Lawn bowls has its own language

By Rohan Aldous

Jan 15, 2023

That's the spot: Division two skip John Boyd signals to his lead bowlers in Saturday's match against Mathoura, which was brought forward by three hours to avoid the predicted 38ºC heat of the afternoon. Photos: Rohan Aldous

Sign language is an important part of lawn bowls, participants in the popular year-round sport developing their own unique language during the years — probably a result of the 40-metre distance that generally separates the bowler and the skip, situated at opposite ends of the rink.

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Finger pointing, upturned hands, hat tipping, thumbs up and, my personal favourite, the “I once caught a fish this big’’ signal giving bowlers an indication of where they sit before sending down their next bowl.

At the Rochester, Rich River and Mathoura bowling clubs on Saturday all of those familiar gestures, and more, were on full display as three matches went to the wire — teams separated by only one shot at the end of the morning.

Competition in the Campaspe playing area on Saturday was brought forward four hours to avoid the 38ºC heat of the afternoon — but the scorching temperature did not temper the often animated body language of the lawn bowlers.