Record Entry For Easter Bowls Tourney

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 13, 6 April 1927, Page 9

Record Entry For Easter Bowls Tourney

FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS SHOW MARKED INCREASE THIS YEAR BY JACK HIGH. This year’s Easter tournament is , notable for the record number of entries received. There aVe 62 entries in the Easter foflrs, 24 in the executive fours, and IS in the first-year players’ fours. -The latter is specially welcome. There is usually hardly sufficient to make this event interesting, but this year we are assured of a well-contested event. The enthusiasm and the high standard of play of first year players as a rule exhibited should make this contest one of exceptional interest. There has been some remarkable form exhibited in this direction already. It is quite certain that bowling has profited very largely by the quality of beginners who have been initiated into the art of bowling this year. EXECUTIVE FOURS The executive fours this year are notable for the entry from Te Puke. This is the first time on record that a country club has entered for this event. An opinion might be advanced that the teams in this event could preferably have been skipped by the presidents of each club. This would have made it more of a social event, which was intended originally. Many names are included in this capacity which are not on the presidents’ list. THE GREENS The greens selected by the centre executive are of a high order, notably Mount Albert, Devonport, St. Heliers, and Auckland. With the Ponsonby green it is always difficult to obtain a good surface. The basis of the green is against the fast-playing surface. However, this year the green has been playing well, and has justified its inclusion by the centre executive in this tournament. The Auckland green has shown a marked improvement this year, thanks largely' to the introduction of new blood on the Match Committee. The inclusion of Stanley is open to comment. This green is far from good at the present time. It is stiff and hard, while large patches of clover are in evidence. In addition to this, the green has subsided on the seaward side a little, this factor making long heads rather difficult to play on one or two rinks. It is most distressing to see a well-drawn bowl trundle slowly on and on, until it finds a place in the ditch instead of being snugly tucked beside the kitty. That the centre had to include this green is unfortunate. THE EASTER FOURS Section A has some very fine teams, ; which should provide good games. The chief among these are Truscott (Carlton), who won the Christmas tournament, and did so well at Rotorua. He is playing exceptionally well this year, which is evidenced by his winning the champion singles of this club. Benson (Dominion Road) should put up a good showing. His record in his own club last year puts him in the front rank of players. O. Gallaher (Grey Lynn), the new champion of champions, is bound to make his presence felt. His play will be watched with great interest. Muston (Auckland) is at last out with a team of his own. This player has sterling qualities, although it might be said that he is rather pronto speculative shots, instead of solid play. They are very fine when they come off, but the reverse when the luck is running against you. Section B includes a young playei in the person of C. Mountain (Carltoil), also C. Hardley (West End), who did well in the pairs tournament, and Wakerley (Rocky Nook), that famous old skip. Section C.—F. Laurenson (Carlton) E. Jury (Rocky Nook), Gatlanrl (Onchunga), are all good players. Laurenson, that great stylist in bowls, is always sure, to do well. E. Jury, although he has not done anything of note since he joined Rocky Nook this year, is always to be reckoned with as a doughty exponent of the highest skill. Section D, which includes Foubister (Epsom), Potter (West End). Clark (Mount Albert) is also a good section. but not heavy. Clark and Potter did well in the recent pairs contest, and are in good form. Section E. —G. Hoskings (Carlton), Torrance (Ponsonby), Mingins (Epsom). Garry (West End). E. Wright (Onehunga), Johnson (Stanley). Hoskings is always good for a sterling game, also Torrance. Unfortunately, the latter is unwell at the present time. Garry and Johnson are worth-while players. E. Wright, the runner-up for this event last year, will make an excellent showing, as usual. SOUTH AUCKLAND VISITOR Section F.—Casey (Carlton). do Launay (Epsom), Little (Grey Lynn), P. Scantlebury (Auckland), arc some of the very fine players in this section. Casey’s name is still fresh in the public mind from his good bowling of last week. P. Scantlebury is a young player of the greatest promise. His record in the Auckland Club, and his performance cf last Christmas, are convincing evidence of his ability. Little and de Launay ai*e always sure of excellent bowling. H. Wright (St. Heliers) will also give a good account of himself. The inclusion of a Frankton team is worthy of interest. and most welcome. That South Auckland players should take part in our events is to be commended. Hope is expressed that in all events in the future that the open-door policy will be introduced to attract players from other parts. _ _ * The play will begin on Good Friday Anril 15, with section play foi three days running. The two-life system is being adopted. The greens should be in’ excellent order if the rain clears a few days befoie that time. .