THE CENTRE SINGLES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 255, 28 October 1942, Page 5

THE CENTRE SINGLES

(By TRUNDLER)

AUCKLAND BOWLS DECEMBER 1

The Labour Day week-end lived up to Its reputation for boisterous weather, and the deluge on Saturday morning was so pronounced that an early decision to postpone the official opening of the West End Bowling Club was made, so a minimum of inconvenience was suffered by members and intending visitors. Even though there was brilliant sunshine In the afternoon there would have been no enjoyment in the play. Next Saturday, Buckland's Beach will also open officially. Sixteen clubs held tournaments on Monday, some of them being open to club members only. Despite a strong wind, the only real inconvenience was caused by showers, which necessitated short adjournments. A big programme Is set for the season, a new feature being the number of tournaments arranged for Saturdays, as well as numerous open tournaments on week days. It Is to be hoped that these will not delay the completion of the club championships and other competitions, for these have often run into the winter. The executive of the Auckland Centre has issued the prospectus of the annual open singles tournament (which starts on Tuesday. December 1). It is limited to members of clubs affiliated to that centre. The conditions for qualifying are the same as last year. Entries have steadily Increased In number, and 173 competed last December, so there will doubtless be a new record this year, when the entries close on November 18. None will wish to see a better final than there was last year, between players who had recently Joined Carlton. In the eighth round L. G. Donaldson. a former champion of Grey Lynn (who was Bremner's lead in winning the Dominion pairs for West End In 1940), defeated G. A. Deare. formerly of Mount Eden. The latter won the Dominion rink* for Dunedln Club at Auckland In 1931, and the singles for Carlton at Wellington In 1940. Fortunately for Deare. he was a two-lifer, and In the replay he effectively turned the tables on Donaldson, by 20 to 12. The previous year's final was also between members of one club (Balmoral), J. F. Benson beating W. C. Franks, by 31 to 13.