On the Jack

Post #4: 

The Mat, the Myth, the Legend – Mastering the Start of Every End

Welcome back to On the Jack, where we believe that every great end begins with a mat, a plan, and a small lie to yourself about your recent form.

This week we are looking at something that every bowler uses — but few truly master: the mat.

It is Just a Mat… Or Is It?

To the untrained eye, it is just a flat bit of rubber.

To the seasoned bowler? It is a launchpad, a strategy board, a weapon of subtle warfare.

Where you place the mat can dramatically change the game:

• Short mat? Brings the jack up Great if you love a quick game and hate walking.

• Long mat? Pushes the jack back, good for those who like to stretch their legs… or test their opponent’s stamina.

And of course, placing it slightly off-centre can unsettle even the steadiest skip. (“Wait… was that mat always that far over?”)

Tactics From the Mat Masters

Some bowlers treat mat placement like a sacred ritual.

• One of our club members places it with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker.

• Another moves it every end just to confuse the lead (“I like to keep him guessing and occasionally walking off in the wrong direction”).

Placing the mat is the first move of your end, so use it wisely. It can:

• Shorten or lengthen the jack.

• Force your opponent onto their weaker hand.

• Mess with someone’s rhythm.

• Give you that smug sense of tactical superiority. (We all need that sometimes.)

Mat Misadventures: Tales from the Rink

• One bowler this week set the mat beautifully… then tripped over it on delivery. Still drew a second shot, mind you.

• Another kept placing it long — until their teammate quietly asked, “Are you trying to bowl on next week’s green?”

• And in one dramatic moment, a gust of wind sent the mat tumbling across two rinks. We now have a club policy on mat pegs.

Ask the Skip: Your Questions Answered

Q: “Does mat placement make that much difference?”

A: Absolutely. It is like choosing your battlefield—would you rather fight on a hill or a nice flat spot near the clubhouse?

The mat position affects your line, length, and your opponent's comfort. Use it to your advantage. Or at least to keep them mildly irritated.

Final End

The mat might seem like the starting point, but it is also a chance to take control. Place it with purpose, bowl with confidence, and if in doubt, move it just a little and act like you meant to.

Until next week:

Keep your foot on the mat, your eye on the jack, and your bowls firmly” On the Jack.”

This Week on the Green:

Norman Deegan, President –  Club news and activities.

Marine Gardens members enjoyed a busy but rewarding week of bowling, featuring one away league match and two home friendlies, capped off with a special celebration and the highlight of the club’s competitive calendar.

Monday saw the team travel to Lancing for a Bodie Tray League fixture, where Marine Gardens delivered a superb all-round performance. Dominating across all four rinks, they secured a comprehensive 89–60 victory and claimed the full ten points on offer.

Wednesday brought a home friendly against Norfolk. In a keenly contested match, Norfolk edged the overall result with a 3–2 rink wins and a shot score of 99–67. Despite the loss, there were standout performances from the home side, particularly the rink of Trevor Punnett, Bob Cole, Perry Cairns, and skip Mark Berriman, who earned top rink honours with an impressive 22–9 victory.

Thursday saw the club in high spirits as members gathered to celebrate VE Day, with festivities superbly organised by Trevor Punnett and Rob Hurst. Dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue, members enjoyed a fun match in glorious weather, followed by tea and cakes on the terrace. A spider competition, raffle, and generous donations raised a splendid £253.90 for the Care for Veterans charity.

Friday welcomed another friendly, this time against local rivals Tarring Priory. Marine Gardens returned to winning ways, securing a strong 3–1 rink win with a final shot score of 66–55, rounding off the week’s competitive matches on a high.

The week concluded in style on Saturday with the prestigious Supreme Champion Match, pitting the ladies’ singles champion, Angela Neale, against the men’s champion, Tim Baldwin. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Tim quickly built an unassailable lead. Angela remained a determined and graceful competitor, but on the day, Tim’s impressive form proved decisive as he claimed the 2025 Supreme Champion title.

Tilly Henning generously organised tea and cakes on the terrace to round off the event. The trophy was then presented to a well-deserving champion.
Keep it smooth, keep it steady, and keep it “On the Jack.” Thank you for visiting our blog.