Top players tumble in national bowls

Press, 30 December 1976, Page 4

Top players tumble in national bowls

PA Auckland Christchurch bowlers featured in upset results in the national singles bowling championship at Auckland yesterday. Travis Coup (Kaiapoi) defeated Phil' Skoglund (Northern), whose bid to win his sixth singles title came to an end when he lost to Charlie Nolu (Gratia) 21-12 in the sixth round, and lost his second life.

The highly-fancied Kevin Darting (Linwood) also lost his chance of taking the title, when he lost both his lives in the sixth and seventh rounds. Vic McLean (Mission Bay), another highly fancied player, was also put out of the contest when beaten by AU’ Wlckington (Balmoral) in the fifth round. The unexpected loss of Gordon Jolly (Leith) to George Alley (Mount Maunganut) caused a late reshuffle to the draw for today’s play. it. bad been predicted that the big game todav would have been between Nick Unknoich (Okahu Bay) and Jack Somerville (Paritutu). Unkovich and Somerville are favoured candidates to take the singles title. However, as Jolly's loss meant a reshaping of the draw, Somerville will now meet Bill McMillan (Hikurangi) when play resumes. It is a match that will have no less bearing on the outcome of the title. There will, however- be some j tough games ahead before either I man can be assured of playing i in the final on Sunday. Still sitting on two lives, and looking the potential champion, is Bob McDonald (Onehunga'. McDonald did not always win by big margins in his matches

yesterday, but played exquisite shots.

The other two-lifers at the end of the day’s play were McMillan, BUI Lock (Rewa), John Marrin (Ellerslie), Ivan Kostanich ; (Helensvllle) and Les Sander (Takapuna). , Not to be forgotten in the quest for the title are Percy Jones (Otahuhu Railway). Jolly, Vic Sellars (Northern), Stan Lawson (Christchurch), Dave Baldwin (Paritutu), Kevin Wing (Palmerston North), and Alley (Mount Wellington), all of whom stand out among the one-lifers. Play on all greens yesterday was a true test of bowling. fine sunny weather, a heavy atmosphere, and a green drying out after Tuesday’s rain proved a good test for the morning rounds. A strong wind in the afternoon added to the test. Players for today’s matches:— I Two-lifers: R. L. McDonald I (Onehunga). I. Kostanich (Helens[villei. W. McMillan (Hikurangi). |J. Morrin (Ellerslie), W. J. Lock ifßewai, L. C. Sander (Takapuna). I One-lifers: G. Banicevich (Henderson). 1.. Hardgrave (Henderison), K. A. Wing (Palmerston), [ M. J. Rogers (Papakura), E. JenIsen (Bayswater) H. C. Parker (Mangere R.S.A.), C. J. Hamilton (Hamilton), D. M. Moffat (Linwood), G. L. Wait (Homai), S. B. Baker (Arawa), B. T. Mcßeth (Papatoetoe R.S.A.). I. R. Burchy

(Maungataroto), C A. Nlsbett (Maungatapere), j. Somerville (Rewa), N. Unkovich <Okahu Bayi, G. Thomas (Northcotei, V. J. Sellars (Northern), D J. Russell (Cornwall Park) V. W. V. Comer (Mercury Bay., S. Piacun (Matua), J. N, Stewart (Morrinsville), L. J. Couch (Orinl). N. R. D. Lash (Hutt), T. M. McArthur (Paritutu). H. Mears (Tokoroa East), A. E. G. Cathcart (Maraetai), W. J. Broughton (Palmerston North), P. E. Budd (Bluff Hill), D. C. Emerali (Carlton), S. Lawson (Christchurch),

D. Baldwin (Paritutui P. Russo (Otorohanga), S. M. Giddy (Arawa), D. Lofiey (Petone), P. Bryant (Marewa), V. Blance (West End. New Plymouth), A Dunning (Ellerslie), G. Jolly (Leith), G. Alley (Mount Wellington). C. W. Smith (Onebunga). H Robinson (Hillsboro). B. Camp) (Hillsboro), A. F. Robson (Waitara) H. H. Robson (Tokoroa), K. Gash (Oratia), n Henderson (Sandringham). P. 1 B. Jones (Otahuhu Railway). N Kroon (North East Valley).