A Question

[excelsior-1]

in the sport of bowls or lawn bowling - whatever it is called

i have just seen some people on the tv starting a game
the target ball (jack?) has been rolled across the green, one player then manoeuvres it into a position with his foot, as directed by the first player - and then the game begins

what is the point of rolling the target across the lawn if it is then going to be moved...why not just place it on the grass where you want it in the first place?

[Mattk]

I believe the jack must be central but it is the distance that the players can set.

[Old_Geezer]

No expert but from the little I've seen there appears to be different games of bowls, one seems to leave the jack where it finishes, the other, for reasons not too clear, opts to move it afterwards. Maybe Mattk's 'centre' suggestion is the reason.

[excelsior-1]

hmmm, still not understanding it, however i thank you both for taking the time to reply

[FredPuli43]

They move the jack to a point a certain distance from the ditch, if it goes too far, and otherwise to a point which is central and the same distance from the mat to that intended. If it stopped an inch from the ditch, it would be impossible to get bowls beyond it, which is often a strategy in the end (the game) played.

[musicmutt]

Simple answer there is a maximum/minimum length at which the game is played and the jack bowl has to be on the centre line of the lane/rink in line with the mat before the game starts ,, the player rolling the jack up sets the distance at which the bowls are to be played ,, should the person rolling up the jack run the jack into the ditch or outside the lane/rink boundary then it is returned to the mat end for the opposing player/team to set the length of the jack to be played ,, Tony