On the Jack – Blog #16(New Season)

🟢 On the Jack – Blog #16 (New Season)

“The Skip – The Person with the Plan”

There is always someone on a bowls rink who knows exactly what is going on.

They stand behind the head. They study the bowls. They look at the jack.

They glance at the opposition. Then they quietly say:

“I think we’ll play the forehand.”

That person is usually the skip.

And while everyone else is wondering where their next bowl should go, the skip is already thinking about the next three.

Welcome to one of the most fascinating roles in lawn bowls.

🎯 More Than Just Calling the Shots

The skip is not simply the player who tells everyone what to bowl.

A good skip is a strategist, communicator, motivator and, occasionally, part-time psychologist.

They have to read the head, understand the state of the match, and decide what type of bowl gives their team the best chance.

Sometimes that means attacking. Sometimes it means defending. And sometimes the best option is simply:

“Draw another one in.”

It sounds simple. It rarely is.

🧠 Reading the Head

By the time the skip plays their bowls, the head may contain several bowls scattered around the jack.

The skip must assess:

• Which bowl is currently shot?

• Is there a danger bowl that needs removing?

• Is the jack exposed?

• Is there a useful bowl to trail?

• How much room is available?

• And most importantly… what happens if this bowl does not go exactly to plan?

That is where strategy enters the game.

Lawn bowls can sometimes look deceptively quiet.

Underneath, there is a chess match taking place.

🌱 A Tip for New Bowlers

If you are new to bowls, do not worry about understanding every tactical decision immediately.

Start by watching. Before delivering your bowl, look at the head and ask yourself:

“Where would I like my bowl to finish?”

Then think about what could happen if you are short, heavy, wide, or narrow.

You are already beginning to think like a skip.

📚 A Little Bowls History

The role of the skip has been central to team bowls for generations.

In traditional team formats, the skip is the final player to deliver bowls and has responsibility for directing play from the head.

That final position makes the skip’s role particularly strategic: they have seen how the green is playing, watched the earlier bowls develop and must make decisions with the information available.

The equipment may have changed over the years, but the basic challenge remains the same:

Read the situation and make the best decision.

🤝 Etiquette Corner – Trust Your Skip

For newer bowlers, one of the most important lessons is learning to trust the person directing the team.

Listen carefully to the instruction. Ask if you are unsure. Then commit to the shot.

And remember that even the best skip can call a bowl that does not work out.

That is bowls.

A team should support one another rather than looking for someone to blame.

☕ Clubhouse Chatter

The skip’s instructions this week included:

“A little more weight.” “Keep it outside.” “Draw round that bowl.” “Don’t touch the jack!”

The last instruction was followed too enthusiastically.

The jack moved. The skip sighed. The bowler smiled.

And the tea break arrived at exactly the right moment.

😄 This Week’s Green-Side Quote

“What’s the plan, Skip?” “Simple. Put the bowl near the jack.” “And if that doesn’t work?”

“We’ll develop a more complicated plan.”

🌟 Final End Thought

Being a skip is not about always being right.

It is about deciding, communicating it clearly and giving your team confidence.

The best skips do not simply tell players what to do. They help players believe they can do it.

And when everything comes together, the plan, the delivery, the weight and the line, there is nothing quite like watching a carefully constructed head unfold exactly as imagined.

Of course, it does not always work that way.

That is why we play the next end.

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, 9th August 2026
Alan Paterson, Press Officer.
All three competitive matches this week were played at Marine Gardens under glorious sunshine, though the fine weather did little to lift the home side in their Brodie League fixture against Shoreham. The visitors proved the stronger outfit, winning on three rinks and taking the match with a 76–64 shot advantage. Marine Gardens’ bright spot came from Tim Baldwin, Duncan Gayler and James Albon, who secured two well‑earned points with a commendable 20–11 victory.

The friendly against Goring Manor was a far tighter affair, with scarcely a shot separating the teams throughout. Marine Gardens edged the overall score 51–50, winning on three of the four rinks — two of them by a single shot. Top Rink honours went to Jim Masters, Geraldine Whitehead, and Ivan Godsmark, who’s decisive 14–9 win provided the day’s most convincing margin.

Sunday saw Rowledge visit for a six‑triples friendly, and on this occasion the sunshine truly favoured the home side. Marine Gardens produced an excellent all‑round performance, winning on all six rinks. The standout trio were Trevor Punnett, Nour Dissem and Keith Harrison, who delivered a commanding 25–7 victory. The match was played in a fine spirit, and our visitors took their defeat with good humour, clearly enjoying their day out at the seaside.

Away from the familiar green of home, several members ventured to Lancing Leisure Centre to try their hand at pétanque — proof, if ever it were needed, of the lengths we go to in search of a pastime we might finally master.

A reminder to everyone: do not forget to sign up for the putting evening next week.