Kensington's Annual Tourney

Northern Advocate, 5 January 1938, Page 2

Kensington's Annual Tourney

Bowls

(By “Modernist”)

ALTHOUGH THE EFFORTS OF JUPITER PLUVIUS CAUSED A PARTIAL POSTPONEMENT, CLIMATIC CONDITIONS MAY HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE, AND THE BLACK-AND-REDS CAN BE CONSIDERED FORTUNATE IN REACHING FINALITY IN THE ALLOTTED TIME.

The results have all seen the light of print, so nothing more need be said on that score. The tournament committee, Messrs. Studd, Fleming, and Moore, together with President Frank Ross, attended to their manifold duties in a most competent manner, and are to be congratulated on the success attending their efforts.'

Norman Fleming, who played bowls and ran things on the Whangarei green, deserves a special pat on the back, whilst Mrs Ross well earned the many nice things said about her sustenance efforts in the hospitality line.

Earned Their Victory.

The Whitelaw combination well earned their victory, as they played steady, consistent bowls right through the piece. They had a couple of close calls, but Matty was equal to all demands on his skill and was not to be denied.

A pleasing feature of the victors’ display was their excellent team work, great combination having been worked up through playing together throughout the season. Portland’s representatives once again were in the picture and ably maintained Cementville’s reputation as tournament players. Both teams contained players new to tourney conditions and Bert Beaton and Eric Thompson led splendidly. Out By An Accident.

Tom Cannon’s Maungaturoto team were decidedly unfortunate in. being put out by an accident. Bob Boag and Co. battled through their section dhd if Kensington are going to produce another tourney winning combination, it may be built round this player. The Kaitaia team made a splendid showing, which is concrete evidence that the game is making progress in the Far Northern town. Fred Davey’s Dargaville team, again went well and almost secured sectional honours.

Owen Williams also was prominent going out in a section tie. By and large, Kensington’s 1938 tourney can be considered as successful as any previous effort. Substitutes.

Once again this question obtruded and the time is ripe for tourney managers to see that a fair thing is done When a sub. is required. At this tourney, a lead was absent and a well-known skip was substituted who played third. Was it a fair go? Much unfavourable comment was engendered by section winners receiving the order of “outski” over the short game route. Surely a team which battles through its section deserves a better test than this. If 15head games had been continued, the extra six heads played on Monday could have been put on to the semifinals.

This has always been a sore spot with contestants in this tourney and if consideration is in future given to improving this aspect, it will be a decided and popular improvement. Tourney Tabloids. Eddie Taylor received a great welcome from the boys even if he did not show his old-time form.

Fred Davey and Mat Whitelaw staged a battle royal, the latter prevailing by the smallest majority possible.

Everyone was pleased to see Jimmy Stark in command of a team.

The 15-head games provided fair tests and many consider them preferable in limited time events.

Other clubs Can adopt the non-play-ing umpire with advantage—Len Studd filled the bill admirably. Alec Logan, of Kailaia, found the conditions to his liking and gave a great display against Tom Brewis. Harry Westwell wanted five to win on the last head and got them against a warm combination too. Frank Ross made an admirable open-

ing speech (some people claim that Jack Evans holds the record). Hikurangi have a decided acquisition in Edgar, who played nice bowls. A dispute about the score draws attention to the prevalent existing laxity, many seconds not bothering about the card at all. Thus, there is no check on the board, Kaitaia have a most promising tourney exponent in Mark Hammond. Did George Wilding establish a record in order to be present on New Year’s Day? All Whitham played a solid game right through the series. Scotty Phillips was again in action after a spell from tournament play and Hikurangi’s Hai’ry Lauder put up many a good bowl.

Waipu Tournament,

The hospitality and sportsmanship extended to the bowling fraternity each Boxing Day at Waipu is proverbial and this tourney is a veritable “Gathering of the Clans.” The not be the best in the world, blit nothing venture, nothing win and the more chances, the more fun. The most pleasing feature, of this year’s event was the success of Ben Cox and his Maungaturoto henchmen.

Genial Ben has been bending them for some years now and bowlers generally were elated at his victory.