🟢"On the Jack"

Post #15; Ends, Edges & Etiquette – A Bowls Beginner’s Survival Guide.

🧭 Bowls Survival Guide – Especially for Newer Bowlers.

We have all been there — standing on the mat, holding a bowl like it might explode, wondering what bias actually means and whether anyone will notice your grip is upside-down.

Here are a few starter tips for the new and nervous:

1. The Mat Is Not a Stage… But It is Close

Step on with purpose, bowl with grace, and step off like you meant to do all of that in the first place.

2. Bias Is Not a Personality Trait

It is the side of the bowl that curves. And if you forget, your bowl will remind you… usually by making a sharp exit across the next rink.

3. When in Doubt, Look Confident

Didn’t quite reach the head? You were laying a blocker.
Wide of the jack? “Setting up the next shot.”
Completely missed everything? Say nothing. Sip a drink. Try again.

🤝 Etiquette Corner – The Art of Not Annoying Your Teammates

• Do not walk in front of or through the head.

• Do not celebrate your toucher like you have won Wimbledon (unless it is to annoy your partner on the other team).

• Always compliment a good shot – even if it is from the opposition.

• Never, ever say, “Good weight!” when someone’s bowl is in the ditch.

❓ Your Questions Answered

Q: How do I know who is holding?
A: Ask your skip. Or squint at the head and make confident guesses.

Q: Can you call a rain delay in bowls?
A: Only if the puddles reach your ankles – or if the skip starts making dolphin noises

🗣️ Heard on the Green

“It is not short. It is just… early.”
“You are holding three.”
“I was. Then you played.”
“If it misses the jack, it is brilliant. If it hits the jack, it is genius.”

🧁 Final End

Bowls can be confusing, frustrating, brilliant, and addictive – sometimes all in the same end.

Whether you are chasing touchers or still figuring out which side is the bias, keep your chin up and your delivery smooth.

You are not just bowling — you are part of something.
So roll up, take your place, and we will see you next week — “On the Jack.”

THIS WEEK ON THE GREEN – Club News and Activities

Weekly Report – Week Ending Sunday, 27th July 2025
By Alan Paterson, Press Officer.

It has been a packed and spirited week for the Marine Gardens bowlers, who contested three Stracey League matches and one WSBL fixture — with plenty of drama, determination, and damp socks along the way.

🌧️ WSBL Away vs Witterings
A tightly contested match saw Witterings edge ahead on shots 74–68, with both sides winning two rinks apiece. The home team claimed 6 points, while Marine Gardens secured 4. Top Rink honours went to Bob Cole, John Nettleingham, Perry Cairns, and Ivan Godsmark for their fine 23–16 victory.

🌧️ Stracey League Away vs Tarring Priory
Not even the much-needed rain could wash away our fighting spirit. Marine Gardens emerged with 6 points after a 66–64 shot advantage and another 2–2 rink split. Leading the chorus in the drizzle were Anne Knight, Alan Paterson, Bob Cole, and James Albon, earning a well-deserved 18–9 win.

🌟 Stracey League Away vs Worthing Pavilion
A rare away triumph saw Marine Gardens pocket another 6 points. Despite a familiar 2–2 rink outcome, we claimed a 75–60 shot lead. A commanding 24–8 performance from Bob Cole, Jane McHugh, Perry Cairns, and Ivan Godsmark topped the day.

🏡 Stracey League Home vs Goring Manor
In a competitive clash with our close neighbours, Goring Manor snuck ahead with a 69–57 shot advantage, leaving us with 4 points. Hats off to Betty Stevenson, Graham Ray, Jenny Ashman, and (once again) Ivan Godsmark, whose 21–11 win showed grit and flair, even if it did not tip the overall scale.

🎯Total Points for the Week: 20 out of 40
With three matches on the road and a strong all-round showing, this was a week of resilience and results. Let us use this momentum to carry us confidently into the next fixtures. Well done to all!