The Ultimate Action Bowls competition at Springs Town Bowling Club continues to gain momentum, with players enjoying its shorter format and relaxed atmosphere.

The players met on the lawns on August 7, where they competed in small teams.

The competition takes place on the first Friday of every month and differs from traditional bowls, which can run for between 18 and 21 ends.

Coach Tony Tancrell told the Springs Advertiser that players have responded positively to the format, with more people enjoying the faster games.

“The Ultimate Action Bowls is growing. People are enjoying the game very much. They love the short form of the game,” said Tancrell.

The monthly competition consists of six ends, with two bowls per player, and competitors play three games during the Friday evening.

According to Tancrell, the format is also helping players improve their bowling.

“This game we are playing has two bowls and it’s mostly a drawing game. So the standard of people playing bowls is getting awesome,” he said.

Player Theresa Hattingh said the monthly competitions have created an enjoyable atmosphere and encouraged more people to support the initiative.

“It is absolutely lovely. I wish that more people would support it because it’s great fun,” said Hattingh.

She said the six-end format makes the games quicker and more exciting compared with traditional bowls.

“Traditional bowling you play between 18 and 21 ends. So that takes quite some time. With this one, it is six ends at a time. So it’s really nice and quick,” she said.

Hattingh said the competition has also encouraged her to practise more regularly because she wants to improve her performance. She added that it is always nice to win and uses it to practise the sport.

The player said the monthly games have helped her improve and have encouraged her to attend more social games at the club to get additional practice.

Hattingh also rejected the idea that bowls is a sport only suited to older people.

She said the sport offers people an opportunity to get away from their computers, televisions and laptops, spend time outdoors and socialise without being physically exhausted.

“You come out, you get fresh air and the company of the experienced player is amazing. It’s a slow-paced game, but it’s not for old people,” she said.

Hattingh, who plays alongside her husband, said their busy working schedules mean they mainly participate for social reasons rather than setting specific competitive goals.

She believes, however, that regular participation can help players improve and eventually make it easier for them to enter competitions.

Tancrell said the club is also hoping to attract more young people to the sport. One young player is currently participating, while another young person has shown interest.

He encouraged people who have never played bowls to give it a try.

“I guarantee you, especially if you are a young guy, come and give it a try. I promise you, you will enjoy this game,” said Tancrell.

The club has received sponsorship for shirts but is looking for further support to grow the initiative. Tancrell said he would like to see a sponsor help the club stage a full-weekend Ultimate Action Bowls tournament.

He also hopes companies could become involved through a company league based on the Ultimate Action Bowls format.

“That is what I’m looking at for the year or maybe even next year,” he concluded.