Rolling into Fun

We decided to try something new: green bowling at the Bournemouth Bowling Club! It was an exciting opportunity for us to spend time together while learning a sport that’s not often on our radar. The club welcomes visitors to try their hand on the second pitch, which was perfect for beginners like us, while their show pitch offers stunning sea views for the more experienced bowlers during matches.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by friendly staff who provided everything we needed: bowls, shoes, and a brief introduction to the game. They explained how the ends worked, how to keep score, and even shared some tips for rolling the bowl correctly. Gabriel was eager to give it a go, his enthusiasm bubbling over as he listened intently to the instructions.

As we started playing, it quickly became a fun challenge. Gabriel was surprisingly good at it, rolling the balls closer to the target than I expected. He had a few great shots that got him a little competitive. However, as the game progressed, it became clear that I was leading the scores, and that made Gabriel a bit grumpy.

“It’s not about winning, it’s about having fun!” I reminded him, but I could see the competitive spirit shining through his frown. Despite his determination to win, Gabriel did show impressive skills for a first-time bowler, landing some close calls and enjoying the process.

After our game, we celebrated our efforts with lunch at the lovely café in the club. We enjoyed sandwiches and hot drinks while chatting about the game and how much fun we had trying something new. Gabriel's mood brightened as he relived some of his best moments on the green, and he even started making plans for a rematch.

Our day at the Bournemouth Bowling Club was a wonderful blend of friendly competition and quality family time. Even though Gabriel didn’t come out on top this time, he learned a bit about resilience and the joy of trying new things. We can’t wait to visit again, perhaps next time with a strategy in mind to help him claim victory!