Introduction:
Lawn Bowls and Short Mat
The Friendship League is played in both the Lawn Bowls and Short Mat seasons. It has a competitive element, but the intent is to provide an opportunity for players to enjoy a game of bowls in a relaxed atmosphere, while still being played in a way that reflects formal play.
It is open to all playing members regardless of level of skill or experience (including new members) and players can join in at any time – just turn up ready to play.
Teams & Scores:
Players are randomly allocated to new teams each week (typically a mix of Doubles and Triples) immediately before the start of play. All games involve a completely random mix of players and teams.
On completion of each morning session, players get the score of the team in which they played (inc. one point for each end won). The 10 highest scores recorded for each player are used to determine the finalists (a minimum of 10 games must be played to qualify).
At the end of the season, the highest and lowest of the top 10 scores for each qualifying player are discarded and the remaining 8 scores are totalled. The two players with the highest total scores go on to compete against each other in a singles match on Finals Day, the winner of which receives the relevant Friendship League Shield.
| Times: | Lawn Bowls | Short Mat |
| Team selection: | 10:20 | 09:50 |
| Start of play: | 10:30 | 10:00 |
| End of play: | 12:30 | 12:00 |
Fees:
There is no registration requirement or entrance fee. A small weekly fee (including tea/biscuits) is payable on the day by each participant.
Dress Code:
Casual – as described in the current Fixture Card.
Notes:
- Rules and etiquette are as apply to all Internal Club Competitions.
- Play is within the above times – slow play may cause a team to record fewer ends.
- Teams can pick their own Skip and order of play. Teams are encouraged to rotate the order after the tea break (Skip > 1, 1 > 2, 2 > 3 and 3 > Skip).
- Players should check in immediately on arrival (no later than 10 mins before start).
- The Lawn Bowls competition is played over 18 weeks on Thursday mornings.
- The Short Mat competition is also 18 weeks but, as there are only two mats, it is played on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Players can move freely between the two days but should attend only once in any one week.