Around The Greens

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33051, 19 October 1972, Page 11

Around The Greens

The Nev.- Zealand Bowling Association has done a great service to the sport with the preparation and recent issue of its manual, “Guide to Coaches.”

Too often in the past newcomers to the sport have been left to their own devices, and although in many cases club coaches have done their best, they have had to rely largely on their own experience. A blueprint for coaches to work from, and players to study, is long overdue; now, happily, one exists. The study covers delivery technique, the different types of shots, tactics and conduct on the green. None is dealt with in great depth, but there is certainly sufficient information to set a new bowler off on the correct path. The manual, which is sponsored by Rothmans, is looked upon by the association as the first step in improving bowls coaching in New Zealand. The intention is for the scheme to be developed to include appointments of national and centre coaches, who as in other sports — will coach the coaches.

As well as providing instruction for the beginner, the manual offers much useful information for the more experienced bowler who might wish to review his methods and even some leading players might find the hints given as well worth the cost price of 20c. The manual can be obtained on application to the Christchurch centre secretary, P.O. Box 689. ♦ * *

Elmwood, the second largest bowling club in the South Island, has made a number of innovations this season, the most important being a handsome new addition to its pavilion. On the pavilion’s western end, above the locker room,

the club has built a lounge ■ measuring 60ft by 30ft and] it offers a fine view of the! No. 1 green and, to a lesser: extent, the No. 2 green. j In deciding to have a social room, Elmwood is following a trend in bowling clubs these days and it is one which should ensure the future prosperity of the club. The venture has been financed entirely by the club's members and latest reports indicate that the target is well on the way to being reached. An anonymous donation of $lOOO from a member has enabled the club to replace the paling fence on its northern boundary with a new block fence, and through the generosity of the donor it has been possible to incorporate shelters. Elmwood has also moved with the times in introducing cotula to its No. 1 green this year, and although it is in some ways sad to see the demise of grass greens the advantages of cotula cannot be ignored. Elmwood’s No. 2 green has been in weed for a few seasons and uniformity in the surfaces is also, no doubt, desirable. Elmwood’s other step forward this season has been to enter teams in the threefours competition and the club’s playing strength is such that it should figure prominently in the competition. There will be a domestic triples event on Saturday mornings for those players not selected for the threefours.

Last week-end the qualifying rounds in the Elmwood fours were played and 11 of the 28 teams qualified. The four skips to score the maximum of four wins were A. Andrews, C. Green, E. M. McCahon and G. P. Thomas. ♦ ♦ ♦

Fendalton, which tops Elmwood as the largest club in the South Island, has also made a noticeable gain this

season, A donation by Mr D. A. Manson has enabled the club to acquire attractive new entrance gates and they were “unveiled” at the opening day on September 23. The qualifying rounds of the president’s fours have been completed and the eight skips to qualify were G. E. Bennett, E. M. Taylor and T. F. Smee (all four wins) and G. A. G. Connal, J. K, Burtt, R. Ballinger, R. A. Croft and A. M. Hintz (three wins). ♦ * »

The Papanui club staged its president’s fours tournament last week-end, 24 teams contesting the qualifying rounds. In recent seasons the event has been marked by some exciting finals and this year proved no exception. The winning team comprised J. Lewis, G. Knight, S. Glennie and H. Maher (s) and the runners-up were D. Craig, who led extremely well throughout, C. Reid, F. Scapens and E. Dumpleton (s). The teams were all square playing the final end and Maher was one down on the head when he came to play his last bowl. He drove, hit a front bowl and his own bowl trickled into the head to become the shot. Dumpleton tried to draw Maher’s bowl off with his last delivery, but failed. « * *

From the reports received of opening days it would seem that all clubs are in good heart for the new season. Many report increases in membership — a good few by numbers from 10 to 20—and it would seem that the trend towards younger men playing the game is growing every year. * « «

The importance of this season for players hopeful of winning selection in the New Zealand bowls team for the 1974 Commonwealth Games is shown by the fact that nominations for the team close on November 11.

Last year the Christchurch centre made only two nominations for New Zealand’s world bowls team, B. W. Sinclair, who won selection, and W. R. Wilkinson. These two names will almost certainly be put forward again and although there might not be any others with such strong credentials it could be a good idea to nominate one or two of the province’s promising younger players, if only for the reason that it puts their names before the national selectors.

If these players should then perform well later in the season a prior endorsement from the centre could enhance their chances of closer consideration. Players who might be in this cate-

gory are S. E. Lawson, G. L. Barnes, B. J. Smith and P. F. Meier.

Notes on club activities, particularly in regard to championship events, are welcome for inclusion in this column. In the early stages upsets hold most interest and later attention can be given to players still holding lives and, perhaps, a brief account of a key game. The results of open tournaments also hold a fair amount of interest. Reports should be addressed to: “Around the Greens,” c/o Sports Department, “The Press,” P.O. Box 1005, Christchurch.