BOWLING SPASMS

Observer, Volume XXXII, Issue 25, 2 March 1912, Page 18

BOWLING SPASMS

[By " The Ditchb*,"J

ONE of the most successful bowling -tournaments ever held by a club has just eventuated at Rotorua. The club are to be congratulated on their 10th effort. The weather was not "quite up to the mark on the first morning, but to their credit,'the club managed to get the programme finished to time. Rotorua was en fete last week. Bowlers from near and far, including a Wellington team, rolled up on the day and nttysix teams (two more than started in the Auckland championship) took part. It was two o'clock on M<relay before the players got ix) work, but when they started the games were got on with in business style. President Blow, of the Rotorua Bowling Club, welcomed the visiting bowlers in* a neat, brief speech, and declared the different greens open for play. The greens were found to be in good condition considering the amount of bowling that is done by globe trotters and visiting bowlers on tour. The new green was heavy, hut for its age played true. The difference between the three greens was quite a puzzle to most of the trundlers. The first green was very heavy, and the second or old green was just about the average thing. The third green was semiheavy, and not true. However, after the boys got used to them some of the closest games resulted. The pick of the greens was the old or centre one.

Jim Wakerley, the skip that knocks at the door pretty often, got in this time. He only had one stumble —that against Otahuhu. His performance was a masterly one. His leader, Fred Ellisdon, stood well to his work. The others had tasks that they fulfilled well. Kays at times got in some solid work; his running shots were telling, and his instruction sound. The Rocky Nook Club ought to be proud of their reps., as.they played in a sportsmanlike way, and with a very friendly spirit, which won over their opponents as friends, which is surely a testimonial to the team's clean work. The win was popular and extremely well received by the assembled bowlers.

President Blow, on behalf of his Rotorua Clubmates, presented the medals to the winners and also thanked the visiting bowlers for their courtesy in rolling up in such large numbers, and remarked that there had been no bickering or unpleasant incident during the whole of the tournament. Mr Maurice Casey, the President of the A.P.8.A., thanked the Rotorua Club for their splendid treatment during their stay, which had been one of the pleasantest and most enjoyable that he and his brother bowlers had ever attended. Three hearty cheers for each other, and an extra for the President, ended a wonderfully well-conducted tournament.

The Whitiora Club had all Rotorua with them in the tournament. They played a fine game, and had a bit of hard luck several times, yet they were beaten by a better team in Wakerley's. The Whitiora skip v Condon, was a team in himself halt the time, and did a lot of splendid work. Hie saves at times were clever. His club had a hard doer, and they may justly feel proud of his efforts on their behalf. His team, except the leader, were now and then a little off ; still, they fought out a grand game anjd deserved their success.

Wellington made a game fight at Rotorua all through, although at ximes cutting it fine. They were a tough lot, and though they were a lonely four in the extreme North, they did all they could to uphold the honour of the Capital. They really

deserved a special prize for their tenacious fight for the honours.

The guests at Park View, Rotorua, took the opportunity to present their fellow guest with an extremely handsome bouquet on his departure for Auckland last Monday. He hajd been such a jolly good fellow to the large Epsom party that this small token of their respect was well thought out. Mr W. Smith has a great taste for rare flowers. The presentation was made at the Rotorua railway station by Mr Eagleton, who was deputed by the company to make the presentation, and he did so in a brief speech. Owing, to some mistake the recipient, who was evidently taken for a bridegroom, was showered with rice. However, it did Wally no harm to have this trifling event repeated, as he has been through the mill long ago.

The Rotorua Club had a final flutter on the Saturday. A 7-head tournament, with 20 teams competing, took place on Saturday afternoon. After a tip-top afternoon's play, Kirkby and Eagleton tied with all wins and halved the trophies.

The greens were in the best condition they had been in.

There is talk at Rotorua of a huge bowling cup to be competed for. It is understood that the proprietors of the many big houses are willing to contribute a good round sum to purchase a gold cup, to be competed for annually. Mr Martin Taylor, also, is willing to help the fund. It is more than a suggestion that this will take some form as mentioned.

President Laurenson, of the Haitiatia Club, Wellington, has been sojourning in Rotorua during the tournament. He helped the Wellington team during the week.

It is rather a strange coincidence that Rocky Nook won the double again. They did the same trick about three years ago. Mt. Eden did the same last year. In the present case, Wakerley, Hodgson, Kayes and Ellisdon won the fours ; and Colledge and H. Jenkin won the doubles. The latter had a good run and were a staunch pair. Their combination was a feature, and the club have two real champions at the drawing game in these gentlemen.

Everitt and Clarke did a lot of choice bowling in the pairs go at Rotorua. Up to the final they were as strong as mustard, but tired at the finish. Still, their performance was full of merit. They hail from the Otahuhu Club) though Clarke has put in most of his bowling career at New Plymouth. This player skipped the team that beat Rocky Nook in their section — their only loss.

In the match Carlton v. Howick, the Howick men were hardly up to their opponents. They, however, put in some good work and won on one rink and lost on the other. Barnett beat Rowe, and President Gil-, mour had to be content with second, place against Thompson. The game was^-enjoyed by the players, and a return match will likely be fixed up, as these two clubs have struck up a brotherly attachment for each other.

Our illustration this week is that of the Northend Club's (Invercargill) crack rink, which won the Champion Fours at the Southland Centre's tournament last month. This team went through the competition with-

out a loss, and took the first prize in the Provincial match. By the way, Rankin's team, which tied for first place with Mcintosh's four in the City match, had only one loss, and it was Hunter's four that put them down. Perhaps we may see these players up our way next year. Let us hope so. Mt. Eden and Mt. Albert had a trial of strength on Saturday. The reps, from the Whau mountain had more than they could digest, as every rink went down. Burns had the big win of the day ; his team, Dickenson, Taylor and "Ore, played like clock-work, and put on 32, while Coyle mustered 16. Mr Matt. Barnett, President of the Canterbury Bowling dub, was giving Mt. Albert a hand. The President of the A.P.8.A., Mr Mauric Casey, replied on behalf of the visitors at the Rotorua Bowling Tournament. The visitors were asked to give three heatry cheers for the club for their kindness and courtesy, and they were given with great enthusiasm.