Short Mat Bowls started in 1994 after the outside bowls greens at Esso Sport and Social Club closed for the winter. They played on one mat in one of the social rooms in the club. The game became more popular over the years and more bowls mats were acquired, this meant they moved to play in the Cinema at Esso allowing the club to put out six mats at a time. Mainly roll ups and in-house competitions. But playing other clubs in the area at that time. During the nineties they could invite a club from the Isle of Wight and make a good old Sunday of it. Trips were arranged to play away games at Worthing S.M.B.C. and on the Isle of Wight. Sadly, in November 2016. Waterside Sports and Social Club and its building was closed down leaving the Short Mat Bowls Club nowhere to go.......

The club was contacted by Fawley Parish Councils Sports Hall Manager at Gang Warily to see if they could help with any accommodation. After looking at what Gang Warily could offer it was decided to use the hall at the QEII Pavilion, QEII Playing Fields, Blackfield. There is just enough room to put out three mats in the hall and storage for the equipment.

It was said "It is warmer in here and floor is flat, far better than the old Cinema and a place to make a cup of tea".

From here the club was reborn and has grown to what it is today and having just two chairmen in the last 20 odd years up to 2019, both becoming Life Members of the club. Thanks to Dave Gregory and Dave Renyard who kept the club going along with their committees.