The Cobequid Lawn Bowls Club, located behind the Douglas Street Recreation
Centre, had 30 members on the green Victoria Day afternoon.
“We’ve had good turnouts for each of our lawn bowling days,” club president Marlene Sears said. “As we look ahead to Saturday, June 2, we’re hoping for a big day. All six lawn bowling clubs in the province are hosting a Try Bowls Day.
Everyone is welcome. There will be a demonstration and free instruction between 1 and 3 p.m. We would love to see some new faces on the green, we’re encouraging people to come out and give lawn bowling a try.”
In the case of rain, the day will be moved to Wednesday, June 6 at the same time.
As we watched five games in progress, enthusiastic lawn bowlers were having lots of fun.
“There are people out there with knee and hip problems,” Sears said. “I think it’s absolutely marvelous they’re doing well and they’re really enjoying themselves. Our members are helpful and supportive to new bowlers, the enjoyment level is quite noticeable.”
Sears explained that Coffee League times during June through September are Monday and Friday mornings at 9.15 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 6.15 p.m.
“The games are 12 ends and there is a break after six ends and everyone comes inside for a refreshment break. This is part of the relaxing atmosphere that goes with the game.”
Helen Brightman, a six-year lawn bowler and the club’s past president, spoke highly of the social aspect.
“Lawn bowling is a great social sport, many people who try the sport really enjoy it. The sport is also a great way to make new friends.”
Chris Donnachie has enjoyed lots of success in lawn bowling. He skipped the first two provincial titles for the Cobequid club and he has national championship experience. He is active at the competitive and the social levels
“This sport gives couples an opportunity to have outings together. It’s a friendly sport and members of the club are very welcoming. I’ve had so much enjoyment through lawn bowling. If people come out and try the sport, I think they’ll enjoy it.”
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Following the Truro Bearcats Nova Scotia Senior Baseball League home-opener – a 10-5 loss to the Kentville Wildcats – I spoke with Jason Smith. The pitcher-outfielder, in his eighth NSSBL season, is an outstanding team-player and a very enthusiastic athlete.
“I find the early team spirit is really great,” Smith, 29, of Salmon River, said. “There’s lots of optimism, everybody is on board – there’s a real positive vibe for sure. I know the season has just started but we’re all absolutely thinking playoffs. There are a lot of good individual goals, our guys want to be up around the top of the league, we all want to make this team a playoff contender.”
Besides veteran John Chapman, who was Truro’s starting pitcher in their season opener, Smith, Brandon Malally, Dan Bates, Jordan Johnson and Jamie MacLean will all see mound duty as the season heats up.
Smith’s early baseball saw him play in the Truro-Bible Hill minor program. He later played Nova Scotia Select ball, and in 2005, he had the experience of playing in the same national tournament as B.C.’s James Paxton. Pitching with Seattle, Paxton threw a major league no-hitter earlier this season against Toronto Blue Jays.
Smith, who has attended three nationals, was named starting pitcher for the Bearcats Thursday night against Dartmouth Moosehead Dry, a game scheduled for Dartmouth.
Smith is pleased to be playing on a team coached by his father, John Smith. His younger brother Tyler is a hustling Bearcats utility infielder and pitcher.
Lyle Carter’s sports column appears Saturdays in the Truro Daily News. If you have a story idea, contact him at 902 673-2857.
