‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

(a weekly edition, commenced 12/9/2001, of thoughts, observations and commentaries on developments for bowls coaching and competition)

‘ Thumbs up at Richmond bowls (Tigers)’  

(edition 132  - 2005 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

I am so pleased with my experience as a first year member of the local (Tigers) bowls club.

What prompts me to write this (especially as a column was earlier bashed out in readiness) after 17 enjoyable years at my other neighbouring club, it seems funny that one fruitful year has vindicated the choice to leave what is, as for most sports clubs, nigh on our second home away from home.  The sheer volume of good vibes and examples that make the club a special little place.

In no order here are examples that I can describe and may even hope your club environment is as vibrant and welcoming for you as members:

Ø      Deno: for introducing the ‘thumbs up’ gesture as his sign as skip to his players every time they bowled an acceptable delivery; he is focused, they are getting instant, positive feedback

Ø      Family feeling: young teenagers Jordan and Laurence ‘carting their parents’ around to bowls as the boys need transport; and the Clancy’s all coming down to our ‘brownlow’ medal night 

Ø      Club results: two sides promoted, two retaining their present playing position and the happy atmosphere that success generates

Ø      ‘Elbows’: the squad invited to be housed at Richmond and our 16 guys and gals travel to Richmond weekly to train with relish to this welcoming home base

Ø      quality skips: when the top side members say how much they enjoy their game, you know you have quality people managers as their skips

Ø      openness; this club welcomes their women into mens pennant; Jessie comes a 300km round trip each Saturday to join in pennant and the men relish her company, and her skill

Ø      ‘Glenis’: generosity abounds here but Glen (he hates me calling him Glenis) reflected it once again on Saturday when he spontaneously rushed off to help a fellow club member in need who had a car accident around the corner from the club, and happening all just prior to the game commencing

Ø      youthful exuberance: the keenness of the younger eager beavers at the club is infectious and has no idea of the rigid conformity we know exists in bowls

Ø      game analysis: again set in train by the younger brigade so every week they submit information and every week they read the stats interpretations all with a view to bettering their performances

Ø      game plan: we romped in our top side division not surprisingly because there were game plans in place to achieve and win

Ø      training: the typical pairs practice at every bowls club is slowly and surely having a viable alternative in the form of a diligent and directed skill training session during the week

Ø      the people: Ken as prez leads from the front with undue pomp and ceremony to ensure the club maintains a welcoming atmosphere

Ø      bare foot bowlers: now is that a hoot – it is festival day every day down here; and you should see these bods champing at the bit Saturday evenings wanting we pennant players to ‘get off their turf’ so they can hurl and burl till dusk

Ø      Masters singles: the most prestigious singles event held in Victoria run by Alf for over 30 years, need I say more 

Ø      The workers: unsung heroes, always there volunteering, but noticed

Ø      Lola: all families like dogs and the Richmond family is no different, we have Lola patrolling the greens ensuring she is amply patted and caressed by any members while her ‘dad’ Richard continues to ignore her needs and bowls away

Ø      Institute of Sport: this month the Institute bowls squad was officially housed at Richmond to provide the specialist service to the top 10 men and women bowlers in Victoria

Ø      International: Malaysia has agreed to be housed at Richmond while they prepare for the various national and international events being held in Melbourne

Ø      Seminars: our members had a monthly seminar as a service to encourage their individual bowls development

Ø      Video analysis system: many of the members have been videod and the Swinger system used on the big TV screen for replays assists their understanding of the technical aspects of bowling.

Ø      weekly results analysis: the keenness of so many of the players to provide information on their pennant game for me to interpret and publish as an analysis of an objective performance, example

Not a bad list to make you feel good about your club. In conclusion let me say

Be proud, be loud, GO TIGERS

Lachlan Tighe

ATTITUDE: ALL ABOUT PRACTISING HABITS