Short mat bowls; the short cut to bowls
The passion for sport has driven people to overcome Mother Nature herself, in order to play their favourite game. The sport of short mat bowls was created by two South Africans who worked in Wales.
Sports is more than a recreational activity for some, but more like a way of life.
The passion for sport has driven people to overcome Mother Nature herself, in order to play their favourite game. The sport of short mat bowls was created by two South Africans who worked in Wales.
Used to playing bowls in the outdoors, the two men apparently found the weather conditions unfavourable.
The South Africans made a plan, and began to play a simulation of the outdoor game on a strip of carpet in a church hall.
Some time later, they moved to Northern Ireland and took the game with them.
But it was not until the 1980s, that the game flourished in Europe.
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While the game wasn’t as popular in South Africa, Newcastle does have the Century Place Indoor Bowls Club, run by Trevor Smale.
“At the moment, we only have five members, but we are eager to grow the club.”
Smale explained short mat bowls was played on a 12 metre long mat.
“The rules are very similar to lawn bowls, with a few small adjustments to make up for the mat’s small size.”
In fact, it was because of the mat’s size that Smale believed small mat bowls would be the ideal sport for children.
“We need to squash the idea that bowls is just for older people. Short mat bowls is the ideal vehicle to take bowls to school, as you can roll the mats out in classrooms or a school hall.”
Smale said it was a quick game, and didn’t take as long as lawn bowls, with games lasting up to 30 minutes.
“Short mat bowls is ideal for disabled people who want to participate in sport. We meet on the last Saturday of every month, and interested people are more than welcome to visit us.”
Smale coaches on Wednesdays, and shares his expertise with potential players.
For more information, contact Trevor Smale on 034 315 5929 or on 084 822 4248.
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