Friendly matches are played against other clubs throughout the season.

The dress code is a Club shirt and white trousers/shorts.

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All members are encouraged to play as much as possible. Details of each match are posted in the club house where you can sign up if you are available to play.

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A few days before a match, the players and the teams will be posted on the notice board, and available to view on the website. If you have signed up to play in any match, it is your responsibility to ensure that you know if you have been chosen to play, and to turn up at the allotted time.  If you are unable to play, contact the club captain.

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Team composition

​A team may be 4 players, called a ’rink’, or 3 players, called a ‘triple’, led by a ‘Skip’. Each person in the team has a task. When assembled on the rink before the match, the two Skips will introduce their team members. The away team usually takes the mat at the start of the game.

Each player will deliver 2 bowls in a Rinks match, and 3 in a Triples match.

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Basic roles of team play

​If you are Number 1 in your team you are lead. It is your task to place the mat and roll the jack to the length that your Skip indicates and then bowl your woods as near to the jack as possible. You will then take turns with your opposite number to delver your woods as close to the jack as possible.

At the completion of each end, you do not get involved with judging or scoring the result.

If your team wins the end, you should pick up the jack, place the mat and prepare to roll the jack as quickly as possible for the next end as soon as the bowls have been collected.

If your team loses the end, it is your job to gather all the woods with the bowls collector, or pusher, and put them behind and to one side  the mat, ready for the next end.

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If you are Number 2 you play second and are responsible for recording the score at the end of each end on the scorecard and the scoreboard. You do not get involved with judging the result. In a Triples team this will be done by Number 3. Be aware that some Skips like to keep the score card.

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If you are Number 3 you play third and are responsible for discussing tactics with your Skip. You are the only team member who should stand in the head when the Skips are bowling and you are responsible, with your opposite number, for agreeing the result of the end. If any touching woods need marking, you are responsible for doing so, and for measuring in the head, if required.

 

Number 4 is the Skip. They will advise on tactics and progress and will generally encourage you.

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Make sure that you have all the kit you need to play a match. As well as woods, this may include a measure and chalk depending on your position in the team.

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Home matches

​You should arrive at the clubhouse by 13.30 for a 14.00 start unless you are involved with setting up the greens. On the match sheet, one team will be marked in yellow highlighter and this team is responsible for setting up the green before the match. If you are part of this team, you should arrive at the clubhouse 45 minutes before the start.

Clearing the green afterwards is the responsibility of one nominated person in each team. This is to be agreed at the tea interval. All equipment must be cleared away, banners removed, sheds locked, and the electric fence set up and turned on.

 

Refreshments

​At the end of the match, it is customary to offer a drink to your opposite number in the visiting team.  We have a bar licence and drinks are served from the kitchen hatch. Several club members are licensed to serve drinks, and the bar tariff will be displayed.  All members are expected to help clear and wash up at the end.

 

Away matches.

For away matches, the departure times vary and are clearly marked on the match sheet. If you intend to go to the match straight from home, please make sure that the captain of the day knows in advance. There is provision for car sharing and the names of those members who are prepared to give lifts to away matches are written on the match sheets. 

A small charge is levied to cover petrol, which should be given to the driver on the day.  The charges are listed on the noticeboard.