Throughout the
centuries, bowls, one of the oldest of all sports, has captivated a lot of
famous people: William Shakespeare probably played; Henry VIII certainly did;
Doctor WG Grace founded the English Bowling Association; Walt Disney was a
bowls nut; and everyone knows the story of Sir Francis Drake.
This video
reveals some little-known facts about the origin of the sport, and contains
some remarkable footage of the best players in action. Sit back and watch the
greats of the game from David Bryant to David Gourlay, Tony Allcock to Richard
Corsie, and Peter Belliss to Willie Wood. All are featured and many interviewed
about their greatest moments in the game.
The magic of the
world championships - indoors and out - is caught on camera, and some of the
best action from the Commonwealth Games over the years.
For example -
few people have seen the astonishing climax to the 1988 world outdoor singles
final, in which David Bryant played a shot in a million to deprive Willie Wood
of the title at the Henderson club in Auckland. Television has
been covering bowls in a big way for more than twenty years, and we have chosen
the best clips to illustrate what a fascinating and challenging sport bowls is
- with force and finesse being used in equal measure.
Forget the
sedate image - this sport is full of tension, drama and excitement, as well as unbelievable
skill. And moments of humour, too, like the famous occasion during the world
indoor singles championship at Potters Leisure Resort when a streaker invaded
the rink.
Someone said,
“Bowls is like snooker - only with bigger balls!” This video sets out to prove
it, and should provide a fascinating insight into a great sport to those who
know little about it - and to those who are already hooked.