Hey there, fellow lawn enthusiasts! Welcome to Potton Bowls Club, your friendly neighborhood lawn bowls haven right here in the heart of Bedfordshire. If you’re new to this charming sport or just looking to brush up on your skills, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the basics of lawn bowls and walk you through the rules, so you can roll into fun like a pro.
Getting Started with Lawn Bowls
First things first, you’ll need some bowls. These are not the kind you eat cereal from, but rather the smooth, heavy, biased balls that make the magic happen on the green. Potton Bowls Club has a variety of bowls available for newcomers to try, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own just yet.
The Objective
The aim of the game is simple: get your bowls as close as possible to a smaller white ball called the “jack.” The jack is rolled to a designated spot on the green, and your goal is to place your bowls closer to it than your opponent’s. The closer your bowls are to the jack, the more points you score.
The Basics of Play
- Delivery: Stand on the mat at one end of the rink, select your bowl, and hold it with a firm grip. Take a step or two, depending on your preference, and release the bowl smoothly along the green.
- Scoring: After all bowls have been delivered, the team with the closest bowls to the jack scores points. One point is awarded for each bowl that is closer to the jack than any of the opposing team’s bowls.
- Length of Play: A game typically consists of a set number of “ends,” usually between 15 to 21 ends, depending on the format. The team with the most points at the end of the designated number of ends wins.
Rules to Keep in Mind
- Foot Faults: Make sure one foot is on or over the mat when delivering the bowl. Stepping onto the green before releasing the bowl is a no-no.
- Touching the Jack: If your bowl touches the jack, it’s called a “toucher,” and it remains in play even if it goes out of bounds.
- Etiquette: Be courteous and respectful to your fellow bowlers. It’s a game of skill and sportsmanship, so maintain good sports etiquette at all times.
- Potton Bowls Club Spirit: Remember that Potton Bowls Club is all about camaraderie and enjoying the game. So, bring your best lawn bowls spirit and make some new friends along the way.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to head over to Potton Bowls Club and put your newfound knowledge to the test. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, we’re here to welcome you with open arms and plenty of greens to roll on.
So grab your bowls, don your flat-soled shoes, and join us for a game that’s as relaxing as it is competitive. At Potton Bowls Club, we’re all about good times, good company, and the joy of lawn bowls. See you on the green!