🧠 On the Jack – Blog #23

“The Thinking Three: Brains, Balance, and Banter”

Every good team has its heartbeat—and often, it’s the three. Not quite the general, not quite the foot soldier, the three is the tactician, the translator, and sometimes the therapist. They’re the ones who nod knowingly at the skip’s plan, then quietly mutter, “Right… now let’s make that actually happen.”

🎯 What Makes a Great Three?

• Versatility. A three must be ready to play any shot: draw, drive, trail, or rescue. They’re the Swiss Army knife of the team.

• Judgment. When the head’s a mess and the skip’s squinting like Sherlock Holmes, the three steps in with calm analysis and a second opinion.

• Trust. The skip relies on the three to read the game, relay the score, and sometimes talk them down from tactical madness.

A great three doesn’t just play bowls—they play the moment.

🗣️ The Three’s Voice

Threes are the skip’s sounding board. They discuss strategy, read the head, and occasionally offer a gentle “Are you sure?” when the skip’s eyes light up with risky ambition. They’re also the ones who keep the team grounded when the scoreboard starts wobbling.

And let’s not forget the banter. A good three knows when to lighten the mood, when to rally the troops, and when to quietly say, “Let’s just get this one close.”

🎩 Etiquette Corner – The Three’s Role in Team Spirit

The three is often the team’s emotional anchor. They keep the skip focused, the lead encouraged, and the two… well, awake. They’re the ones who know everyone’s quirks, who smooth over tension, and who quietly celebrate the little wins.

They also handle the scorecard, which means they’re trusted with both numbers and nuance.

📜 Fun Fact – Three’s in Bowls Lore

In early club history, the three was often someone with both skill and diplomacy. They were expected to know the rules, settle disputes, and occasionally fetch the tea. In some clubs, the three was nicknamed “The Steward,” because they kept the ship steady.

✨ Final Bias – The Glue in the Middle

So next time your three steps up, watch closely. They’re not just playing a bowl—they’re reading the game, supporting the skip, and holding the team together with quiet brilliance. They’re the bridge between chaos and control.

📌 Question for readers:
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a three—and did you follow it?  Norman Deegan.

THIS WEEK ON THE GREEN – Club News and Activities

🗞️ Marine Gardens Bowling Club Weekly Report

Week Ending Sunday, 22nd September 2025
By Alan Paterson, Press Officer

It was a whirlwind week for Marine Gardens bowlers, with five matches played across five consecutive days—each one evaluating our mettle and camaraderie.

We began with a Brodie League fixture away at Goring Manor, where honours were evenly split with two rinks apiece. However, the hosts edged the overall shot count by five, securing 6 of the 10 league points. Top performance for Marine Gardens came from Leon White, David Barlow, and Bob Cole, who delivered a spirited 13-10 win.

Next, we welcomed Arundel for a friendly encounter. Perhaps buoyed by the bracing sea air, our visitors swept all four rinks with a commanding 75-40 victory. A tough outing, but one taken in good spirits.

Redemption came swiftly in our home fixture against Billingshurst. Marine Gardens rallied to a 66-55 win, with standout play from Anne Knight, Alan Paterson, and Duncan Gayler, who posted a resounding 21-6 triumph.

A nail-biter followed at Storrington in another friendly. The match could have tipped either way, but we held firm to clinch a narrow 46-41 victory. Top Rink honours went to John Dorkings, Alan Paterson, and Mark Berriman, who edged their opponents 18-16.

Our final match of the week—and the last of our Stracey League campaign—was a home fixture against Maltravers. With second place in the league at stake, we needed 7 points to hold our position. Despite a strong overall shot win of 66-53, we fell just short, collecting 5 points after winning one rink, drawing one, and losing two. Special mention to Leon White, Pamela Chambers, Alan Paterson, and Mark Berriman for their superb 24-8 Top Rink performance.

A demanding but rewarding week, full of competitive spirit and shared enjoyment, as we approach the season’s close.