While the basics of curling seem to be common knowledge, there appears to be little known about this pastime of "those white-clad folks". Not exactly a case for the X-files; but in this second installment I will attempt to unveil some of the mystery. The playing area, known as a rink, is approx. 18 feet wide and 125 feet long. A team can be made up with one to four players, and each player has a set of bowls. The number of people on the team determines whether each player uses two, three or four bowls. The bowls weigh a few ounces over three pounds and although they look perfectly round they are actually cut on a bias. This means that one side of the bowl is slightly bigger than the other, and the bias causes the bowl to adopt a curve rather than maintain a straight line (finally a challenge for you alley bowlers). The target; a small white ball called the "jack", is rolled up the rink first. The idea then, is to get more of your bowls closer to the jack than your opponent does. There is a point awarded for each bowl nearer to the jack than the closest one of the other team. The game is decided when one team reaches a set number of points first or, has the most points once a pre-determined number of "ends" are played. It takes surprisingly little effort to roll the bowls up the green and, while it is sometimes necessary to knock opponents bowls away, generally, you will want your bowls to stop near the jack. Remembering that the bowl will always curve, you aim at an angle away from the jack instead of directly at it. This is known as taking the grass. After you deliver your first bowl, you will know whether to take more grass or not so much. You may also need to adjust the "weight" of your delivery if the bowl stopped short of the target or went too far. The elements of the game are easy to grasp, but like any sport it takes practice to become a skilled player and that's what keeps it interesting. Members of local clubs are always willing to coach new players but if you'd just like to sit and watch; spectators are most welcome. Oh, and don't be surprised if we're not wearing white. These days, many bowlers save their "whites" for tournaments and special events, and there is now a growing trend toward more colourful duds. The visitor will soon realize that there is more to lawnbowling than the game itself. Along with a general sense of comradery, it is nice to have somewhere to go on a summer's eve and, at our club, the scenic splendor of the Escarpment going through it's changes, from Spring to Fall, is an added bonus. |