Preston short mat bowls an easy form of entertainment

An indoor variation of a popular outdoor game is all the rave at the Duncan McIntosh Community Centre.

Short mat bowls is a spin-off of the popular lawn bowling played in the warmer months. 

Dave Allen, who leads the Preston short mat bowl group that plays every Wednesday afternoon from Oct. 5 to Jan. 16 at the community centre, says it’s a growing game that can be fun for all ages.

“This is an indoor version of lawn bowls that is now played in several countries around the world,” Allen said. 

“There are world championships and a professional tour.” 

Short mat bowls is an indoor game in which players attempt to score points by rolling a heavy ball along a fairly flat surface to gain as many shots as possible by getting their bowls closer to the jack or target than their opponents.

Allen wasn’t happy with some of the versions of the game that were taking place around the region, so he decided to take matters into his own hands, which included getting grants for equipment.

“There was a need for an indoor program in this area of Canada for the off season,” he said.

“All that was out there was carpet bowls, which was not really that exciting and offered at senior centres, and bowling on indoor soccer fields, which really didn't test skills needed for real lawn bowling," he said.

"In 2018 we a got a small grant to buy a mat and we borrowed a mat. It seemed popular so we then got another grant to expand to 4 mats along with all the equipment and bowls to offer an A+ program in the Waterloo Region.”

Aside from being a fun activity, the game can also provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

“Exercise involves mainly bending and lifting,” Allen said.

“There are lots of mental challenges. Like deciding what went wrong with your last shot. What type of shot do I need to make next?”

The Wednesday afternoon group is comprised of mostly older individuals and retirees, but the sport is open to people from all walks of life.

“We provide bowls for people of all ages and abilities,” Allen said.

“Because of the generosity of our hosts, the game is relatively inexpensive compared to most sports and recreation activities. You can develop your skills and go onto the Canadian championships or stay at a recreational level.”

At the end of the day, Allen looks forward to each week because of the friendships he’s built.

“I enjoy getting together with the players and having a low key game,” he said. 

“Come out and have fun. I also enjoy our coffee social time between games.”