On the Jack – Blog #13(New Season)

🟢 On the Jack – Blog #13 (New Season)

“The Perfect Draw”

Ask ten bowlers to describe the perfect draw and you’ll probably receive ten different answers.

Some will tell you it’s all about the line.

Others will insist it’s the weight.

A few will quietly whisper, “A little bit of luck never hurts.”

The truth?

The perfect draw is that magical bowl that seems to have a mind of its own. It leaves your hand smoothly, follows its graceful curve, slows at just the right moment and comes gently to rest beside the jack.

When it happens, you don’t need anyone to tell you—it just feels right.

🎯 More Than Just Accuracy

Drawing to the jack is one of the greatest skills in lawn bowls.

It isn’t about power.

It isn’t about force.

It’s about patience, rhythm and confidence.

The finest draw bowl often looks effortless, but every experienced player knows it’s the result of hours of practice and countless lessons learned along the way.

🌱 A Tip for New Bowlers

If you’re learning the game, don’t chase perfection.

Instead, aim for consistency.

Every good draw starts with the same routine:

• Stand comfortably on the mat.

• Pick your line.

• Trust your weight.

• Follow through naturally.

• And don’t try to “steer” the bowl after it’s left your hand!

Remember, bowls have never responded to hopeful shouting.

📚 A Little Bowls History

For centuries, the draw shot has been regarded as the hallmark of a skilled bowler. Before the game’s rules became standardised in the 19th century, players still prized the ability to curve a biased bowl around obstacles and finish nearest the target. That graceful curve remains one of the defining features that makes lawn bowls unique. 

🤝 Etiquette Corner – Appreciate Great Bowls

One of the finest traditions in bowls is acknowledging a well-played draw—whether it comes from your teammate or your opponent.

A sincere “Well bowled!” celebrates the skill of the shot and reminds us that respect is as much a part of the game as competition.

Good bowls deserve good applause.

☕ Clubhouse Chatter

• This week’s roll-up produced several magnificent draw shots.

• It also produced one bowl that appeared to be heading for the clubhouse before making a miraculous late recovery.

• The owner described it as “tactical.”

• Everyone else admired their optimism.

😄 This Week’s Green-Side Quote

“How did you play that draw?”

“Years of practice…”

“and perhaps a little help from the bowling gods!”

“The perfect draw isn’t just close to the jack…it’s remembered long after the end is over.”

🌟 Final End Thought

The perfect draw isn’t measured only by how close it finishes to the jack.

It’s measured by the smile it brings to the player, the appreciative nod from opponents, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that, for one wonderful moment, everything came together.

Those are the shots we remember.

Those are the shots that keep us coming back.

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, 19th July 2026

Alan Paterson, Press Officer.

It was slim pickings in the sunshine for Marine Gardens bowlers this week, with just two league points gathered from the two matches played.

Brodie League – Away at Worthing

Our first outing, a Brodie match at Worthing, proved a tough one. Marine Gardens were unable to secure a rink, falling 75–50 overall. Perhaps a touch of World Cup blues lingered, but the team battled throughout despite the scoreline.

WSBL – Away at Crablands

A marginally brighter result followed at Crablands in the WSBL. The match was finely poised and heading for a draw until a late surge from the home side tipped the balance, giving Crablands a 3–1 win (71–51).

The highlight of the day came from our in‑form skip Rod Smith, supported by Alan Paterson, David Barlow and Ken Leadbeater, who produced an excellent 16–9 victory, securing our two well‑earned points.

Centenary Bowl – Marine Gardens vs Horsham

Between these league fixtures, Marine Gardens welcomed Horsham bowlers for the second leg of the Centenary Bowl. Horsham arrived with a 15‑shot advantage from the first leg, leaving everything to play for.

Marine Gardens responded superbly, winning four of the five rinks and taking the match 81–71. Despite this spirited fightback, the overall deficit proved just too much to overturn, and the Rose Bowl returns to Horsham for another year.

Special mention goes to the rink of David Sayer, Wendy Wilson, Pauline Sayer, Ken Leadbeater and Mark Berriman, who led the charge with determination and style. Roll on next year’s rematch.

Around the Club

Meanwhile, internal competitions continue at pace, and it’s heartening to see our roll‑ups so well supported. Long may that enthusiasm continue.