DRAUGHTS NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 15516, 11 June 1914, Page 7

DRAUGHTS NOTES

Matters in connection with all the local clubs are quiet at present, but the match Anderson Bay v. St. Kilda to-night and the starting of tourneys next week will liven things up. In the match above referred to it is expected that 50 players will take part. The Bay Club are putting 25 players forward. Lotus hope they each find an opponent, as it will go far to foster the game, especially among the younger players. The weekly practice meeting of the St, Kilda Club was again well attended. This club should give a good account of themselves this year, as they havo a lot-of promising players. , Tho weekly practices of the Otago Club are not so well attended as one could wish. On Saturday night Mr Lucas kept a dozen boards going simultaneously. In several cases very close finishes resulted, but the ex-champion’s knowledge of “ the move’’ stood him in pood stead, enabling him to come through victoriously. A pleasing feature of the practices is the number of junior players taking part. The 1914 Town v. Country match is now a thing of the past. Whilst congratulating the Country players on their deserved victory, it is not too much to say that the result was largely due to the captaincy of Mr A. Murdoch. In conversation with some of the players one said : “Well, I don’t think we could possibly have lost after the excellent advice given us by our captain, provided that it was closely followed.” That the advice was followed is evidenced by the result. Several well-known players were absent from this year’s contest, and amongst the num her must be mentioned Mr R. Caldow, who always works hard to ensure the success of the fixture. The best wishes of players for a speedy recovery from the indisposition that prevented his attendance are tendered. The number engaged in this year’s match was the lowest for years, and was accounted for by the number of counter attractions. The trial of strength by the doughty brothers from Gore was the principal factor, so, far as the Southland players were concerned. All players, but particularly the older ones with whom he associated more closely, will learn with regret of the bereavement suffered by Mr H. Howes in the demise of his wife. The sympathy of all is tendered to Mr Howes. It is some years since he took an active part in the game, but his interest and support are ever present.-