The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DELIVERS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
E
L
I
V
E
R
S
More clues leading to the result DELIVERS
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "bowls" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bowls = delivers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DELIVERS mean?
DELIVERS verb- To set free from restraint or danger.
- (process) To do with birth.
- To free from or disburden of anything.
- To bring or transport something to its destination.
- To hand over or surrender (someone or something) to another.
- To produce what was expected or required.
- To express in words or vocalizations, declare, utter, or vocalize.
- To give forth in action or exercise; to discharge.
- To discover; to show.
- To admit; to allow to pass.
- To administer a drug.