Short Mat Bowls

Lawn bowling is such a popular sport that many different versions and spins are continuously being put on the game by bowling enthusiasts. Some of these versions of the popular game are created to include more or less players, and some are simply tributes that pay homage to the way the game was once truly played by royalty. But some versions, such as short mat bowls, are created so that people can still enjoy their love of the game, without worrying about such practicalities as not having enough space for the greens!

In traditional lawn bowling, the greens are very long and have ditches around them. Because of this, in order to enjoy the game, you need to not only have access to an outdoor space, but a space that will be able to accommodate those greens. Short mat bowls is a game that brings the game inside so everyone can enjoy it all the time! The greens are of course shorter and because of this, they need to bring their own challenges to make it a true test of skill.

Short mat bowls are played on small strips which make up the greens. The mats usually measure 45′ – 6′ and are rolled out side-by-side. When the game is finished, they can then easily be rolled up and stored out of the way. Because these indoor mats obviously don’t have ditches along the side, a block is placed in the centre, with the purpose being that the jack is never allowed to touch the block. This makes the player responsible for using their bias and not simply throwing their bowl straight down the mat. Along both ends of the mat are white fenders, to not only keep the bowls from rolling off the mats but also to provide boundaries that would already be in place on an outdoor green.

Short mat bowls were first brought to Britain by two men who came from South Africa. Because they were not accustomed to the climate, or the long off-season in Britain, they created the version of short mat bowls. It picked up very quickly and is now widely played in Britain and Ireland.