GAME OF BOWLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22579, 18 November 1936, Page 22

GAME OF BOWLS

PENNANT MATCHES UNPLEASANT CONDITIONS CHANGES IN THE SECTIONS BY BKIP ith the players frequently running for slielter during the play in the second round of the Auckland Bowling Centre's pennant competition on Saturday and returning to rain-soaked greens, the conditions were unpleasant. However, there was some consolation in that tho full series of games was carried out to schedule. Two rounds have now been decided and the third will be played next Saturday. But for the rain last Saturday tho competitors would have had much faster greens. Even after the soaking the greens received they played wonderfully well, as far as draw was concerned, the major trouble being in the calculation of pace. Given tho requisite amount of push the bowls, generally speaking, curled in well. SECTION A POSITIONS CARLTON IN THE LEAD In section A tho Hallyburton-John-6tone Club did not fare so well as on the previous Saturday, when five wins were secured out of the six games played. Only two wins came its way this time, one out of four against Carlton and one out of two against Buckland's Beach. This record had a lowering effect, the percentage dropping from 83 to 58. However, the club still maintains a forward position in third place. The Carlton Club, which now holds the honour in the section, totalled tho very fair record of 19J wins, or one win better than in the first round. Tho club was mainly responsible for Hallyburton Johnstone's downfall and at the samo time took four out of the six games with Waiuku. The Renuiera Club proved the greatest stumbling block of the afternoon, only a threefifths majority being secured there. If Carlton continues to secure totals equal to those of the last two Saturdays it should not be far away from ultimate section honours.

The Stanley Club, now in second place, did not do so well as on the previous occasion, one win less being recorded. However, the percentage of the two days was sufficient to run the club into second position, exactly 5 per cent behind Carlton. It seems likely that Stanley will be Carlton's most dangerous rival for the section. The two clubs meet in the last round, so if by that time they are close to each other in percentage a very interesting duel should eventuate. The Balmoral Club* formerly second, has dropped to fourth place. Only six wins were secured this time, as against ten in the opening round. On the Takapuna green only a-half win was gained in five games. Good progress was made by the Mount Eden Club in this round, the total of ten wins being twb and a-half better than that in the first round.. The club is now in fifth place, having come up from eighth position. Kemuera, formerly third, is now sixth. Considering the opposition was Carlton in a straight-out 20 rinks contest, the total of seven and a-half wins was quite a good return, and much different from that when'the two clubs met previously in an ordinary interclub match.

Buckland's Beach, through its good skip, C. E. Brooke, continues to hold a percentage of 60. If the other team Btrikes form the club has yet a good chance of being with the leaders at the finish. Last season's winner, West End, made a step forward on Saturday and, in spite of the mediocre showing in the first round, may yet make amends and repeat its previous success. COMMANDING LEAD MANGERE'S PROSPECTS The Mangere Club continues its victorious way, and another three wins give a fairly commanding lead in section B. Frequent participation by some of * the club's members in the many one-day tournaments has had the good effect of bringing them up to a highclass standard of play. Especially is this so in the case of J. Hollier, whose name frequently appears as a successful competitor. In the big .36 rinks tourney at Carlton last Thursday he led his team home as a section winner. Mangere's opponent on Saturday was Te Papapa, which should have been quite sound opposition. In second position is Otahuhu, and the latest percentage of 75 wins gives nearly 68 for the two rounds. There seems to be quite enough material in the Otahuhu Club to provido eight really good teams and, judging by tho good beginning, it is quite reasonable to suppose that the club has a good chance of being near the top, if not actually there, when the fifth round is completed. Ponsonby still occupies third place, although two wins less than the previous tally was recorded on Saturday. The club is showing out well again this 6eason, and may repeat last year's good performance. Grey Lynn did not faro as well in this round, three wins less being recorded. However, the percentage, 60, is still high and sufficient to give the club fourth place. The Ellerslie Club improved a good deal on Saturday, and the result, seven wins out of ten games, must have been pleasing to the sole selector, Mr. 10. Maud. The showing of Onehunga so far, in spite of tho lessened quota of teams, is rather disappointing for such a largo and strong club. CARLTON TOURNEY SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION The Carlton Club's recent one-day tournament, although spoiled to some extent by rain during tho afternoon, was a successful function.. Tho 36 entries comprised somo very fine combinations,'and those who camo through as Bection winners had to play up to achieve that honour. A fine gesture on the part of one club to another was that of the Devon port Club in granting the free use of its green to its near neighbour, Stanley, for the staging of a big tournament in tho near future. The Stanley Club has certain obligations to meet regarding the property on which the green is situated, and the Devonport Club's action will greatly assist the swelling of the smaller club's finances. The Public Service annual pairs tournament will bo held as usual on St. Andrew's Day, November 30, the day prior to the commencement of the open singles tournament. The Auckland and Mount Eden Clubs have again lent their greens for the occasion.