Bowls is a game that dates back hundreds of years and has a somewhat chequered past, compared to its very civilised reputation today. Kings and noblemen used to fear that playing bowls distracted gentlemen from practicing their archery skills and encouraged gambling, so it was widely discouraged and in some cases, outlawed.
Famous bowlers in history include Sir Francis Drake and William Shakespeare. There remains debate whether Sir Francis really did delay engaging the Spanish Armada to finish his game at Plymouth Hoe in 1588. Shakespeare peppered many of his famous plays with bowling references.
Many civilisations through the ages have developed their own versions of what we know as bowling. Relics have been discovered in Egyptian tombs, in the artifacts of Native Americans and even within the early Polynesian and Maori communities.
Modern day bowling
Today the emerald greens, the whitewashed clubrooms and gentle whisper of the bowl across the turf, punctuated by congratulations and camaraderie makes bowling an extremely popular sport, enjoyed by both men and women over a wide age group. Joining a club is a wonderful way to expand your social circle and get some gentle exercise and fresh air in a really beautiful environment.
Bowling greens are dotted all over the country and memberships are on the rise. Some bowling clubs were established very early in New Zealand’s history, as the first colonial settlers introduced new sports to the country.
The beauty of bowling is that is requires very little equipment, and is relatively straightforward to learn. The element of skill can be developed over time. It is a gently active and elegant game to play.
Essentially, players aim to direct their bowls down the rink (a full sized bowling green is made up of eight rinks marked out by pegs) and aim to settle their bowl closest to the jack, a small white ball. Bowling requires a degree of strategy and patience.
The bowls themselves are now mostly made from rubber or resin, but were traditionally fashioned from hard wood, using the natural gradients of the wood grain to create the weighted ‘bias’ side. The bowl will naturally turn or curve towards this side when moving.
Bowling has been described as a science, the study of a lifetime, in which you may exhaust yourself but not your subject. It is a contest, a duel, calling for courage, skill and self-control. It is a test of temper, a trial of honour, a revealer of character. It affords the chance to play the man and act the gentlemen. It is a cure for care, an antidote for worry. It includes companionship with friends, and an opportunity for courtesy, kindness and generosity to an opponent.
Get involved
Businesses have also started using bowling as a team building activity, which nearly everyone can participate in as opposed to some other alternatives!
Bowling clubs all over New Zealand run regular open days to encourage new players and a number of events; daytime, business house or twilight competitions and new members are always warmly welcome.
DOUGSCOTTY - 17 years ago
I found this a very interesting article. I enjoy my indoor bowls, which we play on a raised mat. This is a great help for us people with arthritis, as we can no longer get down to a floor mat. Have a great day, & keep bowling! Trevor.