SINGLES PLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23244, 13 January 1939, Page 12

SINGLES PLAY

EIGHT STILL SURVIVE DEFEAT OF N. BELL, JUN. COWPER ONLY TWO-LIFER Good progress was made in the singles section of the tournament yesterday and eight players no*' survive. By a fortunate chance the players who were required to complete obligations were released by either not qualifying in the section play of the pairs or else early elimination in the post-section play. N. Bell, jtin's, loss of a life at the hands of Cowpcr (Ponsonby) was a surprise to many, but the * Takapuna player was much below his usual form. He appeared to be very unhappy under the windy conditions. At the same time, Bell does not impress in the same manner as he has done in the past. Cowper's play, too, was a little disappointing, and he will need to improve 011 his showing yesterday. Under quieter conditions he may have done better. He is the only two-lifer remaining. Donaldson Beaten J. S. Martin, Ellerslie, whom many consider to have a great chance of annexing the singles honour, went a step toward that ambition when he disposed of tlie strong Grey Lynn singles exponent. L. Donaldson. The latter is a hard player to defeat and Martin's chance is now enhanced. A very fine exhibition of bowling was seen in the Cross. (England) and Franks (Balmoral) game. Considering the difficult conditions, the bowling was extraordinarily good, a fact which was evidenced by the changing character of the heads at times. The English champion went down with colours flying and lie was given a fine ovation by the crowd at tlio finish. He has become very popular at headquarters owing to his carefree manner when in a tight corner and his easy and stylish delivery. ' The scoring was very even in this game and Franks revealed fine fighting qualities to notch the necessary two points for a tie at 14-all. He took tho jack into the ditch for one when tho head was against him. Cross was held up on short woods and then left Franks with one bowl in hand to square the game. Jt was a tense moment for both Franks and the onlookers, but the Balmoral player was eoual to tho occasion and drew another. The extra head saw Franks get one close early. Cross endeavoured to run the shot out, but fuiled each time. An Easy Win Connew was ahead all the way in the game with Somervell and was not unduly troubled to win with one head not played. The score was 18—11. Ilendle (Upper Hutt) revealed very steady play against Whitelaw, the Northern competitor. His play yesterday gives the impression that he will be hard to dispose of. Rendle's next opponent is Martin, and the game between these two players should provide a great display. 1' ranks has many supporters for his chance of the title. Considering his two handsome wins over the English champion and the experience ho has had at the game, it appears that he will be hard to eliminate.