MODERNS v. ANCIENTS AT OAMARU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 19

MODERNS v. ANCIENTS AT OAMARU.

(By A Modern, in the Oamaru Mail.)

A match which turned out to be of exceptional interest was played on the green of the above club on Thursday afternoon. The fates were propitious, the weather was all that could be desired, the hearts of all assembled beat high at the thought of a glorious time, and the green was as usual in good condition. Whatever tha cares and anxieties of life may be when separated, no indication of their presence is seen when our little band meet together. The happy smile, the welcome hand, the cheery, "How are you?" would almost make one think that the old Adam had departed this earth. Long may the present happy relations continue to exist, and we have no doubt they will so long as strength remains to roll a bowl, and long after it for that matter. »' We are a happy family." The match on Thursday will long be remembered by all who took part in it as being one of the most exciting and moat iutorestiug that ever was played. Wo question very much if the same record was ever put up by any club in existence. It proved to be one between ••the Aucients and the Modern*," a title that favours the idea that originality is not yet extinct in such an ancient game. Toe "ancients" looked spruce, and we will pardon them if, as they laced their shoes and doffed their coats, the id^a for a moment entered their heads that they would soon teach the "moderns" the falsity of the opinion that they wor<i either more ekilful or wiser than their fatherp. The "Modtrns," with the saDguiueneß3 of youtb, locked upon victory as a foregone conclusion, but the uueasy look and the laughter, like to that of the boy in the churchyard, to an onlooker belied their boyish volubility. But to the game. The rinks were two in number. Martin and Fleming as skips represented the " Ancients," and Mollison and Gemmell the Moderns, " men, we can assure you, th - 1 are not to be toyed with — a gallant four indeed. The skips slowly make for the other end, the "jacks" are thrown, and conclusions are about to be tried. The " Ancients," as becomes the respect of youth to grey hairs, lead off. But one rink at a time, and, first of all, that skipped by Fleming and Gemmell. " Any haun* ye like, C n," crieß the skip, and off the bowl sets. "A graun' yin,'' encouragei the veteran. "Now, Willie, be up man; ye are two ya>rds back," in dismay calls our youngster. The C n is in grand form, and plays "like a book" all through. Willie reclaims himself a bit, and pleases. T.M.C. plays a steady game against his eomewhat erratic opponent. " Noo, Jame?, tak' the foreban and be up," which James correctly does, and as the chalk is produced a perfect shower of praise falls upon the bowl, and the Modern sees he will have to fight for it. B b toes the mark, and as his bowl reaches the ditch he is encouraged to go home and burn his " pokers." B bis the life of the gretn, and looks anything but disconcerted, and as ho is no gentle one to tackle, even in ottier matters

besides bowls, he redeems his character, and makes it look a little more hopeful. The skips show form, and though Fleming has the best of the play, Gemmell at the close shows some brilliant execution. Thus the game proceeds. But how goes it with tho others. Our old friend T.M. does good work for his veteran Martin, while M nruns him up in defence of Mollison. A known and grand old man, Wul c, confronts the worthy president, who works well. Then, as the possessor of "Emma" walks up bo the carpet, intent on doing damage, and does it, a vociferous cheer rendß the air, and G ge walks round. Davy is heard to bewail that he can't get up to the "jack." Perhaps his spirited opponent's skill has damped his ardour, but though a little out of form he is not to be trifled with. Martin and Mollison — two foemen worthy of their steel, and who have often stood together and won many a battle, good-humouredly enter the list against each other, and each succeeded in alternately changing the face of the game. But the last head is the climax to all the vicissitudes of it. Fleming and Gemmell tie at 19, and finish first. Excitement is now rising at Rink No. 2, for it is made known that they but require one to tie and thus make it a drawn game. Mollison then hugs the "kitty" with two beautiful shots, and unless Martin succeeds the youngsters triumph by one. Martin is commanded to " have a shot." By this time the excitement has reached fever heat and G shouts, " I barrack for the young anes," and for his p\ins is told to keep off the green. Meanwhile Marbin, with the calmness of a man who knows how to bo calm, grasps his bowl and lets drive. It is the moment that decides the issue. "It goes, it goes," B b shouts amidst general madness, and at that instant the bowl collides, and one of the "huggers" takes its departure, tho othor refuses to move, and a shout equal to that of the besieged of Lucknow rends the air. "A tio ! a tie ! " Wonder of wonders ! the scores tell the same tale — 19 all it is. We are weighed in the balance and found equal. But what has happened ? A member known to be of a quiet temperament allows his hat to leave his hand at a tangent, and it proceeds to make the acquaintance of a " male cow " in an adjoining paddock ; but at last it is regained, and we tackle to and play the extra head. Theexcitement has proved unwholesome, and down go the heads and hearts of the youngsters when a total loss of three is declared. Tho patriarchs take their victory calmly. Martin's play deserves special mention at this last head. The " Moderns " count four when Martin plays his last ball. Slowly it careers up the lawn. The talo may just as well bo told — he 6cores a beautiful shot, and the beardless youths allow the "Ancients " the glory due to them.

A return match was played in the evening, when the " Moderns " retrieved a little of their lost fortune by finishing with one to the good. Thus ended one of the most interesting and happiest matches ever played on a bowling green.