SPORTS: Alice and Ron bowl the competition over

A couple that plays together, stays together.

For the past three decades, Ron and Alice Howe have done just that, reaping awards, trophies and prize money on bowling greens across the country.

They’ve shared this journey for as long as they’ve been together.

Ron has played various sports over the course of his life, everything from golf to darts, but said it was bowls which truly brought them closer.

“We love to play bowls and like to be involved together. What we’ve won and not won doesn’t really matter.”

That said, Alice and Ron have achieved success individually and as a couple, a testament to the hours of practise they put in week after week.

In their words, it’s about love of bowls and dedication to that ideal.

“We’re fortunate we can go out and play on a weekend, although with Ron recently retired, we have to choose what competitions to play.”

In terms of practise, Ron and Alice estimated they put in about five hours each week, and on particularly pleasant days even more time.

They are consistently looking for new channels, lines and strategies.

Although the couple described themselves as quiet people who didn’t often mix, their reputation as fierce competitors sets them apart from the crowd.

On the green, Ron and Alice are pictures of concentration.

“We actually envy those who aren’t as competitive,” they laughed. “The majority of players go out for socialising and fresh air, but we always go out with the intention of winning.”

The old adage – practise makes perfect – rings particularly true for the Howes.

They explained that without constant training, it was impossible to remain atop the game of bowls and also be match fit.

Alice said even two games would shatter an inexperienced player.

“We went to the Pro10 tournament earlier this year and played seven games of 10 ends, which is a minimum of 140 woods thrown. It’s non-stop pace and there’s hardly time to rest.”

Addressing some of the challenges facing bowls, and its decline in membership, the Howes laid part of the blame on the lack of incentive for players.

This lack of return also results in a lack of return for sponsors.

Without the lure of prize money or other rewards, the bowling herd was often thinned to those who played for the love of the sport alone.

And while some are discouraged, the Howes persevere.

“We learn each time we play, The day you stop learning is the day you hang up the boots and say you’ve gotten too big for the sport.”

To aspiring bowlers, Alice and Ron encouraged them to come along to Newcastle Bowling Club (in Arbor Park) and they would be welcomed.

Wednesday is considered more of a beginner’s day.

With longtime bowlers like the Howes around, novice bowlers can benefit from practical and competition experience, and build themselves up through the sport.

“The muscles talk to you afterward and that’s why practise is so important.”

Touting bowls as a family sport, Ron and Alice said it was critical to remember the three Ls – line, length and luck – in order to succeed.

The rest is up to the rule book and manners.

“Times have changed, but camaraderie and etiquette are still part of the history of bowls.”