Night Bowls with Michael Keelan: At Rymill Park in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
On a balmy Sunday afternoon we could hear loud modern music coming from a bastion of what could be called ‘Adelaide's senior citizenry’. As we got closer, it became clear that the Adelaide Bowling Club in Rymill Park is moving to a slightly funkier beat these days. Welcome to ‘Superbowl Sunday’ - where everyone is welcome with or without shoes and starched whites. I was struck by how many young people were there.
I've never really played lawn bowls but I do have an excellent pedigree. My late Dad, Victor Keelan was a State Bowl's Pairs Champion along with my uncle Marlow. So it was with some confidence that I arrived armed with Grandad's kit, ready to take on my son Tom who’s a regular at the Langhorne Creek Bowling Club.
Hoping that some of Grandad’s prowess would rub off on me I began my first game - intent on giving Tom a thrashing. But as my bowl widely missed its mark it became apparent there's more to this game than meets the eye.
Knowing I’d never hear the end of it if he won, I sought tuition from Curly Potter. Curly’s a legend with all the young people playing because he gladly lends his knowledge and expertise to anyone who wants it.
“The little circle is the weighted circle where the bias is on the bowl,” he explained. “And when you bowl, the little circle always has to be on your inside.. against your leg.”
The object it is to get your bowl as close to the Jack as possible. But there are numerous variations on the game, which explains why it’s been a staple of many former British colonies, the world over. And it's always been played with a degree of decorum and panache.
“I think it was Sir Francis Drake who was having a game of bowls and he was told about the approaching Spanish Armada going to invade England. He said no, I’m going to finish my game of bowls before I go out and fight.” explained Curly. “I can understand that - it really gets you. But I don't know how he'd go with the disco and the BBQ going in the background - it would have been pretty noisy for poor old Sir Francis... but it's a fantastic game.”
On Sundays some of the older traditions have bent to the needs of a younger crowd and it’s working. The modern music, bare feet and BBQs are attracting lots of interest. In fact it's been a turning point for the game with some new talent being discovered and a whole new demographic getting into the swing.
As for the contest between my son, Tom and me - well, it was no contest really. He reckons I’m “crap” at bowls and Grandad would have been embarrassed!
To book for Superbowl Sunday contact Georgie Dunsford on 0412 816 320. Superbowl Sunday runs until the end of April.
Super Bowl Sunday
Every Sunday
Adelaide Bowling Club
Rymill Park
4pm till lights out.
BBQ 6pm
Bookings 0412 816 320If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
