belfast indoor bowls club

The game is played on a flat grass surface, although in recent years a number of Greens have been laid with a synthetic carpet. The total area is usually 120ft x 120ft and is surrounded by a ditch and bank. The green is divided into lanes called "Rinks" 15ft to 19ft wide, which are marked out by stretching a string along the surface. The object of the game is to deliver a bowl as near as possible to the "Jack", a white ball 2.5 inches apporx. in diameter. At the conclusion of each "End", I,e, when all the bowls have been played in one direction, the number of one player or players which are nearer to the "Jack" than any bowl of the opposition counts as a "Shot". The total number of "shots" gained over a period of "Ends" decides the winner, although in singles play the object is to reach 21 "shots" first. Coaching in Clubs is provided by qualified coaches. Bowls is a game which provides healthy exercise, relaxation and mental stimulation through competition. Above all it is a social game and the Friendships formed on the bowling green will last for many a year.