BOWLING NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19177, 17 November 1925, Page 6

BOWLING NOTES.

SATURDAY'S COMPETITIONS.

GREAT INTEREST DISPLAYED.

THE FOUR-RINK CHAMPIONSHIP. BY SKIP. That the bowling season is now fairly under way was evidenced on Saturday by the commencement of the matches iit the inter-club competition. The mero fact of an inter-club match being scheduled has a remarkable attraction for the average bowler, and generally speaking, there is always a good attendance on such occasions. Saturday was no exception to the rule and in spite of the rather cold conditions, the various greens were well patronised. An air of expectancy surrounded the pennant competition on account of the inclusion of the new four-rink championship matches. As this was the first occasion since the Lambert Cup days that any attempt to grade the teams had been made, the first round of the championship matches was naturally the subject of much interest. Of course there were those in the various clubs who maintained an attitude of stolid indifference to the whole matter, ft was only to be expected that in an event of this kind, where vacancies were few but aspirants are many, the majority of players would perhaps view it in this light. As far as can bo gathered, since the selected candidates were announced the principal argument against the new scheme has been that it creates strife and jealousy in the ranks of clubs. This is a barrier which time and experience alone will break down. As the players and officials become more accustomed to the innovation the matter will be viewed in a different light. A point that cannot bo passed without comment is the rather unfair criticism of the scheme by some of those who were not selected. This is purely a private matter between the player and the officials appointed by the club members to perform the onerous task of selecting the players. "Where there are so many with equal claims there will be excluded players with just as good claims, or perhaps better, than those selected. These players should remember that their turn will come. Meanwhile let them not vent their wrath on the scheme.

With regard to the method of selecting the teams, a point has arisen which deserves comment. This is in regard to those clubs who announced that the four teams required would bo decided by ballot. Was it merely a coincidence that the teams as they appeared should bo a triile stronger than the ordinary run of pennant teams? It would be better if all clubs would openly choose their best teams. How the Clubs Fared. Some clubs nearly touched the 100 per cent, mark, and in at least two instances the last bowl decided the issue. Avondale went very close to the maximum. Darrow, at West End, was one up with one to go, but Scott got the point and made a tie, which under the new rule was allowed to stand. Only two other games on Saturday resulted in a tie, the other cases being the game between Thomas (Mount Albert) and Long (Remuera) and the Edendale-Papatoetoe game. Avondale, on Saturday's performance, will be a hard proposition in the pennant.

Pukekohe, who are competing only in the four-rink event, also went close to the possible, Campbell (Waitemata) spoiling. their record in this respect by defeating Gribble on the last head. It is pleasing to see the country club start so well and it will be a good impetus for it in harder games against the stronger town clubs.

Papatoetoe earned the honour of topping the ]X)11 on the day, on account of their 54 wins out of six against Edendale. These gave them the great percentage of 91.66.

One of the surprises of the day was the showing made by Carlton. Their four rink (representatives did well, winning three of the four games against Dominion Road. It was opportune, for the pennant representatives only secured four out of 14 games against Auckland. The club fared liadlv at the Auckland green, where its team lost six out of seven games, W. Coltman being the sole survivor. Auckland Club's Prospects.

Auckland's entry into the arena was more than justified, especially when it is remembered that they were without the services on Saturday of two such highclass skips as Dr. Moir and Maxwell Walker. With the addition of these two players the club will be a formidable proposition in future rounds.

B. Ramsay (Dominion Road), had the honour of lowering the colours of the Carlton crack representative, J. Kilgour. Remuera put up a very good record in the four-rink event by winning three matches against the noted Mount Eden representatives. Trayes was the only Mount Eden winner arid he had a remarkably good win from Mcßobie, who has been showing such good early form. The other three Mount Eden skips, Gill, Findlay and Hudson, went down to Bugler, Blanchard and Wooller respectively, by very large margins. Rocky Nook, as was expected, made a good showing in the rink championship and were stopped short of the possible only by Tanner (Epsom) disposing of J. Wakeriey. Onehunga and West End both had three wins against St. Heliers and Ponsonby respectively. The Parsons-Brenmer game was remarkable for the occasional large scores against Parsons. In justice to him it must be mentioned that the heads in question broke extremely. Interesting Game at Ponsonby.

One of the closest and most interesting games recorded was that between Garry and Langsford at Ponsonby. It was a seesaw contest throughout. The West End player was 4 down with 2 to go, but with a magnificent shot through -a narrow port, he took out the opposition shot bowl for four on the 20th head and equalised , matters. On the last head Langsford blocked Garry's drive, but the latter, in playing a swinging shot, nearly rolled one ,of his own bowls into shot. An inch or two more would have given him the game. Onehunga, although they secured three wins from St. Heliers in tho championship, were well extended. Brookfield was the only winner for St. Heliers. Ho accounted for a strong rink, skipped by Hills. Brookfield, who got a couple of big scores, was passed by Onehunga during the game, but won the deciding head. Takapuna routed the Devonport forces, the Devonport club champion, C. Elvv. being the only successful skip against Takapuna, who occupy one of the top positions in the section.

Rocky Nook are the leaders in A see t-ion.

It was a pity that the centre's request that all matches should be started at two o'clock was not strictly enforced by a number of clubs. There is no reason why on such a day as Saturday, when all the teams are arranged beforehand, the cards cannot be produced at the appointed hour. Those who are on the spot could commence their games and should not have to wait and lie penalised on account of those who are dilatory. A 2.30 p.m. start is unfair, especially to visitors, who travel some distance and arrive punctually for a two o'clock commencement.

The Mount Albert Bowling Club will hold its first mid-week tourney to-mor-row afternoon. The following skips have entered teams:—G. Hosking, .1. Jenkin, Warren, Russell, P. C, Gould, C. de Lawney, McK. Morrison, Mclvor, Cor. tingham. F. Livingstone. Preston, E. Thomas, Mason, J. Rowe, Constantine, A. J. Jenkin, J. Thomas, C. Hardley.

The first of a series of pairs tourneys will be held at the St. Heliers green on Wednesday, November 25. The good results of the recent visit to Auckland of the Tauranga players were indicated by the remark of one of the older players just before his departure for home. He said the trip had been a great education for most of the visitors, who had not played bowls away from Tauranga, before. The trip, which was largely due to the efforts of Messrs. Crowley and Moneur, would be of great value to the Tauranga players and would, no doubt, reflect itself in their play during the season. The visitors played well considering their experience and the strange conditions. They appreciated the hospitable reception accorded them by the local bowlers. Mi". J. Pascoe and the Auckland Centre executive proved capable hosts. The Carlton green was much praised, the visitors being particularly impressed by its keenness and true running qualities. THE CLAUDELAN'DS CLUB. OFFICIAL OPENING OF GREEN, i ___ [I!Y TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] HAMILTON. Monday. As the result of a co-operative effort the people of Claudelands have provided for themselves in a central position an excellent bowling green and croquet lawn. Thff money to purchase the ground and finance the purchase of buildings and requisites was found locally, while a great deal of voluntary labour was. contributed. The grounds are now in splendid condition and ready for play. The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, when the Mayor, Mr. J. R. Fow, Mr. J. A, Young, and the presidents of kindred clubs were present. There was a large attendance of the public and supporters, and felicitous speeches were delivered, the best wishes for the future of the Claudelands Club being expressed. An enjoyaole afternoon's play followed.

DOMINION TOURNAMENT. SEVEN BRITISH RINKS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN, Monday. The Dominion bowling tournament commences at Dunedin on January 11. Mr. R. 11 aiming, secretary of the Dominion Bowling Association, has received a cablegram from the secretary of the British bowling party to enter 23 singles, 13 pairs and seven rinks for the tournament. BUCKLAND V. TUAKAU. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TUAKAU, Monday. A match between the Buckland and Tuakau Clubs took place at Tuakau on Saturday for the Tonkin-Jeffries-Fulton Cup, which was won last season by Tuakau. Buckland gained tw ( o games out of three, winning the match. With games played last January and March, Buckland have secured two of the three and becomo holders of the cup until next season.