‘Grand old man’ is shock bowls entry
J NZPA Wellington i Percy Jones, the “grand old Iman” of bowls, turned up in Wellington unexpectedly yesterday — chirpier than ever, and ready to take part in the national bowls championships which begin today. Jones, who is 66, retired from national bowls tournaments four years ago with the comment: “I am a senior citizen now.”
A New Zealand representative and one of only two living New Zealanders to hold the gold five-star medallion for winning five or more national titles, he originally took up bowls because “The doctor said I was too active.”
While he may have taken up bowls as ordered — to get a rest — he did not slow down, but went on to win
the national singles and pairs twice and the fours once.
Yesterday at the Berharnpore club, headquarters for the national event, Jones walked in and announced he was a late replacement for a friend who was ill. Jones will be at No. 3 for the Manurewa skip, Barry Drabble, with No. 2, Keith Hooper and lead, Grahame Tavlor, making up the team. Jones is a member of Otahuhu Railway but under the new rules, friends, relatives or even families can make up fours from different clubs. Obviously pleased to be back, Jones joked: “I will be able to see if I can still keep the young ones on their toes.” The only other living New Zealander with a gold fivestar medallion is Manawatu’s Phil Skoglund — he has eight
national titles — and is also a late entry, having originally had to pull out because of business commitments.
He gained entry when an= other player withdrew and will be in the singles, the title he has won five times already. Today, nearly 3000 bowlers will take to greens throughout the greater Wellington region for 15 days of bowls. The first title up for decision is the pairs, starting at 9 a.m., with the final on Sunday. The fours begin at 9 a.m. on Monday. January 1, with the final oh Monday. January 8.
The last three days will be for the singles, with the final on Thursday, January 11All finals will be held at the Berhampore club.
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Press, 28 December 1978, Page 3
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367‘Grand old man’ is shock bowls entry Press, 28 December 1978, Page 3
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