“YOUNGSTERS” AND BOWLS

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 March 1930, Page 11

“YOUNGSTERS” AND BOWLS

AN AUCKLAND CONTROVERSY. [special to “star.”] AUCKLAND, March 28. The success of Eric Bennett (Takapuna) and Neil Thomson (Rawhiti) in the Auckland champion of champions bowling tournament, has created much heartburning in local bowling circles. The latter is only 19 and the former not a great deal older. They were the only two lifers in the tourney. Bennett lowered the colours of three Dominion champions in succession, Thomson, eventually beating him, as did AV. B. Bremner. Thomson fell first to PI. C. Clarke (ultimate winner) and then to Bremner. A newspaper correspondent (“Fed Up”) writes as follows to the Press in answer to one signing himself “Be Up” (who deprecated the advent of youth): "Be Up” is annoyed at the idea of youth excelling on the bowling green. It is as disturbing to him, as the thought that bowl sociability may be undermined. He thinks that clubs should put notices on their front gates “Only cripples and over 45 admitted.” Splendid, but how can sprightly males of 45 be expected to have anything in common with colts rising three score and ten. Perhaps they may have the same language as he suggests, let us hope it is no language of spite and jealousy, which seemed to be common tongue round Carlton, during the tournament. Why are not veterans honest with themselves, and confess freely that the only reason they are raising their voices is pure unadulterated jealousy? Was there anything in youthful Thomson’s play and general conduct during the ordeal, made infinitely harder by the attitude of many of the bankers, that was not in keeping with the highest traditions of the game. Now “Be Up,” be fair. What of the future standard of the game if you confine greens to greybeards? Most other sports encourage a youngster who shows promise. Bowlers crucify him and drive him out of the game. For the game of the future what about “Be Up” selecting a number of promising colts, rising SO for special training, so that the standard of the game can be upheld? Although Thomson’s earlier wins were rather easy, he had a gruelling uphill fight against T. T. McAlister, the well-known Helensville skip. In the last round, when the veteran led by 15 to 8, the general opinion seemed to be that it was all up with the “boy,” but he stuck to his task winning the last five heads for a tie at 17 all. The play-off was worthy of a champion 'for he got two bowls on the jack and then played for position, one making the drive virtually useless, and the other almost blocking the ’run. His strategy was successful, McAlister removing one bowl only.