Montestan’s take on bowls
Before we start on this week’s further exploration into the world of bowls let me say that if you are just beginning, do not be put off by the rules and perhaps negative things people tell you. Just have a go, and if you are thinking of getting some bowls get some cheap second-hand ones first in order to get a feel and idea of how they react. Also, I have had a correction, in that there are two grass greens at Cabrera BC down Almería way, though they do not play in our leagues. Are there any more?
Back to bowls, I, after a couple of goes using some club bowls, decided to buy a set (four), they normally come in that number and as we ramble on later, you’ll see why. I managed to get a set of size 1 Hensalite’s for €40. Whilst having a pause from a practice roll up at Vistabella Bowls Club, a member picked up one of my bowls, had a look, and said: “You won’t be able to play withthose they are out of date.” Well I was a bit miffed as I had no idea there were any restrictions at all like this and a bit downhearted thinking that I had put €40 down the drain. I turned to the club coach who had given me some lessons and told him what had been said, his immediate response was: “That’s a load of rubbish.”
I will explain why later, but, as I previously mentioned, you will get a lot of stuff told you and, if in doubt, go to someone like the coach or club captain and they will always give you good advice.
Right! We were into bowls colour, size, weight and bias last week, and I quoted a rule on how the bias is regulated. As I mentioned, the bias is regulated by a World Bowls (WB) standard bowl, and all manufacturers produce a range of bowls with biases and curves showing how they are in comparison to the WB. They are usually given different names. For example Drakes Pride do in their Professional range d-tec, pro50, and XP. The d-tec, has a tight trajectory, pro 50 medium, and XP wide, usually the manufacturers give an explanation of its use as well. All of this information can all be found online and it is interesting to look at the manufacturer’s curves, their products and prices.
Going back to the WB stamp, all manufactures are ‘licensed testers’ and as each bowl is produced it is stamped with weight, size, bias and date, as they need to be tested at least every 10 years.
Hang on! says you, 'isn’t that what the bloke told you!' Okay we need to go back to the rules.
Rule. 52.1.4. The requirement for distinguishing marks applies to all International Events, World Bowls championships Games.
Rule. 52.1.5. For Domestic Play. Member National Authorities can decide the requirements for distinguishing marks.
Rule. 52.2.3. For Domestic Play. Member National Authorities can decide for re-testing and re-stamping bowls.
These three rules cover it. Our controlling bodies are the Federación de Bolos de la Comunidad Valenciana and the Levante Lawn Bowls and I understand that for all domestic play, including local leagues and championships, there is no need and
Commonwealth for re-testing if the bowls are out of date. Whether this applies to regional and national championships I don’t know, but I am sure I will be informed after this take. So, no worries. By the way, if you want your bowls re-tested it will be around 30 pounds plus carriage (Drakes Pride). That’s it for now catch you next week.
Vistabella Bowls Club is sponsored by: Venture Fleet Services, TV Choice, Oneway Services, Serenity Insurance, Carpet Heaven. The Winter League is sponsored by the Laguna Tavern in Entre Naranjos.
So, for when we can get back to playing, how about coming and having a go at bowling, we would be pleased to see you. We can arrange a free session and lesson. You could get hooked, it’s a fabulous game and a very sociable one, where you will meet lots of new friends.
Established bowlers are also most welcome; we have a brandnew green and are looking for new members.
Please contact: Club Captain, David Jenkins by emailing pacadasu@yahoo.com or Charlie Watkins at charlieat pathways@yahoo.co.uk