffield and Trevor Punnett, who produced an excellent 23–10 win to claim two well‑earned league points.

The second away match at Southwick proved equally testing, with all four rinks finishing on the wrong side of a 77–52 scoreline. A tough week on the road, and one the bowlers will be keen to put behind them.

Fortunately, the week had begun on a more positive note. A friendly triples match at Lancing resulted in a fine 3–1 rink victory, highlighted by Clive Wootton, Brian Saunders and Bob Cole, who delivered an impressive 25–11 performance to secure Top Rink honours.

Back on home turf, the week concluded with the traditional President’s versus Captain’s match for the Jubilee Plate. In a closely contested encounter, the Captain’s team edged home 68–62. The decisive contribution came from Brian Saunders, Roger Parrish and Pam Duffield, who’s strong 21–10 win tipped the balance.

Away from competitive action, perhaps the most memorable moment of the week occurred when members and friends swapped bowls for putters, decamping to the neighbouring putting green for a lively evening of fun and friendly rivalry. Cries of “a bit more wellie!” and “more green please!” echoed across the course as players adapted to the unfamiliar challenge. After a tense four‑hole play‑off, Captain Bob Cole demonstrated his versatility by sinking the winning putt ahead of runner‑up Alan Paterson.

With the laughter fading and the putters returned, attention now shifts back to the bowling green as Marine Gardens prepares for the week ahead.