Analysis 2026 Australia Classic Singles (Info)

It is rare that all my blogs and lawn bowls instructions can be grouped into one game's analysis but this happens (January 6,2026)

Players Photo

with the 2026 Australia Classics Singles between Barrie Lester and Corey Wedlock (# 2 World Bowls 2025 Rating). Beside great players, also we have commentators who know their bowls and  their Special Guest commentator Gary Kelly who is one of the world's best players. (#6 World bowls 2025 List)

The first part of a single's game after the trial ends and handshakes is the first bowls of end number one. A great example of how this first bowl is suggested to be played. We see on their first end that they both do a  "foot over weight delivery" with an attempt to do a "Jack Trail". 

 You probably have two questions at this comment. "Why ?" and "Why do I think that was their objective. Is it not better to put the bowl on the jack and pressure on the opponent. ". Yes, true. but a good "Jack Trail" will also have the bowl with the jack.

 First, a single's game is "You and Them" (all those you must play) and if it was just who is the best lawn bowler we can ask the members of the club. But even a beginning bowler who puts thought and planning into his game can win over the best bowler. To do this we must quickly evaluate our opponent and their strength as well as do our best performance. We will make mistakes but so will our opponent.

We learn the the green quickly and our opponent's playing weakness. Starting with the Trial Ends, your opponent has shown you their ability with a jack on centerline. Move the jack on the first end of play and see how your opponent handles that new condition of play. If your opponent cannot handle a moved jack, or "Open Jack"  weakness, an advantage which is best not used until the end game when you want to pick up points. 

Second, Corey is left handed and Barrie is right handed and as per the photo we see that each have chosen to play their backhand. From your "Club Coaching" sessions, we learned that "Backhand" is easier to precisely perform. When Barrie missed his jack and his "Behind the Jack" bowl had stop; we get our first lesson from the video. Why did he miss by so much his weight? The answer might be the wind, because he played "Up-wind" and with changing wind speeds it is possible your bowl is send to it Bias quickly. Maybe the player's intention and his is just learning the wind. 

 Corey probably would have likewise missed the jack except the wind kept his bowl out and on line for a Jack roll. Corey is using a narrow bias bowl which is ideal for windy conditions.

Aero Bias Chart

If neither player had touched the jack, they would both still have had a  good back bowls.  Sometimes a player will change his bowls for the condition of play as we see with Corey who is using a "Aero Dymanic" with a narrow bias probably has an advantage over Barrie who in using a wider "Aero Optima" which has a wider bias. 

This information was asked of the commentator by a viewer (in comments at end 5) because this is part of "Playing the Conditions" and some athletes do watch and learn from these videos. Later following the Mid-game interview where the players mention their different in their Bowl's bias; Gary, the guest commentator takes time to explaining the raison why a player would change their bowl for a windy condition of play. (End 11 with score 7-7)

The photo below shows the frist end play with before and after the jack trail. Photo #1 as Corey's Backhand bowl is about to trail the jack and photo #2 the final jack and bowls position afterwards. Also the photo is a good opportunity to show how to trail the jack by bowling to a "False Jack" but learning it also requires much practice. 

First Bowl of Singles

There are tricks for a toucher, or jack roll and the photo (right) show how these great lawn bowlers (Barrie Lester & Corey Wedlock) do such a shot. So often we see the first bowl of a Single's game played like Barrie's bowl was played here, and so we think "not a great shot". But if we take time to think what it was that the player was trying; we realize it was a hard shot and a good effort. The trick is to know the clock position for the over weight of the bowl being played for the jack Trail, False jack always between 1:30 and 2 or 11:30 and 10 depending on delivery weight. 

These clock number is for my Canadian greens of around 12 seconds meaning not much "Finish". For each reader going to the practice green, they have to find their clock hour for their club's green. Also as the days heat up and greens get faster your specific time for the weight of your delivery will change from month to month,  Practice will define for your % ratio and you will know your percentage of success for different jack distances. 

As your jack distance approaches one of your natural distances for a delivery; you may find a 30% success. (3 out of 10 tries). Success ratio should be defined as toucher or trail Jack. Actually I have seen a 5/10 ratio but practice and pressure of a game play is a lot more on "Focus" and "Stability". Remember, this is a skill and may be used only a few times per season of competitions. Bowls is still a Draw.

Because these players have and use a well developed  "Muscle Memory", they are not thinking of a heavy bowl for a jack roll, because this type if thinking becomes a conscious instruction to the muscles and interrupts the "Muscle Memory". We use a 'False Jack' to allow our Muscle Memory to performance without interruption because a 'false Jack' is like a 'block' simply a bowl placement without an instructive thought. As seen in the photo (above) which shows "False Jack" at 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock this trick allows your bowl's finish to move the jack, If you are bowling to a position, False Jack or Block, your  Muscle Memory just doing a delivery. 

By playing with a foot or two heavy we get a jack roll and if we play toward those "False Jack" the "Muscle Memory" adding weight asneeded for a toucher or jack roll. However, a different time (10:30) is needed for wind as a cross wind increases the roll to the jack after the bowl has passed the shoulder of the delivery.  (Play to a jack 10 inches heavy at those positions) I used the word "Trick" for this performmance because we have tricked our "Muscle Memory" into performing what they want, In any modified delivery if we don't want to interrupt 'Muscle Memory' by thinking  a muscle instruction to the conscious mind we must trick the subconscious mind like with false locations of where we want the bowl. This will even work with wind but you have to learn about wind on your bowl. A strong wind will stop your bowl from taking bias. Most changes in bowl direction are done in the shoulder and finish. The hardest adjustment for win is a 45degree as it has increase distance and swing. Practice and learn.

In viewing good Youtube game videos it is important to have good game announcers as with this Single game. The three game commenators are Peter Susovich, Sammy Atkinson and Gary Kelly, and they offer excellent detail evaluation of the players' abilities and performances. Gary Kelly who is from Ireland but living and playing Bowls in Australia has made the top 10 of the "2025 Male Player". In the over 5000 players listed, including the "2025 Female Player"  List, you will be surprise of whom from your country is listed. Hell, I played last summer a Club Single's game and my opponent is in the top 100. With Youtubes now catching most every countries competition you can now know and watch your best players on the internation scene.

In an earlier blog I said that there are three conditions which influences our Lawn Bowl performance. "Delivery" (Muscle Memory and Line) Mental Strength (Focus, Zen, and Knowledge) and Conditions of Play. This Single's game is a great teacher of "Condition of play" as we see by the photo (right) Corey Wedlock checking the wind with his bowl wipe towel prior to his delivery or maybe he is waiting for the wind to decrease in strength. Remember, a different level of wind, means a different line for that strength of wind. The video sound is bad because of the wind on the announcer's mike. 

 The photo (right) suggest a blog written in June 2019 about playing with wind. "Natural Distance Bowls and the Wind" suggest if you are going to study the effect of a windy day you should practice or study at your natural distance. Someone once said to me in a course that the bowls are so heavy that the wind will not affect them that much. This is not true but you should know how to check for the wind and play accordingly.

Blog on New Zealand Wind Play

A good blog and Video for seeing the effect of the wind on a Bowl is " "Bowls in NZ strong Wind" because the bowl just runs across the green. Written in May 2021 it looks at the Wellington Men's Pairs.

In the 9th end of play with Corey holding two, Barrie attempts to kill the end with his last bowl but missing he leaving Corey to draw for a third point to make the score 7-4. Gary Kelly as guest commentator and #6 in world Bowls Ranking is from Ireland but playing in Australia. His experience and knowledge (2nd part of Delivery) is from northern UK Lawn Bowls teaching and sharing what he was taught. Gary express how he expected Barrie to draw backhand and trail the jack to his bowls behind with his last bowl. His surprise as  to see Barrie goes heavy and speaks of his views of this decision.

Missed Takeout Shot

Sanny says. "One each to play" as Corey walks up the green behind his 3rd bowl which stops short and Sanny continues  "Bend's (nickname for Corey) hold two". Then like a professional announcer want the opinion of the guest  Sanny asks Gary Kelly  "What do you think he will play here?"

 Gary began to explain his opinion as Barry walks back to the mat for his last bowl of this end.  "I think he will play some sort of weight". "The hand will be similar" (backhand into wind). "Maybe a fraction more" (weight). "Yea, he will be trying to trail that jack. He's got two just waiting bout a yard pass". As they wait for the delivery Sanny is surprise of the heavy runner Barrie has just send down the green.

After Barry missed the take out or burning the end and a long silence after Sanny finished with "He's Miss, He's got nothing", Gary says "I don't blame him for that". Once again, these conditions. You know". He has obviously opp for what he believed was the easlier shot".

One of my blogs which talks about "Playing your Successful Percentage ", written in April 2021, looks at your shot choices. As Corey walks to the mat for his last bowl, Gary continues his comments. Gary  feels the important of explaining what just happen as he is aware of the viewers need for an explanation. Gary says:

"Just for our viewers at home. The textbook way, he probably would have played a yard (pass) to trailed the jack but in these conditions, once again, it all the "Percentage play". " It's what you play and trust". "So, what you can achieve". "Maybe not the maximum outcome, but (you try for) a positive outcome". "So Blost (nickname) opped for what he believed was the easier due to the wind".  "Taking the elements out of it, considering the wind"

Sanny also followed with "Couldn't agree more. With the bigger weight, you take the bigger weight, you take the variable of the wind and green out of it  a bit". "Compare to a yard-on shot", Gary - "The game is always about "Percentage Play". "In my mind, in my opinion" "You got to consider the conditions and what is a good shot and get a positive result there".

(Stats show viewer's interest in similar Blogs in past week.)

The Second part of the photo above, is the reaction of Barrie. His surprise to his missed "Takeout drive" and his disappointment is an important part of the game.  A good  performance at the mat requires "Focus", and his reaction is a release valve after such a shot. It is important because Barrie has to go back to the game with "A Total Focus".  Not thinking of regrets or disappointment.  Yes, he has a few minutes while the mat is placed and the jack is rolled, and centered, but to hold emotions is bad management, even if his visual reaction is not agreeable to the spectators.  Every athlete needs a method for the necessary outlet of emotions, without which he could pass 2 or 3 complete ends of bad play before recovery. 

Before one last subject... Measuring; I wish to say thank you to my readers. This blog is 8 pages (when printed) and quite a read of maybe an hour if you access also the other blogs mention.  However, looking at the stats of today, one week after posted; the  top 6 blogs are those 6 suggested or linked. Thank you.  To read is one thing, but to do the link to reference blog is another. 

Good discussion for a reader who will be playing their singles in a windy conditions and the need to take the time to consider the factors which give the best result.

Earlier they were playing minimum distance jacks which make takeout easier; but after several umpire measures in a single end of play they when to the longer jack. 

In a blog on "Measuring which bowl is Shot"  there are a lot of different methods and devices mention, even a Sonic Measure (before 1950s and Lasers).  This request for a measure in the 12th end shows a  "Measuring Extension" for the bowls' measure of over 3 feet distance from the jack and needed the use of calibers. Although the 4th point was refused, this end-to-end head and the heavy wind gave Corey  3 points and permitted a  catch up on points to a 6-7 score from 3-7.

Web Links suggested: 

 Game Video 2026 Australia Classic Feb 2026           www.youtube.com/watch?v=egXAOFniM5c

Blogs references :

Natural Distance and Wind Practices - June 2019             www.ishi-in-sn.blogspot.com/2019/06/natural-distance-usage.html

Bowls in New Zealand Strong Winds  May 2021                    www.ishi-in-sn.blogspot.com/2021/05/bowls-in-nz-strong-wind.html

2025 WBowls Men's Rating  www.worldbowlsseries.com/male-rankings.hrml

2025 WBowls Female's Rating www.worldbowlsseries.com/female-rankings.html

Present Blog activity - March 2026 - New Season of Bowls beginning in Canada in a few months so now doing a clean up of older blogs for new members coaching.

March 5, 2026 - Green's committee  Part 1.   Protecting your Greens as a member. Written October 2016. Updated

Phase 1 and Re-Opening

As our Canadian Lawn bowls Organization has published a document for the Phase 1 of the Canadian Re-opening of Lawn Bowls

I am working on preparing a structure for our members and visitors to the club with the objective of being able to do Drills and Training Sessions.

As Countries open sports by Phases and  where the first phase is restricted to no spectators and the minimum number of players; I have attempted to use the Guideline established by our national Organization Bowls Canada as foreseen by them will be requested by the Canadian National Government Guidelines.

Bowls England CoVid 19's Advice
added on 19 May 2020

First, most Countries seem to be restricting Phase 1 to what their National Sport body can define as the minimum number of players and minimum foe individual'sHealth Safety like the guidelines released by   Bowls England   with a poster (left)

Because, I was working on this proposal for our club and the letter of a introductory proposal, has been send to the Games Committee Chairperson; I share it here with you my Blog followers.  

Hope it helps to create in you a creative approach to how we must do this re-opening of our club. One problem unique to Canada is most clubs have annual Membership  and the Lawn Bowls Greens and Clubhouse is under the responsibility of the muncipalities.

How does Canada's National Lawn Bowls (BCB) organization suggest the local club should evaluate and advance in studing their "Phase 1 Readiness"

1.  "MUST first contact their Provincial Bowls Associations before implementing Phase 1 of the Return to Play protocols."
2.  "MUST  also confirm with their insurance providers that they are covered for this phase of Return to Play protocols."
3.  "MUST identify the stage of physical distancing relaxation approved by local public health authorities dentify the stage of physical distancing. relaxation approved by local public health authorities "
4.  and because most Local clubs are volunteer administrated MUST prepare rules of club usage which allows for easily and frequent Cleaning and Disinfection of material and club facilities.
   

The 6 parts of  BCB recomendation for phase 1 are detailed in their press release of May 15th 2020. 

Until Lawn bowls return to the Pre-CoVid-19 level of access and play; most clubs which probably not be collecting Annual Membership. This proposal  looks at club revenue by charging a Greens Fee each  training or practice session of Bowls.

 This proposal is more build for those experience bowlers of several years, who have been members for years and want to return to the green for practice and may even be seeking a "Skill Development Session", Often, when building such Skill Development exercise I find good suggestion from videos like those found on Youtube.com from countries like Australia or the United Kingdon.

 Of course by removing the need for changing of  rinks by the participants, this proposal  can be  applied to the practice period of a member wanting to use a rinks for a period of time. And even can define the club's membership greens time projection for the months as the CoVid-19 re-opening progress through 2020.

Bowls CAN Boulingrin

liked your Tweet May 19, 2020

Letter of Proposal Sent to Club Bowls Activity Chair

May 16^th 2020

John Tupper Club Coach

Dear Fellow Lawn Bowlers.

In Preparation for some sort of Lawn Bowls Activity for this summer (2020) I am proposing to the Club executives the following Training and Practice Structure. In accordance with BCB Phase 1 recomendation, this suggestion is that  the players will do their Training exercise on 4 greens of two individuals.

I suggest if you, as past member or a visitor to our club, are interested in this, that you first access and become aware of Bowls Canada Phase 1 suggestions by reading https://www.bowlscanada.com/en/news/Coronavirus.html

All participants of the Training or Skill Developing Session should indicate their interest by making a commitment to the Training Session Schedule. There are places for 8 bowlers for each Training Session and will cost each bowler a green fee of $15 for a rental of the greens of 3 to 4 hours; (morning or afternoon) as made available by the Club Executives. This $15 should be e-transfer to myself at info@Gmail.com at least 5 days prior than the Greens schedule for the next Training Session. The Green fees of $10 and the Disinfection Fees $5 *, will be e-transfer by myself, to the club executive 2 days prior to the date of  the Schedule Session. If the Green time is cancelled due to Club or Weather, your payment will reserve for you the next available Training Session.

All participants are requested to bring the following items and carry them home upon completion of the session.- A plastic Bucket (with or without lid) for washing Bowls, Dish Washing Soap, Hand Soap, Their Bowls, A cloth towel of the Mat size. A personal Bowling Towel, A large Towel as  a tablecloth.

All participants should have their own Protective Face Mask and Gloves (if they wish) and agree to the rules of Safe Distancing, Material Preparation and Club Bowls Cleaning (before and after); before listing their name for the Session.

Each Rink will have only two bowlers; with one bowler being a marker (at the opposite end) while the other bowler is  bowling up the Green. afterward a Changing of roles. Every 2^nd Green will be empty and used for Safe Distancing and movement to the opposite end of the assigned Rink by one of the two bowlers. When all participants are ready to begin the practice the START whistle (One hard, Long Whistle) will be blown. All bowlers MUST stay on their green and at their ends, When the bowlers/ Markers have each finished their 4 bowls, (in both directions) a Session administrator will blow a “Change End” Whistle (One hard, Short Whistle) which indicate to all that they can change end of the Green which they have been playing on. The "Last bowler" will walk up the center of his green and the "Last" Marker will move to the left neighboring green and walk down that green. This change will now put the Bowler with his own bowls. NOTE: No bowler will touch any bowls except his own bowls, and if bowls need to be moved it will be done with the feet only. (Unless you have decided to wear gloves as a Marker)

If at the end of 4 or 6 End the bowlers are required to change rinks for the next Trial or Training Session; all participants will wait until all rinks have finished play and indicate 'READY' to the Session Administrator, (when asked), by raising their hand. At this time the Administrator will blow the “Change Rink Whistle “ ( two Short whistle) to indicate to all it is time to now collect your bowls and move to the next available (higher number) Rink. If Setup bowls must also be moved for the next Trial or Training Exercise the Administrator will again blow the whistle twice to indicate to return to the past Rink and get your Setup bowls. The marker will ALWAYS use the same Setup bowls (which he will cleaned before and after the Session) . A third “Change Rink Whistle “ will be used to return to the next Play Rink and prepare the green with the setup bowls. Bowlers, to bowl first, will wait until finish bowling; to attange the next Trial bowl setups; and his marker, will now bowl his turn up the green.

When moving from Green to Green the players and Marker will move ONLY to the next Higher (or Lower green for the players and Marker NOW on an End green; (#7)) These two participant,  will move 6 to 8 feet to their rink's centre and move to the opposite SIDE. (crossing the centre of all the other greens). All other players will move, with their bowls and setup bowls; along the Rink's Ends. This way all participants are "Respecting Social Distancing Rules".

When all participants are ready to start the next session of Training or Skill Development the START whistle (One hard, Long Whistle) will be blown again to allow Players to continue in ther performance skill Training Session, following the same structure of the first ends.  Bowler to Marker and than Marker become Bowler.  These two methods of play and rink changements continue until the end of the Session.

Please read and respect the Club House Usage Rules and Restrictions prepared by Club Executives concerning entry to the Club, the use of Toilets and the restrictions on items taken into the Club House.

All participants are required to arrive only 20 minutes before their session starts and to not gather in the parking or in groups but go to the Player`s Table which has been prepared for the Green of their Play. There will be one table per two players (similar to Greens) and all participants are requested to sit at opposite end; and place a cloth table cloth on the table for their bowls, bowls bags and other items. All Participant will await the Session Administrator Announcement of Rules and Trial Play. (this Letter)

Upon Completion of the Training or Development Session all cleaning will be done on the player's end of the table and using their own towels and brushes. (Which you were requested to bring) The bowlers bowls will be brought and placed on the ground at the foot of the table's end. Also the Setup Bowls (if  they were used). All participants will collect water from the Outside Tap in the order, of Green and Table numbers (1,3,5,7) and returning to their table, to clean and disinfect Bowls using their own soap. The bowls finished. the jacks are done. and then the participants will do a good 30 second hand washing. When finished the participant will wait before going and dumping the water (in order of table number  ).

When all participant are finished their Cleaning,the Session Administrator give his "Thank You" announcement and blow his whistle  for dumping the wash water and Bowls are now placed in the clean / dry bucket; with all cleaning material and the participant's Garbage he has created or collected (Score Cards). Garbage is not be dumped at the club but taken to the participant's car as you leave.  Remember that leaving the club is not a gathering in the parking or on the club greens but departure  in an orderly fashion (1,3,5,7) as per Green numbers ;  while respecting  Social Distancing with other bowlers.  Thank You, I am sure all will go well.

A member of the Administation will probably be present to observe the Training or Skill Session and should be greeted with all the caution of Social Distancing. IMPORTANT:  If you feel sick before , or During the Session please notified me as I can find a replacement and reallocate your green fees. PLSE STAY HOME

* The Disinfection Fee will be used by the Club Disinfection team to purchase supply such as hand disinfection, and other items as well as purchase necessary cleaning and Club House and Area disinfection material.

End of Letter

To encourage my regular Blog readers, Here in May 2020 I am starting

a new thing. Shorter Blogs so the next blog on "How do you see the Jack Distance" will be in 5 parts. Introduction explaining the two basic methods of Bowling to the Jack, Explain each method (2nd, 4th ) and Examples of distractions which prevent you from a perfect performance (3rd and 5th)

As an example one method is to look up the green and judge the distance..(2nd Blog) but how does the open field behind the back ditch effect this situration ? Do you bowl short when bowling to the clubhouse end of the green ? (3rd Blog)