BOWLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 261, 13 November 1901, Page 3

BOWLING.

■Notes By “Toucher.”] The ignominious defeat of the Gisborne team on Tfiursday last by Whatanpoko has been the chief subject of discussion in bowling circles during the past week, and surprise has been expressed on all sides. The Whataupoko skips played a very ordinary game, and at the conclusion of the »ame Simson was candid enough to rema°rk, “ It was the greatest exhibition of poor play that ever I saw on the ground. It was not our good play, but the poor stand made by the other side accounted for such heavy scoring.” This remark, however, does not do justice to several of the players, who undoubtedly played sterling games. Ambridge in particular, playing as number two in Simson’s rink, was dead on the jack throughout the game, and considering the small amount of practice ho had had is deserving of all credit for the assistance he rendered. McGowan has played many better games than that of last Thursday, and was at times inclined to play fast. It is seldom that Ponsford is seen at such poor advantage as he was on Thursday last, although, perhaps, from hi 3 point of view, there was good reason for it. Methinks that, were the game played over again, there would be more than two points difference on the other side. An interesting pairs match was played last evening when Bright and Gaudin met Dixon and Coleman. Two games of twelve heads were played, and the former were victorious on each occasion by two points. In the first game, Gaudin and Coleman skipped, the scores for the twelve heads being Bto 6. In the second round, when Bright and Dixon were in charge, the Board showed 16 to 14. Both games were keenly contested, and there was 1 drst-class play on both sides. Jones has been putting in some usefuj practice during tho week, and will figure unong the What-“ohs” in tho match ,vith Haiti.

] Holland has an unbeaten record so far in Gisborne, and is waiting for some oue to come and take him down. There is no doubt he proved a fairly good “ Mascotte ” for the Whataupoko Club on Thursday last. A match between the ladies of Haiti and Whataupoko has been arranged, and is to be played on Mu J. W. Witty’s green to-morrow afternoon. Mrs Ponsford and Misses Wilson and Ferris (2) are to uphold the honors of the J Whataupoko Club, but, from what I can hear, they will have their work cut out to defeat Haiti. Witty has been playing a consistent game this season, and should givo Gisborne all they want to-morrow. There is not much chance of Gisborne repeating their performance of last year, and putting up a record score. They will be too well watched this time.

Wallace, on his play this year, stands out as oue of the best No. 3 players in Gisborne. Those who have been pitted against him can confirm this statement. He is down as leader in the Kaiti-Gisborno match, but I expect to see him as No. 3 when the names go up on the board. Bright is showing improved form this year, and has been successful in most of his matches. He skips to-morrow in the Gisborne-Kaiti match, and with his team in anything like form will require a lot of beating. Colebrooke has been several times on the green during the last fortnight, and is just now playing a warm game, his drawing being particularly effective. l’onsford and Hennessy had a good battle on Saturday last as leaders, and there was not a groat deal between them. Cummings sported silk last evening, and gave Orr a good run. Leniently treated in the handicap singles and doubles, they must be given a great chance. Matthewson has so far this year had little practice, but in tho two or three games ho has played has shown good form. Neithor Quigley nor Massey was seen at his best in the Gisborno-Whataupoko match, but they will doubtless make up for it when they meet Haiti. In fact great things are predicted for Ponsford’s team to-morrow, but whether the predictions will be realised is another question. Messrs Ponsford and Coleman have been selected as skips for tho Wellington tournament, but there is a probability of the latter not accepting the position, as ho prefers to play number three in Ponsford’s team. The vacancy will most likely be filled by Simson, who is playing n strong game this season. Sidebottoin has been tho recipient of much congratulation on his victory over Ponsford on Thursday last. Robertson did not show his truo form in the match against Whataupoko. He played quite a different game as number threo for Hookey on Saturday last. Hookoy will soon be in the front rank. He skipped against Simson last Saturday and made a draw of tho game, the score being 21 all. On Saturday Inst the President of the Northern Bowling Association (Mr Matthewson) presented the prizes won at tho last tournament to the members of the Gisborne team, and congratulated the winners on upholding the honor of the district in bowls. Ho said he was satisfied that they would be able to bring back the pennant from Wellington if they kept up practice. Mr W. Pottie, President of the Gisborne Bowling Club, also congratulated the members on their victory, and pointed out that they noarly scored two to one against the other opposing teams, and lost but two games throughout the tournament.