🛠️ On the Jack – Blog #22

“The Two: Backbone of the Rink”

If bowls were a symphony, the two would be the rhythm section—dependable, unshowy, but essential. They are the ones who step in when the head’s messy, the jack’s shifted, and someone needs to tidy things up. Not glamorous but glorious in their grit.

🔧 What Makes a Great Two?

•         Adaptability. Two’s must be ready for anything: drawing to a jack in motion, covering a short bowl, or plugging a gap left by a misfire.

•         Strength. They often play the heavier shots—firm draws, positional woods, or the occasional controlled drive.

•         Support. A two backs up the lead and sets the three up for success. They are the bridge between the opening and the strategy.

A great two does not just follow orders—they anticipate needs and quietly solve problems.

🤝 The Two’s Team Role

Two’s are the glue between the lead’s foundation and the three’s tactics. They are often the calm voice when things wobble, offering reassurance and a steady hand. They do not need to be flashy—they need to be dependable.

And let us be honest: when the skip mutters, “We’re in a bit of bother,” it is usually the two who’s sent in to sort it out.

🎩 Etiquette Corner – The Two’s Quiet Leadership

Two’s often lead by example. They are punctual, focused, and rarely flustered. They know the rhythm of the game and help maintain it. They also tend to be the ones who quietly encourage the lead and keep the skip grounded.

They are not just bowlers—they are stabilisers.

📜 Fun Fact – Two’s in Bowls Lore

In some early club formats, the two was considered the “engine room” of the team. They were often chosen for their reliability and temperament. In club folklore, the two was the one who “kept the ship afloat when the wind turned.” Not bad for someone who rarely gets a headline.

✨ Final Bias – The Unsung Hero

So next time your two steps up, watch how they play—not just the bowl, but the moment. They are the ones who patch the cracks, steady the ship, and keep the team moving forward. They may not seek the spotlight, but they often deserve it.

📌 Question for readers:

Have you ever seen a two turn a game around with one bowl? Tell us about it—we love a good rescue story. Norman Deegan.

 THIS WEEK ON THE GREEN – Club News and Activities

🗞️ Marine Gardens Bowling Club Weekly Report
Week Ending Sunday, 14th September 2025
By Alan Paterson, Press Officer

A quiet week on the greens, with three of our four scheduled fixtures unfortunately washed out by the wet and blustery weather. However, our friendly away match at Southwater went ahead, where we were narrowly defeated 3–1 (aggregate score 66–53). The standout trio of John Dorkings, Nick Sinden, and Graham Ray salvaged pride with a well-earned 15–11 win—our sole victory of the day and a testament to their grit in testing conditions.

On a brighter note, we are delighted to confirm that Marine Gardens will retain its place in Division 2 of the WSBL next season. This achievement reflects the dedication and teamwork shown throughout the campaign—congratulations to all who played their part.

To keep our bowling arms limber and spirits high, a spontaneous Shuffleboard evening was held at Worthing Indoor Bowls Club. The event proved a hit with attendees, blending fun with a dash of friendly competition. Our thanks go to Wendy Wilson for organising this impromptu training session—it was just the tonic!