Wednesday Wonders – Home Match

Back on home turf, the team welcomed a team to an important league match that was as much about finesse as it was about finding the last available team member to play.

The match was played in great spirits. The visiting team took two rinks, and once again, the home team fell short on two rinks. But the real winner was the shot of the day, a wick off a short bowl turned disaster into poetry, nudging the Jack to three waiting bowls like it was planned. It was not.

Saturday Mayhem – Away Match (and They Meant Business)

This away trip began with optimism, and Spirits were high, even as the team took a scenic detour through a car boot sale in Goring (Bob swears he saw a vintage jack going for £2).

On arrival, the team was greeted with slow green and a headwind strong enough to re-style hair and tactics alike. It was a tight encounter — each rink resembling a chess match with biscuits — but the visiting team clawed out a gritty draw, winning two rinks and losing two rinks. The final score was close.

Notable Moment: Was the skip who drew a shot with his final bowl of the end, then celebrated by giving his opponent a Werther’s Original. Ruthless and sweet.

Tactics Corner: Should You Always Bowl Second?

This week’s tactical talking point comes courtesy of the skip, who opened a post-match debate on whether winning the toss and choosing to bowl second gives a psychological edge and the last bowl.

The arguments:

• Pro: You get to react to your opponent’s shot.

• Con: You will spend the whole end chasing them.

• Third View: “I just toss the coin and hope someone else remembers what I called.

Let us know where you stand (and no, not in the head).

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I bowl in shorts if it is over 22°C?

A: Officially, yes. Unofficially, only if you have warned everyone first. No one wants to be ambushed by unexpected white legs and knees.

Q: Is it bad form to cheer when the opposition knocks your bowl closer?

A: Not at all! But remember the etiquette: clap modestly, pretend to apologise, and save the fist pump for later. 

Heard on the Green

“That bowl had a mind of its own”

Yes, and its mind is not very clever.

“Watch the bias”

Watch the bias? I have been watching it all season, and it is not helping.

Final End

This week reminded us that lawn bowls is a game of precision and patience — and occasional muttered disbelief, slapstick wicks, and line-calls that can divide lifelong friendships. But whether it is a narrow win or a sponge-assisted success at home, the spirit of the game (and the tea) lives on.

This week on the Green – Club News and Activities.
Alan Paterson, Press Officer
Report for the Week Ending Sunday, 15 June 2025

Marine Gardens Edge League Leaders in Thrilling Home Clash

In a nail-biting WSBL home match, Marine Gardens Bowling Club claimed a memorable victory over early league leaders Middleton. The teams split the rinks two apiece, but the home side secured the overall win with a 66–60 shot advantage. The standout performance came from the rink of Bob Cole, John Nettleingham, Perry Cairns, and skip Ivan Godsmark, who delivered a commanding 20–8 win to earn Top Honours. Their performance epitomised sharp strategy and cohesion—a real team triumph.

Off the green, the club’s ladies enjoyed another delightful monthly lunch, gathering at Worthing Indoor Bowls Club for tasty food and even better company. The event continues to be a highlight on the Marine Gardens social calendar.

The week’s second match, a Stracey Shield contest at Field Place, saw Marine Gardens narrowly edged out by hosts Goring Manor. Despite another two-all rink split, Goring Manor took the match with a tight 61–58 shot lead, securing six points to Marine Gardens’ four. Top Honours this time went to the spirited foursome of David Smart, Brian Saunders, Wendy Wilson, and skip Jenny Ashman with a hard-fought 16–10 win.

Until next week —

Keep calm, keep smiling, and keep it “On the Jack.”