Bowling Surface Differences

In Flat Green Bowls the game is played on a perfectly flat level surface (indoor or outdoor) that is divided into lanes. The game is played by simply bowling from one end of the lane to the other and then back again in the opposite direction. There is a requirement for the jack to be delivered a minimum distance but the person delivering the jack can only determine the distance that the jack is sent - the alignment is always set to the centre of the lane. Sometimes the green is a single lane whilst on larger venues the green is divided into multiple lanes. In either case only one game takes place within the boundaries of the lane.

In Crown Green Bowls the game is played on a surface that ideally rises to a peak in the centre - referred to as 'the crown' unsurprisingly. However the game can be played on any suitable grassed area irrespective of the undulating nature of the surface. It is perfectly fine to deliver the jack anywhere on the surface as long as it meets the minimum distance requirement which is 19 metres. A green can usually cater for 3 or 4 games at any one time dependant upon the size of its surface area. Due to the fact that bowlers can send the jack in any direction that they want to it is quite possible for a bowl to strike a bowl from another game as they frequently cross paths on route to their respective jacks. This is a fact that many people are quite startled by - they cannot comprehend that another game could interfere with someones bowl as it makes its way across the green. To be honest the fact that this can happen is both a blessing and a curse to the Crown Green Bowler. Seeing a bowl get struck by a bowl from another game when it appeared to be heading perfectly for the jack is a cruel and frustrating experience. However on the flipside there have been many occasions when a bowler has sent a poor bowl and then seen it get struck thereby affording him the opportunity to try again. It's all part of the fun of the game!



Bookmark & Share