This year the Amy Stanton Open (teams can be mixed or same sex) Pairs competition will be played using the Australian pairs format. This is by far the most enjoyable format to play the game of lawn bowls.

The format of play

On the First End the LEAD bowler deliveries two (2) of their four (4) bowls. This is then followed by the SKIP bowling all four (4) of their bowls. Finally, the LEAD then bowls their remaining Two (2) Bowls completing the “end.”

On the Second End the order of play is reversed. The SKIP now plays the Lead position and bowls two (2) of their four (4) Bowls. The LEAD player has now moved to being the Skip and bowls their four (4) Bowls. Finally, the SKIP, who is still playing as the lead on this end, bowls their remaining two (2) bowls.

The format of reversing the playing positions is then continued throughout the game.

Members unfamiliar with this format of the game should note that Aussie pairs is a relatively slow game given the number of times players swap ends. In two hours, you will probably only play about 14 ends, especially if you start with two trial ends.