DOMINION BOWLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19542, 22 January 1927, Page 12

DOMINION BOWLERS.

FINAL OF RINKS CONTEST. BENEFIELD BEATS STEWART. THRILLING LAST HEAD SCENE. TOURNAMENT- CLOSES TO-DAY. Snatching victory on the last head after a thrilling uphill fight, the four skipped by R. Benefield, of St. John's Bowling Club, Wanganui, annexed the rinks championship of the Dominion at the Carlton green yesterday. The runners-up were the Dunedin rink skipped by T. Stewart, which was defeated by 22 points to 19 after.leading almost throughout. The Dunedin rink led at the 13th head by 19 to 7, but did not score again, Gradually the Wanganui rink drew closer, being two down with one head to go. Then came the climax which will be recalled in bowling circles for many years to come. The Wanganui rink was lying one when the skips changed ends for the last time. The large crowd surrounding the green watched the skips with breathless interest as they prepared to deliver the fateful bowls. Benefield placed another bowl near' the kitty. Stewart took a running shot but disturbed his own bowls, leaving Benefield lying five. It was a memorable moment and the crowd could not control its ex, citement. With his last bowl Stewart tried again to pull the game out of the fire. His shot missed, and Benefield's rinll had won by three points. The two rinks had met earlier in the afternoon, when, by defeating Stewart by 20 points to 10, Benefield deprived his opponent of one of l.iis "lives." Benefield's rink had won so comfortably, that the general expectation was that Stewart would stand little chance in the second meeting. ' The Dunedin rink, however, responded well to the occasion, while field's men for half the second game du. not display the form shown earlier. The day was beautifully fine. The green was very fast, although it became a little slower toward the close. Presentation Ceremony. Enthusiastic scenes marked the presentation of the ' handsome silver shield to the winning rink. The president of the Dominion Bowling Association, Mr. J. W. Hardley, ex, pressed the heartiest thank?, of the council to all who had made the tournament such a success, He referred particularly to the president of the Auckland Centre, Mr. J. Pascoe, and his officers, the club officials, the umpires, the greenkeepers, and those who had provided motor-cars to assist in the entertainment of the visitor, 5 !. All had exhibited the true bowling spirit. Mr. Hardley paid a special tribute to Mr. A. R. Coltman for his services as secretary. Mr. Coltman had set a very high standard in organisation, and had been capably assisted by Mr. G. Gladding. As an expression of personal appreciation Mr. Hardley presented Mr. Coltman with a toilet outfit.

The shield was then presented amid cheers and the" singing of " For They are Jolly Good Fellows."" Mr. Benefield briefly responded. Amusement was caused by the presentation of a Scotch thistle to the runner-up rink. As' a mark of appreciation, all competitors subscribed toward the presentation of a gift to Mr. and Mrs, J. V/. Jlardley, whose hospitality all keenly appreciated. A gold watch was presented to Mr. Hardley; ,: a : silver, jewel box to Mrs. Hardley, and a silver cigarette case to Mr. Ray Hardley, who had assisted' as car driver. Pairs and Singles Finals. The tournament will conclude to-day with the playing of the final of the pairs championship and the semi-finals and final of the singles championship. Following is the draw: — Singles Championship. —Semi-finals ' (9 a.m.): Bell, junior (Hamilton), v. Smellie (Green Island, Dunedin); Clarke (Rocky Nook, Auckland), v. Mclntyre (Hamilton). Pairs Championship.'—Final (1 p.m.). Walker (Auckland) v. Bell (Hamilton). Following are the results of yesterday's RINKS CHAMPIONSHIP. First Play-off.—McMillan, Rowling, Wight, Benefield (St. John's, Wanganui), 20, v. Gregory, Smith, Bentley, Stewart (Dunedin), 10. Final.—Benefield, 22, v. Stewart, 19. PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP. Second Round. —Mclntyre, Piikington (Hamilton), 17, v. 'Wight, Benefield (St. John's), 15. Third Round.—Brackebush, Walker (Auckland), 20, v. Mclntyre, Piikington, 19.

Semi-final.—Brackebusb, Walker, 22, v. Watson. Proctor (Remuera), 20; Bell, junior, Bell, senior, (Hamilton), 18, v. Best, Harraway (Green Island), 9. SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP. Fourth Round.— Smellie {Green Island), 15. v. Walker (Auckland), 13; Bell (Hamilton), 19, v. Mclntyre (Hamilton), 15. Mclntyre entered the round with two lives, and is eligible for the semifinals.