TIPS FROM TOP SINGLES BOWLS PLAYERS

GREENKEEPERS at 11 clubs affiliated to Port Natal Bowls will be hard at work, irrigating, grooming and cutting their greens in preparation for the Port Natal men’s open and senior singles that commences at 9am on Saturday.

Green speed will be their priority as they prepare the fastest, truest playing surface possible to allow the competitors the opportunity to perform at their best.

In the open singles category 110 players will compete at seven clubs around the district, and 71 senior bowlers will participate at four clubs.

The singles competition format is a straight line draw, knockout competition, and the open section bowlers still in contention after Saturday’s three rounds will report to Parkhill Bowling Club at 9am on Sunday for a further two rounds to determine the semi-finalists.

The senior competitors will play two rounds at their host clubs on Saturday and proceed to Amanzimtoti Bowling Club on Sunday for a further two rounds.

Thereafter, the senior bowlers will complete their fifth round at Amanzimtoti BC on Sunday, October 13.

Singles is the ultimate leveller in the sport of lawn bowls because there is only one person to blame for winning or losing.

The following strategies and advice from top singles bowlers around the world are offered as a reminder to competitors in the weekend’s competition.

Bowl on the same side of the rink – forehand in one direction and backhand in the other.

This will allow you to more fully understand the grass and weather conditions and means that you won’t have to adjust your delivery too often.

Keep driving to a minimum. The old bowling adage applies – “only drive twice, to and from the game!!”

Very few bowlers are accurate drivers and missing the target gives away high scores.

Only use a faster or running shot when the back bowls are in your favour.

The common rule of thumb and advice from top bowlers is draw to reduce the losses rather than take the risk and give away too many shots.

Keep a cool head and don’t allow yourself to become flustered, particularly if your opponent gets away to an early lead.

Nerves will cause you to make mistakes and reduce clear thinking. Many a singles game has been won by a bowler coming from behind with a deficient of more than 10 shots.

Another important rule is, “When you’re down you must be up.”

Make sure your bowls reach the head - short bowls are a waste so use the early ends to adjust to the speed of the green.

And lastly – with the current blustery weather prevailing, make the wind your friend.

If there is a strong wind blowing across the green use the wide hand because wide bowls are less affected by gusty conditions when you are bowling with wind than when you use the narrow hand.

Clubs are reminded of the Port Natal Bowls Council meeting at 9am on Saturday, October 26 at Berea Bowling Club.

Clubs planning to submit motions for discussion must do so as soon as possible by forwarding these to the Port Natal office –