Good to see the two Salts Sports Club bowling greens being well-used, after the destruction caused by last year's floods (see here). Crown Green Bowls is, I think, a sport particular to the north of England, played on greens that have a slightly raised centre (the crown). A player bowls a jack (the yellow ball here) to wherever they like on the green. Players then take turns to bowl their own balls (woods) as close as possible to the jack. Whoever gets nearest gets a point. The first player to accumulate 21 points wins. The jacks and the woods have a bias that means that you can get them to turn in two different directions depending on how you bowl them. I know there are many similar games (boules, flat green bowls and even curling) but using a bowling green with a raised crown is what differentiates this version.
When I took this photo there appeared to be a competition going on. There were several teams of players all using the two greens at once. It all looked quite complicated! Players mainly appear to be retired and those folk I know that play are quite passionate about it. Many play on until a ripe old age. A bit of exercise and a lot of socialising is a very good thing.
It is a remarkable transformation after what appears to be terrible flooding. I suppose like everywhere, sports like this may well die out in a decade or so, which is such a shame, but quite understandable. Boule is a game my family play when we get together. Easy to play and no experts, so nearly everyone has a win at times, through luck.
ReplyDeleteGosh the bowling greens have recovered so well Jenny. It's a very popular sport here also, I have to disagree with Andrew, I think it will be around for a good while yet ☺
ReplyDeleteThere's some lawn bowling that goes on here, but like cricket, it seems to be a niche sort of activity.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like fun , especially with the green grass! I give you credit for posting a daily photo. I miss blogging, I like the slower pace with blogging more than the fast pace of Facebook. I had so many photos I put a whole bunch on my blog today. Would love to get into the habit of posting a few photos twice a week. We are having a warming spell....above 40 and all the snow melted. Not an early spring, just a warm winter day. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThat kind of game is surprisingly interesting to watch!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like fun. My community in Naples installed two bocce courts last year and many folks wondered why they wasted the money. Now they are in use all the time and there is a waiting list!
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