Stopping a Bowl in Motion
S
ome years ago, during a competitive bowls event a Skipper found himself in the situation of having the last bowl of the game that needed one additional shot to win. He had the option • Not to deliver the final bowl and take a draw • Or attempt to draw another shot and win the game.
The head was tight but after discussion with the third he decided to have a go. As his bowl approached the head it became apparent to the Third that the incoming bowl was likely to hit an opponent’s bowl in for shot, resulting in losing the game. The Third then stepped forward and stopped the Skip’s incoming bowl to save a draw. Under the Laws of the game, if a bowl in its original course is interfered with by a member of the team that delivered the bowl, that bowl is declared dead. However, in this situation this law favours the defaulting team. There is no specific Law covering this situation except for appealing to the Controlling Body under Law 36 – Deliberate non sporting action. There would however be considerable debate between the Skipper and his Third and the opposing players, based around providing psychological counselling and a lecture on sports etiquette. You may not be aware, but there are some other circumstances where
40
