Clevedon Bowling Club Chapel Hill, Clevedon, BS21 7LL (01275) 872828
Who does what
Team responsibilities - who does what.
The lead - Bowls First
Is responsible for ensuring the mat is placed at a legal length and delivers the jack correctly before the first bowl is delivered. It is not the lead’s job to decide when to change the position of the mat, or length of the jack which is the decision of the skip (or a mutual team decision). The opposite number one should take responsibility for moving the woods behind the mat before the start of a new end. Their role is to attempt to get as close to the jack as possible.
The Second
The second often gets given the job of filling in the scorecard for the skip. The ‘home’ two keeps the scoreboard up to date and helps the collect the woods after an end. The two takes on the responsibilities of the three in triples but must remember they are not the three in rinks and therefore should not interfere in the head unless asked to do so by the three. Their role will normally be to improve or consolidate the position achieved by the Lead.
The third
The third measures any and all disputed shots, agrees the number of shots with the opposite three and tells the skip the number of shots scored. Their role will be required to play a variety of shots or to play tactically to protect an advantage. They will also advise the Skip on choice of shots.
The Skip - Bowls last
The skip will have sole charge and direct their team on choice of shots. The skip is responsible for ensuring the scorecard is completed (unless delegated to the Second). Their role is to build the "head" of bowls to their advantage. They will be required to play a variety of different shots.
Variety of Games
Fours - The Lead, Second, Third and Skip play 2 bowls each (alternately with opposition) for 21 ends.
Triples - The Lead, Second/Third and Skip play 3 bowls each (alternately with opposition) for 18 ends.
Pairs - The Lead and Skip play 4 bowls each (alternately with opposition) for 21 ends.
Singles - Individuals play 4 bowls each (alternately with opposition) and must score 21 Shots before the opponent.
Although these are the most common formats, variations are allowed by the controlling bodies.
