BOWLING QUIPS

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 258, 31 October 1929, Page 10

BOWLING QUIPS

STANLEY BAY RINKS.

INTERESTING MATCHES RECALLED.

VETERANS AT CLUB OPENINGS,

(By TRUNDLER.)

Among the thirteen clubs (lucky number) whose official summer openings were fixed for last week, ranging from the great Carlton down to the little club formed only last year at Point Chevalier, it is well worth making special mention of Stanley, one of the smallest in the Auckland Centre. Picturesquely situated in a warm and well-sheltered spot, on the other side of the narrow isthmus which gave Stanley Bay its name, a good deal of interesting history has been created during its short life. At one time it was famous for the number of teams whose surnames commenced with the same letter. This was first notable in the "H" team, composed of Howitt, Hay, Hall and Hollows, the lead and third being former Taranaki business men who had made their mark in that province twenty years ago. They toured a great deal to other greens, and had many wins to their credit. They often met "H" teams on the Auckland green, organised by the Rev. Lamb Harvey, who now lives in Dufftown, Scotland, and some strenuous and enjoyable games resulted. Then there was the "P" team, Pegler, Paterson, Parsons and Parker, who in their day were a fearsome lot. The first three passed away during the past year or two, but the skip is now sole selector for the oldest club in the Dominion. The "R" team, mostly composed of Scots, were a canny thorough-going set, who always gave a good account of themselves, and comprised Ross, Rogerson, Reid and Ritchie. The "M" team when amalgamated were a tough proposition, for they could put in the field Mitchell, McMaster (2), and MacGregor, two of whom have held the club championship more than once. The "B" team were perhaps the most spectacular players on the green, Bertram, Boyd, Bartlett and Brookes, the skip being one of the best known in Auckland, and one of the very few ambidextrous players seen in bowling competitions. A good many spectators have often wondered to what extent he retains his drawing accuracy by literally changing his hand when he drives. The "W" team was considered a Trojan rink with such stalwarts as Whitley, White, Wilson and Wyatt. Wilson afterwards developed into one of the most accurate drivers in the club, and is one of the tallest men connected with any club in Auckland. The "S" team were always reckoned the most "sporty" players in the club, for they would take more risks than all the other teams put together. They comprised Sheehan, Spring, Smith and Stevenson. The skip was one of the most effective bowlers in the province, and dearly loved the game. Unfortunately he died a few years ago, but his memory is held in affectionate regard by the hundreds of bowlers who so often used to meet him on the green. The "C" team was one man shy, for it could only gather in Callon, Cox and Cleland, but when skipped by Johnson it could usually hold its own. Cleland used to be wheeled on to the green during his last illness, for he was a fine sport,°and was very fond of watching the play. No -reference to the club would be complete witout mentioning the Rev. Niblock, J. A. Gentles, Bray, Purser, Jones, Becker, Frank Gribbin, Hipkins, Saunders and others, who played on the green for many years, and there will be a general wish that the club is to-day entering upon another season of progress and prosperity. Evergreen Bowlers on the Gre«n. There were several octogenarian bowlers on the Rawhiti green last Saturday at the official opening, including Messrs. A. Selby, president of the Howick Club, who is 83, F. Bennett, also S3, and ex-councillor George Knight, 81. The two former were skipping against each other, and played great shots at times. Mr. Knight was playing lead in another rink, competing with * player probably half his age. Although he had not been on a green for two seasons, after the first two shots he played a wonderful game, and he had a good deal o do with the fine score put up by his side, which won comfortably. At the close of the game, Mr. Knight was heartily congratulated by his skip for his fine achievement, and the youthful skill witn which he handled his bowls. A Veteran of 25 Years' Bowling. The opening of the Waitemata Club, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last Saturday, was attended by Mr. F. J. H. Ellisdon, of Devonport, who had attended the first opening gathering, a quarter of a century before. Mr. Ellisdon was welcomed by many old players, who congratulated him on his continued youthful appearance, which they attributed to liis devotion to the game of bowls. He was in great form, and played some splendid bowls during the afternoon, his driving coming in for much admiration. Mount Eden used to have a standing challenge open, that their rink of four octogenarians would be prepared to meet any similar four from any other club. If this challenge is still open, a match could possibly be arranged during the coming summer, for it would undoubtedly create a great deal of interest.