🟢 On the Jack – Blog #17

“Wrong Bias, Right Laugh”

Every bowler knows: it’s not if you’ll send one down the wrong bias — it’s when. It’s the great leveller of our sport. Even the most seasoned skip has felt that cold, creeping realisation mid-delivery… followed by a polite nod, a sheepish grin, and the classic cover-up: “Just testing the green.”

This week at Marine Gardens, we saw plenty of skill, flashes of tactical brilliance, and yes — the occasional wrong bias. But always met with good humour and a cheer from the sidelines. That’s bowls at its best.

🌱 The Green

Our home turf was in top condition — hats off to our contractors and greens team, who we suspect have been whispering sweet encouragement to the grass. Whatever they’re saying, it’s working.

📜 A Little Bit of History

Did you know lawn bowls is one of the oldest organised sports still played today? It dates back to 13th-century England — though the ancient Egyptians had their version, using polished stones.

Back then, measuring disputes weren’t settled with retractable tape measures, but with… sticks. Given the average medieval eyesight, results were likely more “interpretive” than accurate.

Modern rules arrived courtesy of the Scottish Bowls Association in 1848. And in all that time, the wrong bias has never gone out of fashion — a timeless tradition, if ever there was one.

🎩 Etiquette Tip of the Week

If it’s your turn — be ready. Few things stall momentum like a bowler wandering back from a deep chat about the weather while the mat waits patiently.

And when someone’s on the mat preparing to deliver, stand still and stay out of their eyeline. No waving, no jingling coins (especially in league matches!).

Bonus tip: If you do send one down the wrong bias… own it. The best response? A theatrical bow to the crowd. Extra points for flair.

🗣️ Club Chatter

• Members Drive – Every Monday at 1.30 pm. Ideal for learning the rules… before creatively bending them.

• Lost Property – One wide-brimmed hat with a bias chart tucked inside. The mystery owner is clearly an optimist.

Bowls teaches many things — not least that the wind is never blowing in the same direction as your bias, it's patience

💭 Rink Side Reflection

Bowls is a funny old game. Some days, you’re in the groove — your bowls gliding exactly where you want them. Other days, well, let’s just say it builds character.

But every end is a fresh start. And that’s what keeps us coming back.

🏁 Final End

Until next time — keep them straight, keep them steady… and above all, keep smiling.

See you soon, “On the Jack,” Norman Deegan.

THIS WEEK ON THE GREEN – Club News and Activities

🗞️ Marine Gardens Bowling Club Weekly Report

Week Ending Sunday, 10th August 2025
By Alan Paterson, Press Officer

🎯 Brodie League Battles: Grit, Glory & Near Misses

Marine Gardens showed true fighting spirit in their away fixture at Maltravers, where Gerry Perch and Tim Baldwin staged a remarkable comeback. Trailing 14–2 after nine ends, they rallied to a stunning 22–14 victory — earning the club 2 valuable points despite losses on the other three rinks. Final score: 74–61 to Maltravers. We return there next week for a WSBL fixture, hoping to flip the script.

Earlier in the week, our home Brodie League match against a strong Shoreham side saw us collect 4 points in a closely contested affair (60–64). The seasoned duo of Bob Cole and Ivan Godsmark delivered a commanding 21–9 win, narrowly missing out on match points but certainly not on style.

🧠 Quiz Night: Brainpower & Banter

On Friday, our ever-enthusiastic Social Secretary Wendy Wilson hosted another of her popular quiz nights — this time at Worthing Indoor Bowls Club. The event, a staple in our social calendar, drew a great turnout and plenty of laughter as members and guests tested their general knowledge. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, with camaraderie as the real winner.

🌞 Sunday Visitors: Sunshine & Sportsmanship

Sunday brought sunshine and spirited competition as we welcomed Rowledge to the coast. While our guests soaked up the seaside charm, they also delivered a decisive 5–1 win (106–77). Our trio of Bill Hurren, Brian Saunders, and Tim Baldwin salvaged pride with a stylish 21–7 victory — a bright spot in an otherwise challenging afternoon. A lovely day all round… especially for Rowledge!

🦅 Triples League Finale: Eagles Take Flight

The curtain came down on this year’s Triples League with the Eagles soaring to victory, finishing 9 points clear of the Kestrels (154–145). The Ospreys glided into third with 138 points. Flying high for the Eagles were Ivan Godsmark, Terry Ashley, David Barlow, David Smith, Linda Gayle, Helen Stirling, and Clive Wootton. Congratulations to all who took part — a fantastic finish to a fiercely contested league.