Impressive field for triples

Press, 25 February 1989, Page 18

Impressive field for triples

The Champion of Champion triples, the third in the Canterbury Bowling Centre’s series of tournaments to pit club champion against club champion, promises as much as the two champion tournaments already played. The triples format has thrown up 44 club teams, among which are a number whose composition suggests there could be a host of mighty battles to find the top team.

Bill Fiecken, Robin Howman, Ken Watson, Brian Barker, Leon Jones, Peter Meier, Gavin Good, Roger Giendinning, Ray Hunt and Bruce McNish, are names which suggest ardent competition. Among the names of dis-

tinction within the lists, there are line ups that will be formidable, indeed. Not the least of these will be that comprising Meier, Good and Giendinning. Part of the South Brighton four that last week-end was savaged by the Sydenham team which eventually became the losing finalist, it is a team which, on its day, will be as difficult to beat as any, because of its balance. If any three names, as a team, suggest a winning combination, then this is the one. They did not play well enough to get to the final last week-end, so will be conscious of their shortcomings and keen to eradicate the' errant shots which spelled their downfall.

Bill Fiecken’s Beckenham combination contains Geoff Wilkinson and Brian Eatwell which could prove hard to beat. Equally, Robin Howman’s Burnside crew includes Neil Howman and Evan Ambrose and it should be effective. From the Canterbury club, the provincial selector and coach, Les Woodhouse, has with him John' Waterhouse and Graeme Downie, a trio which, while lacking star status, should prove effective. Based on this season’s performances, the prospects of the Spreydon trio of Bruce McNish, Mike Brinsley and Ray Hunt may be good. It is only weeks since both McNish and Hunt have had major successes, so they may

still consider their bowls are running hot. Papanui’s representatives include Brian Barker, still riding high on his club team’s fours success at the nationals and with him are Leon Jones and Ross Fenton. A Linwood combination that has the understanding and recent success to stand it in good stead includes the father-son pairing of Ken and Gary Watson, aided by Andrew Curtain. A rare combination of experience and youth. From the country, Bill Bodger leads a Woodend troupe that should score enough wins to give the front runners a hurry up, and with a slight rub of the green may well be in the final.