🟢On the Jack

Post #16 “Lines, Lengths & Lawn Lore – What Makes a Great Lead?”

There is a saying often whispered along the green’s edge, usually by skips under their breath or in the clubhouse afterwards. “A good lead is worth their weight in gold - and a bad one in gravel.

While that might be slightly unfair to those still perfecting their draw shot, it does highlight just how pivotal the lead’s role is in the beautiful sport of bowls.

🎯 What is a Lead’s Job, Anyway?

If the skip is the orchestra conductor, the lead is the violinist who must hit the first note perfectly. The lead rolls the jack, sets the mat, and delivers the first two bowls — ideally, both finishing close enough to the jack to make the opposing lead break into a sweat or develop a sudden interest in cloud formations.

Consistency, composure, and calmness are the lead’s holy trinity.

🧠 Mind Over Bias

It is not all physical — far from it. The mental game for a lead is immense. You bowl first, without guidance. You must read the rink, feel the pace, and make intelligent choices.

It is the bowls equivalent of teeing off blindfolded — except instead of ending up in the rough, you end up being glared at by your three.

🧹 The Unsung Hero

Leads rarely get the glory. Their name does not often make the headlines. No one writes ballads about a perfect first bowl that sat 3 inches from the jack… unless you are reading this blog.

But a strong pair of opening bowls can change the entire momentum of an end. It shifts pressure. It buys the rest of the team time and confidence. In short: a good lead sets the tone, builds the head, and wins admiration from those who know the game.

Well, at least until the three claims they called the shot anyway.

🧓 The Wisdom of the Clubhouse

If you ask the veterans in the clubhouse— the ones who can draw to a jack like it is on a string — they will all agree:

“Don’t underestimate the lead.”

Then they will wink, sip their tea, and launch into a story about the 1976 club triples final, which somehow always ends with someone falling in the ditch.

🎒 Tips for Aspiring Leads

1. Roll the jack with purpose – Do not just chuck it and hope.

2. Practice, practice, practice – Especially weight control and forehand draw.

3. Do not be afraid to ask questions – Good leads learn from bad ends.

4. Stay zen – Your calm helps the whole rink relax.

5. Wear good socks – Unrelated, but you will be on your feet a lot.

Until Next Time…

So, here is to the leads — those quiet experts in line and length, the rhythm-setters, the pressure-cookers of the first delivery. The next time you see one drop a toucher on the first bowl, buy them a drink. They have earned it.

🎳 See you on the green. Keep it straight, keep it smooth, and whatever you do… do not kick the bowl thinking it is your own— ”On the Jack” By Norman Deegan.

THIS WEEK ON THE GREEN – Club News and Activities

Weekly Report – Week Ending Sunday, 3rd August 2025
By Alan Paterson, Press Officer.
This week saw fewer competitive fixtures, but what we lacked in volume, we more than made up for in spirit and celebration.

🎳 WSBL Fixture at Middleton

In a tightly fought contest away at Middleton, Marine Gardens secured 2 points in a narrow 3–1 defeat, with the hosts edging the shot count at 68–64. Flying the flag with a convincing 25–13 win was our dependable quartet: Bob Cole, John Nettleingham, Perry Cairns, and Ivan Godsmark — fine bowling under pressure!

🏡 Home Triumph Against Tarring Priory

Returning to familiar turf, our bowlers delivered a masterclass in teamwork during the Brodie League match. Marine Gardens swept all four rinks with a commanding 76–46 win, pocketing the full 10 points. Leading the charge with a standout 23–7 victory were Brian Saunders, David Sayer, Perry Cairns, and Jenny Ashman. A brilliant effort across the board — well played, everyone.

⚓ Captain’s Day Festivities

The week’s competitive bowling set the stage for a joyful and successful Captain’s Day. Kicking off with a bottle-winning Spider competition (congratulations, Brian Saunders!), the club then launched into six rink skirmishes between The Sailors and The Landlubbers, culminating in a diplomatic draw.

🍽️ Food, Fellowship & Fundraising

Following orders to dock at the clubhouse, members were treated to a sumptuous spread, courtesy of Rebecca and her talented team from the Marine Gardens Restaurant — with special thanks also to our generous club contributors.

🎟️ The afternoon continued with a vibrant raffle, featuring prizes donated by local retailers and members. Special guest Andrew Shiner, RNLI’s local representative, shared updates on the group’s lifesaving work before accepting a cheque from Captain Bob Cole for £1,250 — now grown to £1,270 thanks to continued generosity.

👏 A Celebration to Remember

It was a day of camaraderie, competition, and community support — the very essence of Marine Gardens. Our thanks and congratulations to Captain Bob Cole and everyone who helped create such a memorable occasion.

From tight head-to-heads to hearty handshakes, this week served up everything from spirited bowls to spirited whisky — and all with the charm only Marine Gardens can deliver.