AWAY from the frenetic atmosphere, the hectic pace and the heated exchanges generated by such high-profile sports as football and rugby, an altogether gentler game retains its popularity among the towns and villages of North Yorkshire.

Bowls may not attract huge crowds or inspire passionate support, but it is a game of skill which provides much entertainment for those taking part or watching.

Though not an easy art to master, it is also accessible to anyone with the time and inclination to give it a go.

I was given my first opportunity to try my hand at the sport when I paid a visit to Sowerby Flatts Bowling Club, near Thirsk.

I was greeted by club chairman Richard Etherington, who gave me a quick introduction to the basics before I joined in a practice game with some of the members.

The first task was to remember which way to hold the wood so that it curved inwards towards the distant jack rather than veering off and disturbing a neighbouring game.

I had to make sure the bias, or heavier side, was on the inside whether I was going to bowl on the forehand or backhand.

At first, I was hard-pushed to get my woods anywhere within the general vicinity of the jack.

It seemed that when I got the direction about right, I was either too long or too short for distance. When I got the weight right, I finished well wide of the target.

But, gradually, everything started to come together and, to my great surprise, one of my woods actually finished closest to the jack on the last end.

I got the impression that bowls is a game which I might be able to play, at least without embarrassing myself too much, if I had the time and patience to practice.

The sport does struggle to escape the perception that it is a genteel game played only by the older generation, usually retired people, but that doesn't mean it isn't competitive. Down at Sowerby Flatts, where there are currently around 40 members, there's an opportunity to play every day of the week.

On Mondays its the Galtres Triples League, the Hovingham League is on Tuesdays and Thursday, while the JSW League matches take place on Wednesdays and some Friday evenings. Friday afternoons are reserved for the Bateson Retirement League.

Competitions organised by the individual clubs ensure weekends are not wasted.

Mr Etherington, a retired maths teacher who has been chairman at Sowerby Flatts since May, first took up bowls when he saw a Thirsk Athletic Club poster advertising the green as being open and decided to try his hand.

A new set of woods usually costs between £50 and £60, although second hand sets can sometimes be picked up. The only other equipment needed is a pair of flat-soled shoes (patterns mark the playing surface) and grey and white clothing, the traditional colours for matchplay.

As with most sports, the best results are usually achieved by employing an orthodox technique. Mr Etherington explained that most players try to release the wood at ankle height and get it rolling smoothly across the ground as quickly as possible.

But the unorthodox can sometimes be just as effective. Mr Etherington can recall watching, with just a hint of annoyance, as an elderly lady coaxed her wood to within inches of the jack by casually flicking it towards the target from around knee height. This was after he had taken great care in lining up his shot and trying to get the technique right.

Tactical acumen is also important, with players often trying to position woods behind the jack in case it gets moved in the course of a game.

For most players, bowls becomes an addictive pursuit. Roy Smith has only been playing the game for a couple of years. He said: "I took it up for something to do when I retired. Once you get into it, you can't leave it alone."

If you're looking for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in the fresh air, but also indulge your competitive instincts in a skilful sport, bowls is certainly a good option.