The Inverness Bowling Club

Bowling Etiquette

1. Players should use the steps provided when going on and off the green.
2. Bowls should not be dropped on the green.
3. Do not sit on the banks nor stand thereon.
4. The only objects which are allowed to be placed on the Banks are "Dead Bowls" and the markers which show the position of the Jack in the Ditch, and that of a live Bowl or bowls, that also may be therein.
5. It is forbidden to place Bowling Bags, articles of clothing and Bowling Accessories on the Banks.
6. Matches, cigarette ends etc., should be placed in the Litter Baskets provided, and NOT IN THE DITCHES OR THE SURROUNDS OF THE GREEN.
7. Bowls should not be "kicked in" until a decision has been reached regarding the Shot or Shots.
8. After delivering a bowl the player should either retire behind the Mat or advance to the head. A position between those points delays the player following, and shows lack of consideration for others.
9. Do not delay the game.
10. Do not wander about, or move around the Head when another player is preparing to deliver a Bowl.
11. In a "Fours" game, the Second keeps the score; in a "Pairs" game it is the Skip.
12. Bowling is a friendly game, and all players should show courtesy and good sportsmanship.
13. All Bowlers should know the rules of the game, as laid down by the International Bowling Board, and the Bye-laws of their own Club.
14. Always ensure that visitors are wearing the correct footwear when playing on the green.
15. When "setting" the Jack, PLACE IT BY HAND. Do not roll it underfoot.
16. It is important that suggestions and complaints must be put in writing and delivered to the Secretary, who will place the matter before the General Management Committee for attention. All such items will be acknowledged, in the first instance, by the Secretary.

THE INVERNESS BOWLING CLUB

(Instituted 1874)

Short History of the Inverness Bowling Club

(Northern Counties Bowling Association)

Inverness Bowling Club (IBC) was formed in July 1874 and situated firstly at Bellfield Park before moving to other sites until eventually purchasing land at Bishop's Road on a perpetual feu in May 1882. The Club joined the Scottish Bowling Association in September 1992.

The Clubhouse and green have been improved and extended over the years and the premises now comprise a lounge bar, main hall with viewing area, bar and catering facilities and revamped changing rooms capable of hosting open competitions and touring teams as well as Hamilton Trophy matches.

The Club is affiliated to the Northern Counties Bowling Association (NCBA) and Club members have not only been actively involved in the management and administration of the association and its predecessor, the Inverness and Northern Counties Bowling Association, but have successfully competed for many years in their Championships and open competitions. IBC is immensely proud to have member Jim Stewart as the 2009 President of the Scottish Inter County Top Ten Association. Jim is also a long standing, respected administrator and diligent Secretary of the NCBA. The Scottish Bowling Association Director and Councillor for the North of Scotland District 1, Roddy Mitchell, is an active member and Secretary of the Club.

Members of the Ladies Section became full members in 1984 and enjoy all the facilities and privileges of the Club. The Club is also very proud to have had The late Honorary President Sarah Malcolm as President of the Scottish Women Bowling Association.

Throughout its long history Club members, both men and women, have been prominent bowlers in the North of Scotland and have achieved many successes in local and national competitions. The Club is particularly proud to have had as a member former International (1978, ’80, ’82, ’83, ’86) and Commonwealth Games representative (1982), Sandy MacKintosh. In addition, the current Club membership includes former Internationalists Ian Penwright (1985,’86) and Kevin MacKintosh (1994) with Keith MacKay a Junior Internationalist (1993, 94). Husband and wife Mark and Elaine Davidson won the Scottish National Mixed Pairs Championship in 1998. The IBC Ladies Triples team of Betty MacKenna, Jennifer Forbes and Margaret Davidson won the Scottish Women Bowling Association National Triples Championship in 2008 and represented Scotland at the British Isles Championships in Jersey 2009.

Practically all of the present Top Ten side are members of or former players with the Northern Counties Hamilton Trophy team.

This is the sixth occasion the Club has competed in the Scottish Inter County Top Ten tournament. After twice failing at the first hurdle the Club won the Jimmy Page Memorial Trophy in 2002 at Colinton, Edinburgh and reached the final there again in 2004. It is hoped that our team can emulate that success this year.

I would like to thank our club secertary for the above short history .

Northern Counties Top Ten Championship Final – Inverness beat Ardross Alness by 6 points to 2; Ian Penwright beat Andrew Adamson 21 - 17 in Singles Keith MacKay and Barry MacKay beat Keith MacDonald and Jimmy Jack 19 - 15 in the pairs. In the Triples – Stuat Harrigan, Mike Ross and Kevin Bowie lost to Jimmy Garland, Colin Brett and Jim Wilson 13 - 12; In the Fours – Kyle Ross, Frank E. Davidson, Kevin MacKintosh and Mark Davidson beat Ernie White, Lex Coghill, Jimmy Reid and George Dunn 20 - 13. This qualifies our team for the National Competition next year which will be our third year in succession in the competition.

Where are we going Ah But will the Bus make it?
Inverness miss the preliminary round on 13th May but are first out of the hat for the first round and are away to the winners of Chirnside (Borders) and Elgin (Highland)