Champion Of Champions – Past And Present – By “Modernist”

Northern Advocate, 30 March 1938, Page 2

Champion Of Champions - Past And Present - By “Modernist”

rpHE annual contest for the singlehanded Blue Riband of Northland Bowls will bo decided on, Saturday next at the Kensington green. A decade having slipped by since the first competition for the title, which carries with it the Bob Allan Cup, was staged, the time is perhaps opportune to reminiscently review the ten gatherings of those who qualified in the hard school of club competition for a hit at higher honours. The year 1928 saw the first assemblage of club champions step on to the green for the four-baJI championship. Mr R. H. Allan was president of the North Auckland Bowling Centre (since changed to Northland) that year, and presented the cup which is the guerdon of greatness. It' was a great year for "Bob,” who was the Whangarei Club’s champion, and giving a great display of vei’safile bowling, the Whangarei man went through the field with both lives intact, and became the' first Northland champion. Seme well-known judges of the game aver that the standard ot play on that day has not been equalled since. Spectators have a vivid recollection of Stan McKenzie, no mean exponent of the gentle art, calling off his game with the winner before the finish, re-

marking that R.H.A. was unbeatable on the day. Two in a Row. The next winner was the pride of Coalopolis, Harry-West well, whoi learned the game on the crown greens of Lancashire. “Who knows not Wostwell; he, of skill renowned; Whose name is noted on each bowling ground.” Harry, whose skill as a four-bowl artist is known far and wide, won again the following year, making it two in a row.

In 1931. Tom Brewis, the Tyneside lad, checked H.W.’s career, and won the title for Portland'. Tommy acquired all his bowling skill in the North, and is a recognised stylist. Brewis should have been a double winner also if the ■draw bad been adhered to properly, but lack of knowledge by the controlling authority militated greatly against has chance, and the imperturbable Wcstwell’s name once again adorned the cup. Thirty-three saw Dargaville’s Dan at the top of his form, and he won in convincing style, playing with artistic skill and confident judgment. Ban Williams figured prominently in, the event tor several years, and was runner-up in 1933. when he was played to a standstill, and couldn’t raise a gallop in the final.

“Rafferty’s Year.” The following season is known among the cognoscenti as “Rafferty’s Year.” because for some tin discerned reason, more non-champions than champions participated. Tire winner, Bill Rimmins, from Russell, was not his club’s champion at the time, although he subsequently achieved that honour after the club contest had resulted in a tie. Percy Everett, Kensington’s champion, was just beaten in the final this year. J. A. Clark, popularly kntfvvn as Johnny, representing the black-and-reds, took the title in 1935. Some people considered him lucky to win, but ho confounded his critics by winning again the following year. When lie qualified from a hot crowd as the

Whangarei Club chkmpkm. Johnny has been lost to the game the last two seasons, but will be heard of again. Last year saw the rise of a new star in the person of Norry Buchan, who represented Kalkohe. Norry. young in years, but old in bowling lore, gave a great exhibition, and although spun right out by the time the final came on, managed to struggle home from, his rested opponent, who was favoured ■by having a bye. Several Weaknesses. Looking back over the yeax*s, several weaknesses have made themselves apparent. The two-life system is decidedly, cumbersome, when there is a big entry, and there _is to be only one day’s play. On two occasions, the final was not reached, darkness getting there first. Twice the officials in charge bungled the automatic draw to the detriment of certain competitors. Right through the piece, however, there has been, trouble with the markers. With all due respect to some gentlefxen who give their services, those responsible should see that the markers know 1 their job. Nothing is more galling to a player who is told he shot, than to find he is several down.

This happened in last year’s contest. Until this year the contest has been staged in different centres in rotation, irrespective of what the playing conditions were like. This season, however. a welcome change has been made and the title will be played for oh the best green in the centre. We trust, for the sake of those who battle through their club contests, that a precedent has been established, and In future the title will always be decided on a sward which gives all -contestants an equal chance, Great Play Likely. Saturday will, witness mitting) some groat play. worry Buchan will be on hand to defend his title. Harry Westwell is again Hikurangi's champion, and may bo relied on to make-a hold bid. The riverside town is sending Charlie Bagby. who has been playing consistent bowls, and if he picks the conditions, will be hard.

Portland’s champion. All. Whitham, is making' his debut in the highest class, and may lack match experience. Alf. has been steadily improving for some seasons, and his success was not unexpected by those who watch the form. ’ Rory McKay, will again battle for the Oat Cake and Haggis Brigade. A year or two back, Waipu’s warrior showed considerable promise, and if he can improve on that form may get well into it. Billy Brydon. settled all arguments this season with a clear-cut victory (the old warhorse, Albert C., was run-ner-up) and will represent the club with the gamecock colours. Being on his native heath, the Kamoite will be quite at home, and it is on the cards that victory will go to the black-and-' red representative. Whangarei’s hope is again Matty Whitelaw, who gave the winner last year a hard game. Matty can be relied on to put up a great battle, and if he gives his versatility play, spectators will get £ome thrills, and opponents some jolts. The centre’s secretary, Ernie Moore, will be in charge, so that arrangements should be okay, with a fair field and no favour, for the best man on the day to win the title of Champion of Northland.