Page 30 - Summer 2016

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A Canadian view on the
30 A Canadian view on the
2016 World Short Mat
2016 World Short Mat
Championships,
Championships,
Leigh, England
Leigh, England
All the players representing Canada at the recent
World Short Mat Championships in Leigh, England
want to thank the English Short Mat Bowls Associa-
tion for their kind invitation including us as a repre-
sentative national entry.
We had no idea just what to expect in terms of how talented our opposition would be.
Most Short Mat Bowling in Canada has been a recreational sport enjoyed by members of
outdoor clubs who wish to continue to play a form of bowls during our long winters. Our
team comprised of a mixed bag of experience in the game of bowls. Six members of our
team had lawn bowled for ten years or less. On the other hand three of our team members
had won the Canadian National Singles Lawn Bowling Title at sometime during their ca-
reers. We came. We played. However, we did not conquer.
First Impressions:
First Impressions: As we entered the venue on the opening day, we were vi-
sually overwhelmed observing 24 short mats all laid out in one sports hall. Most of us have
never seen more than 3 mats in one place. Canada was given the honour to enter the com-
plex first, and very pleased to have two school age children lead the way with our National
Flag.
Our First Matches:
Our First Matches: If any of us had any thoughts of grandeur, our first round
of play put an end to that. We found very quickly that although we may be competent out-
door bowlers, the indoor Short Mat Game is played differently than we thought. The strat-
egy, delivery techniques, various biases used, size of bowls, heavy jacks, and above all,
the quality of play all were an eye opener. After our first round, the score was World 5,
Canada 0.
The Learning Curve:
The Learning Curve: We began the long process of learning new skills, and
competing during the competition to the best of our abilities trying to adapt our outdoor
game to short mat. Slowly, during the Championships, we improved, and began to close
the scoring gap between our opponents and ourselves. By the end of the Championships
we had managed to win 6 matches, and tie one as a team.
The WOW factors:
The WOW factors: We were amazed by the skill level of the top players. The
deliveries were so smooth, so consistent, and so exacting. I would have gladly paid just
to watch some of the players in action. It was humbling at times knowing your opponents
were just too good to be beat! It was also impressive to see just how
many of the competitors were under forty years old.
It was thrilling to see Jonas Hager and Victor Andersson, the
very young team from Sweden, win Bronze in the Pairs! It is just my
own opinion, but I found myself getting caught up in the excitement
throughout the hall. Certain matches were completely surrounded
at times by crowds two and three deep, with spectators and players
alike shouting out after a great shot.
Overall Conclusions:
Overall Conclusions: We met some wonderful people,
played some great opponents, shared many conversations, and had
a super time. Thank you again to everyone involved. Look out Swe- From
den! We’ll be back in 2018!
Dave Burrows