THE CONSISTENT BOWLER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3674, 12 August 1924, Page 55

THE CONSISTENT BOWLER.

The above description is the standard test of skill at bowling. The consistency, to count as a credit, should he spread o-'er a fairly lengthy period, say, at least, two or three seasons (says a Sydney writer). It would bo folly to judge ability at the sport by spasmodic success or by occasional failure. It would not be difficult

to find an acknowledged skilful player giv-: ing at times a poor exposition of the game, and a very average bowler displaying an occasional brilliance. One of the charms of the game is its uncertainty of result, which result is frequently dependent upon the physical condition of the players, or the influence of harassing business experience or domestic anxiety, the effects of which the bowler has not been able to throw off entirely. The consistent bowler will not, however, be eager to allege any of the above causes for his failure to achieve success, as ho, being known as a good man at the game, equally good bowlers will make allowances, for they will have had similar experiences. The championship of the club may fail to discover its most consistent bowler of the season, as on the knock-out system a player may fail owing to one or more of the above-mentioned causes. The best system of deciding the championship no doubt would be for each player to play every other in turn and the winner decided on the highest average of points. This method, however, lias its drawbacks in that it would occasion the use of the green to such an extent as to prevent members of the club enjoying the rink game to the degree tiiat is possible under the knock-out system. The rink game is preeminently the sociable game, and its encouragement should be pursued. Consistency is bound to reveal itself, and, not only will it do so in the practice games and competitions of the club, but in addition will be manifested in friendly games with other clubs, and the player will become known in the bowling world as one of no mean order.