BOWLING SPASMS

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 14, 6 December 1919, Page 30

BOWLING SPASMS

[Bγ Sphere.]

Ponsonby Club. THE official opening of the Ponsonby Club was held on Saturday afternoon. The weather was dull and threatening, but despite such adverse conditions there was n large attendance of members and visiting bowlers from other clubs. It was pleasing to note the interest evinced by the large number of ladies present. * * * In his opening speech the President, Mr. A. Parsons, extended a hearty welcome to all, and trusted an enjoyable outing would result. Ho paid a well-deserved tribute to the Ladies' Committee, Mesdanies Snedden, Billington, 'Gardiner, Bray, Dickinson, Coppins, Campbell, Thompson, Pelham, and Rowland. The grounds and club-house were prettily decorated, while the tables, laden with dainty refreshments, were of a most appetising nature. The ladies bad laid the tables out in the Club colours of maroon and gold. and also with flowers that would blend to those colours. * * * The President, in referring to the excellent work accomplished by Messrs. Allom, Bray, Billington, Drummond, Moore, Capt. Smith. Gordon, Jones, Hawkins, Would. Haszard, and Clark, mentioned it was the untiring efforts of such members that contributed to the

success the Club enjoyed. Ewart's String Orchestra played a splendid selection of popular music. © ® ■ • ®> . Epsom Club. Of course, it couldn't be expected that a largei number of players would put in an appearance on Saturday with such a popular function as tho Agricultural Show being held a couple of minutes' walk away from the green. Then again, it is safe to say that there is not another local club with so many- members who have been identified with agricultural and pastoral pursuits as the Epsom Club, the result being that something like a couple of dozen players put in an appearance. The weather conditions also prevented many from rolling up, and before all the games were through rain set in, and play ceased for the day. * * * The finished games proved close and interesting, with one exception : Dixon's pair having a runaway victory over Clay's four to the tune of 25—8. * * * Wallace , and Francis had a real good tussle, although the former was in a good lead, the card showing ]]_3 on the 9th head. With four consecutive heads going Francis' way a different complexion was put on the game. From this on the scores were very evon, Wallace gaining the verdict on the last head with a brace, the scores being 17—16. * * * Grattan was in fine form against Foubistcr, 18—3, on the I.oth head, looking like a good thing fur him. But the unexpected took place, Foubister pulling his team together in brilliant fashion, no less than 14 going his way as the result of iowr heads, included in which was the feat of notching a full hand of eight —being the first of the season to take place. .But Grattan was dis-

mayed at this' extraordinary turn of and by careful and good play, and with the aid of a 3, 1, and 5, 'was able to run out a winner, 29—19. * * .* Wells still retained his wanning form by defeating President Milieu aftor a real good game, in which he had a slight lead up to the 14th head. But a 6 and 5 were very useful to Wells, who was playing well enough to maintain his lead.to the finish, 21—16 being the final scores. * * * Clay's four were in difficulties throughout against Dixon's four, only being able to score on seven of the 21 heads played, while included iv Dixon's score were two 3's, three 2's. and a 4, the final being 25—8. * * * Many of the Club matches are well through, the finished games showing that the selectors have done good work so far as the handicapping is concerned. So far several of the first years are showing promise, and as all beginners are the limit mark some of the older players will find them pretty hard nuts to crack. 9 Q> » Remuera Club. Club matches avoiv the order ot the day on tho Remuera Club's green, and the following matches were brought to an advanced stag* , : Champion Singles, Murdoch Pairs, Challenge Pairs. Clark Pairs. Hart Handicap Singles, and the Percentage Cliib Fours.

Grey Lynn Club. The Grey Lynn Club entertained a large number bowlers and lady friends at an "At Home" on Saturday. The pavilion was gaily bedecked with flags, and the function was one of the most successful yet held. Mr. G. Eady's orchestra provided a bright programme of music, and afternoon tea was supplied by a ladies' committee. The president. Mr. Geo. Cater, welcomed the visitors and new members. The secretary, Mr. Sketch, had made the arrangements in a capable manner. An interesting number of games wore played until the rain compelled the players to retire. ® 9 ® Auckland Club. Notwithstanding the counter-at-traction of the Show last week-end, there was a large attendance of members on the Auckland green.. * • * Club Fours were the order of the day, but unfortunately the afternoon's pleasure was marred by the rain, which necessitated an early finish. Only three out of the ten rinks playing completed their full quota of twenty-one heads. * * * Some of the uncompleted games gave promise of a very close finish. On several of the rinks then , was only a difference of one or two points on the 18th head, when play ceased. * » • A hard-fought game was played between teams skipped by DivHardU , Neil and Muston. On only one iv-

dividual head (and that the opening one) more than two points were scored by either side. The game finished up in a tie, 16 points all. * *" * Next Saturday the Pennant In-ter-club matches will be continued, when the Mother Club meets teams from West End and Mt. Albert in friendly contest. ®> Gg> ■ »■' Mt. Eden. The second draw for the VicePresident's Fours eventuated last Saturday on anything but ideal bowling weather, but though the light misty rain dampened the green slightly, " and the bowlers' wearing apparel, it most certainly did not damped the enthusiasm of members of the twelve rinks who competed in it. t • * * The Club is very fortunate in having so many members always ready and willing to be doing something for the good of the Club. The latest addition to the Club's property being a donation from Mr. E. V. Pollard of a very useful and ornamental cupboard, which the Club was badly in need of. Mr. Pollard's action is only one of the many acts , of gejnercjpity from members, and he can rest assured his gift is highly appreciated.

(Owing to pressure of space the Bowling news has been unavoidably curtailed.)