The Young Ones Take Over
As an old sport is reborn
Outdoor bowls has been played at Rangiora Bowling Club since 1905. For many years it has been thought of as an old person’s game and that young people should not participate. Nothing could be further from the truth as the sport offers all ages, men and women, the opportunity to engage in and compete at whatever level the entrant desires.
The Rangiora Bowling Club has 3 playing green’s, two of which are grass based and in general only played on during late Spring to early Autumn. The 3rd green is a synthetic or carpet green and can be played on in any weather all year round.
The Bowling Club has a mixed membership which offers many different opportunities. Interclub competitions throughout the Canterbury region for bowlers of all abilities is very popular. Competition starts around the beginning of October finishing late March. Some of these competitions are midweek with many being played at the weekend. Club competitions, and Tournaments are held throughout the Summer as well as Championship Events, which include players of two, three, or four players competing against each other. Winners of different disciplines are awarded trophies.
Bowls can be a very challenging game; not only do you have to contend with varying weather conditions on the actual day, but every end is played to a different length. The lead bowler of your team delivers a bowl, called a jack or kitty, which should end up about 35 metres from where it is delivered. You then play your bowl in turns with your opposition and try to end up as close to that jack as possible. The bowls you play with have a curve, known as the bias, in their delivery so you must allow for these variations every time you bowl. Depending on how much effort you put into the delivery, how much cross wind is blowing, or how hot the playing surface is, determines where your bowl is likely to end up. Sounds easy ? be assured it is not !
Rangiora Bowling Club have on hand several sets of modern bowls that new players can try out. There are many club members who will give their time to help and provide guidance for new players wanting to learn some of the intricacies of the game.
This is a sport for people of any age or ability. Although extremely competitive, it can be easily mastered in time. If you are keen to have a go at this very intriguing sport than come along to the Rangiora Bowling Club on Saturday afternoons when you will have the chance to join in our organised Club day.
Written by
Norman Hewitt & Norma Carey
