YOUTHS ON BOWLING GREEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 March 1930, Page 5

YOUTHS ON BOWLING GREEN

NINETEEN-YEAR.OLI) CHAMPION AT AUCKLAND "IllJAirnUjllNlNt!" IN IJOWMNCJ OfIiCLKS (liy Telegraph- Special to "The Mail") AUCKLAND, 28Lh March. The success oi' ISrii: Heniictl (Takapuna) and Neil Thomson (RawliUi) in Lin. . Auckland Champion of Champions Bowling Tournament? has created much heartburning in lotml bowling circles. 'l'ii,. killer is niily 19 and the former not ii great deal older. They were the only two lifers in I tit* tourney. Bennett lowered I lie. colours of throe Dominion champions in kih <•cs.sn.il, Thomson eventually heating him as did \V. li. Brainier. Thomsiwi fell lirst to ||, V.. Clarke (ultiiiiiitn winner) and then to lire er. A newspaper correspondent ("l'eil Up")' writes as follows to the press in answer to one signing himself "Be. Up" (who deprecated the advent _ of youth): 'lie Up' is annoyed. The idea. of youth excelling on. the bowling green is lis disturbing to Iflm as the thought, that howl .sociability may he imdermin- (■(|. He thinks 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 not the language of spite and jealousy which seemed to be the 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 iiifiiule.lv harder- by the attitude of many of the 'hankers.' that was not in keeping with the highest traditions of the game? Now 'lie Tip' he fair. What of the future standard of the game if you confine the greens to greybeards? Most other Uports encourage the 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 80 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. SlcAlistcr, the well-known Helensvillo skip in 'he 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.