BOWLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 69, 23 March 1927, Page 11

BOWLING.

TOURISTS RETURNED

TOURNAMENTS IN VIEW.

By "TRUNTSLER."

The Auckland party of bowlers who have been touring Taranaki returned by the express on Monday afternoon from Hamilton, where they had stayed since Saturday evening. They *met with a cordial reception from the bowlers of Hamilton, and were going to play them on Monday morning, but the bad weather ruled this out. It was fine on Sunday, and an enjoyable trip to Arapuni was arranged. The only real misfortune on the whole tour was striking such a wretched dav as Saturday for the motor journey from New Plymouth to Hamilton, the whole pleasure of the day being spoiled by the incessant rain. The Pennant Final There lias always been a fear that it would be difficult, to arrange a neutral green on which to play the final in the pennant competition, when such a large number as ten rinks will be plaving for each side. It is therefore no surprise to find that the executive have had to revert to the old system of home and home on this occasion. Of course this will minimise the outside interest, for there will not be the usual spectators from other clubs on either green when they can only see half of what is going on. It will be interesting to sec the other feature which 6o often presents itself under these conditions—whether each club does better on its own green—for there is apparently some intangible advantage conferred thereby. For instance, this is nearly always seen in the ordinary rounds, far more games being won at home than away. Thus in the last round 60J were won at home and 53i away, while in the previous round the proportion was 65 and 49.

Of course there may be nothing in it, but it is usually recognised as giving some advantage, and the executive have been commended for their care in making the draw for the champion of champions tournament during recent years in such a way that no champion plavs on his own green. There will be a corresponding amount of regret that at the pairs tournament next week no less than three pairs will be playing on their own green. Auckland Greens Criticised. ; Some of the competitors in the recent Dominion tournament have been adversely commenting on the conditions of a few of the greens selected. So far as local competitors are concerned, the average quality was so much better than during the previous season that they received quite a pleasant surprise, and any that were not exactly up to the mark were accepted with the best possible grace. Those who have been deprecating the size of the tournament, and suggesting that the difficulty in selecting good greens will set a limit on the; entries which can be accepted, are probably not aware of the startling developments which will alter the whole position by the time the next tournament is here. Taking one side, the Avondale Club has been completely altered, and new clubs have been formed at Glen Eden and Henderson, while during the next few weeks one is to be founded at New Lynn. All these are accessible by a good concrete road, bringing them within half an hour of the city, and therefore making them eligible for tournaments, in addition to which Helensville will certainly be in the running by that time. The green at the springs is not usually anything to write home about, but generally the town green would have to be voted second to none in the province. If means of access continues to improve as it has during the past couple of years, Helensville will certainly be in the running, and those who play there will count themselves very lucky, for they will not only find a |>erfeet green, but will also be able to enjoy the baths during the evening and next morning, returning in ample time for the next day's play.

On the other side, Papatoetoe was tried out in January, and the distance was found no difficulty, and both Otahuhu and Mangere will be available. Those who have lately been to Papakura speak very highly of that green, and although at present it is almost inaccessible by road, it will be very popular after next year, when the new road is made. These considerations show -that meant of accommodation will never set a limit on the entries for the big tournament, so far as progressive Auckland is concerned.

The new grounds at Grey Lynn are rapidly being brought into good condition, and they will be available next September, when the club have to vacate thdir present premises. One green is quite finished, and will be sown almost at once, while the other is levelled and partly consolidated, and can be sown in the late autumn, after taking out a couple of crops of weeds. The improvements effected are largely due to the voluntary labour of the energetic members who, to the number of a dozen or so, have given up their mornings and evenings to preparing the grounds. The reward that sweetens labour will come their way next summer, when they will have better accommodation than ever.

TEAMS FOR SATURDAY. I

ROCKr NOOK CUB. PENNANT FINAL. At Rocky Nook. —Baxter, Conslantine, Williams. Chapman: Cliffe, Lamb, Purdon. Finch ; Chambers, Llversedge, W. Jenkin, Kcatley : Compston. Gribble, P. Smith, Roylance: Farley, Alder. Milner, Bouskill. At Epsom.—Sidler. Turner. White, Clarke; Laing. Buckle, Stone, H. Jenkin; Mulling, Wright, B. Kayos. Jury: Jones. S. Adeaiif, Bain, Pearce; Hunt, Asbury, Randell, Wakerley. GREY LYNN CLUB. Inter-club v. Takapuna at Takapnna.— Collin. Wilde, Goldsmith, Gallager; Hawke, Cronin. Gibbons, McLean; Lowe. Laing. Davidson, Fletcher: Bennett, Snell Mathews. C. Little: McElroy. Lerdon, G." Little. Whittle; Street, Smith, H. Reed. J. Reed. At Grey Lynn.—Burrell. Bull, Connell. Mincham: Binns. Melson. Caddy. Balldon ; Thomas. Christ ey. D. Young. Clements Walker, Jno. Preston. F. Preston. Lannignn ■ Joe Preston, D. Moran, Blamires. T. Pick.