On The Cusp - Fours First Up

I have been thinking of you.

Trying to combine time with inspiration.

You know everything comes at once; bowls are seeking attention,

Sandy's garden needs tending,

hockey wanders far into spring,

fantasy fun,

have to see Adam win Idol - what!!!,

and that typical Canadian Kiefer to settle the score on 24.

And of course follow the trail of our bright and talented grand kids ( yours

too, how nice ) as they offer their view of the world.

Jagger gets up in the morning and asks me if I saw the Penquins "ought". My questioning look brings the reply, " you know ot in the game last night". Obvious but I missed the proper pronunciation. Dakota is always bringing a gift of daisy lions. Similar to those yellow flowers that grow all over your lawn without water. Two things we try to do every day is to learn something new and to have a good laugh. Much of my fresh knowledge is translated and transported from the minds of the young.

That is our grand boy Cameron in the photo. He comes over often. He is not a problem.

Thirty-two teams in Burlington for the Victoria Day weekend Fours tournament. It is always a spring training showcase for the upcoming Districts & Provincials. Unky Zangwill (S), Jack Siboni, Don Stokoe and Bruce Lynn from Willowdale/Toronto were the victors. A great job by the organizers to keep a SRO crowd full and up and playing to complete the tournament at around 5 PM. Those who want to dally can stay on and all who wish to hit the road are on their way for sometimes a lengthy journey back home. The Oshawa team of brothers Alan(S) & Rob Steffen with Bob Guppy and Bob Matthews also won 3 games but were edged +51-+49 to finish 2nd.

My inner pace clock estimated the greens to be running about 10.5 seconds. Perhaps more give than take with that mental measurement but they were good and will get better.

I have great respect for Charley Roach and every greens keeper who put in endless hours so I can show up shortly before and leave right after to play on a tuned grass carpet. The top greens only happen with dedicated knowledgeable caretakers with appropriate equipment and a budget that can cover the cost of supplies. The plight of small clubs is often the fact that some of the above isn't available or possible.

Bowls is a fantastic game when the playing field allows for the full range of deft and power shots.

It is a feel game with slight nuances adjusting weight and line. It is adding a yard or the full load when the time is right. It exhibits skills similar to the best golf putters or curling champions in the world. We are not talking about coming close but drawing cleanly through an angled narrow port or wresting the shot bowl back 6 inches to win the game or making that cold draw to a newly placed line bowl.

I love the challenge of a good green. I am not a fan of the game when conditions dictate good fortune will be your playing partner to-day. Saying that I still have my stated admiration for the volunteers/employees of the latter and I understand that circumstances may be the cause.

But I hope all that have tried this game have the pleasure of experiencing the true roll and rock

of finesse greens.

Which leads me to championship play. I believe there should be a minimum standard for greens to be accepted for District and Provincial play downs. Pace - minimum 10 seconds; running surface - flat with the majority of rinks with a minimum 4 foot draw on each hand.

That's it. Those are not stringent expectations. Minimal ( higher in mind ) but work to increase when and if possible. Split the events , men and women at different venues as the OLBA are now doing, if necessary. Reduce the expectations for the host clubs in regards to meals and other administrative functions if necessary. The game is all about the running surface.

Now that was easy. Listen to me set the state of championship play in order from a chair in my office. I do realize that reality has a way of dictating choice but I also sincerely believe that the appeal of this sport can be advanced with a dedication to providing the best for the best.

Two rule infractions I have noticed that bring me to comment. One damaging, the other annoying.

Players who take their bowls out of their bag and drop or toss them them 3 feet to the end rink surface where the grass is most delicate and will be the most used area in the game. Obviously an individual not helping with the green maintenance. We all can be aware and place our bowls gently on the rink.

Possession of rink

This happens especially in fours after the second has delivered the final bowl of the front end.

Not only do we start walking up the green as soon as the bowl has left the players hand, often it is directly in front of the player on the mat. Your possession and you have to play dodge man to try and see the result. It isn't intentional and it actually keeps the game moving along at a faster pace. However do be aware and seek permission or follow the rule.

By the way smokers be aware that city and town bylaws are extending their definition of smoking areas. They are moving you away from the entry to a building, if not off the property, even though you are outside. Designated smoking areas completely ( about 15 feet ) away from the green were the norm in Arizona.

Play on, play well and enjoy the competition.

BobB