BOWLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 288, 6 December 1933, Page 4

BOWLING

I

"THE SKIP.")

Nixon Cup games were again thc order of thc day last Saturday, while another round will be played next Saturday. The greens are keeping up now that warmer weather conditions prevail. The game between Wanganui and St. John’s Clubs on Saturday will be their last games in the Nixon Cup competition, thc smaller clubs requiring another round to complete their games. St. John’s are undefeated, while Wanganui lost to Wavorley only.

Commencing in 1924 and continuing each year up till 1931, the annual visit to Ohakune and Raetihi of centre delegates and membeis of city clubs was an event appreciated by the clubs mentioned, and pleasure was expressed when it was announced that thc visit was being resumed this year. Four rinks made thc trip during the week end, one rink going first to Taumarunui, the latest addition to the centre, and joining up with the others at Ohakunc. Although the city members won all the series of games, this was a matter of little importance, as the standard of play of tho country clubs was very high and they were opposed by teams containing eleven club skips out of the sixteen players. The purpose of the visit was the show interest in the welfare of these clubs, and that they succeeded was shown by the remarks of thc various officials of the clubs visited. Included in the party was the president of thc centre and the delegates of the three clubs. Splendid arrangements had been made for the entertainment of the visitors, and the excellent greens were a surprise to those members who had not made the trip before. Thc Raetihi green in particular impressed the visitors, and it is doubtful if there is a better green in New Zealand. There certainly is not one in Wanganui to equal it. The wonderful improvement in the Ohakune green since the last visit was a welcome surprise. Although not the picture that Raetihi presents, it played true and keen, and is set in surroundings that could hardly be equalled anywhere. The writer did not visit Taumarunui but is informed that their green is a very fine one also, while the players are keen. They arc wonderful sports up in the King Country districts and spare no trouble to give visitors a good time. On this occasion most time was spent in Raetihi, where tho afternoon game was played, this club entertaining thc visiting bowlers at an evening function. Tho visitors were presented by thc patron of the Raetihi Club, Air. Hanis, with club buttons, recently procured by that gentleman, and they will be valued highly by the recipients. At Taumarunui Air. Alanson, in the absence of thc president, Air. Boles, welcomed tho visitors, while Air. Hanger (Ohakune), and Mr. Archie Webb (Raetihi), did the honours as presidents of their respective clubs. The earlier date of the visit this year seemed more suitable than thc time previously chosen, usually l*obruary, and thc visits will be continued annually about this date.

Thc visiting bowlers to Ohakune were much impressed by a handsome shield in this club’s pavilion. It was made by Mr. F. Epiha and is principally carved work, with suitable mountings. It was presented by the maker for annual competition in bowling, tennis, croquet arid cricket between the districts of Ohakune, Raetihi and Taumarunui. It is known as the Afaungarongo Combined Sports Shield and is a credit alike to the ability and the generosity of tho donor. That it is not safe sometimes to forecast a decision in a bowling game until tho last bowl is played was exemplified in a pennant match at Auckland recently, when West End players visited the Grey Lynn green. The West End skip was five down with one head to go, and most of his clubmates had departed feeling that thc position was hopeless. He ’came to light, however, with six points on thc head, which feat gave his rink victory by one point. St. John’s Club Notes Thc St. John’s Club was again successful in Nixon Cup matches on Saturday, winning from Gonville and Wanganui West. Both these clubs play practically all their members iu this competition, so St. John’s have noth ing to crow about over winning. Alcmbcrs all sincerely regret thc death of Air. W. B. Lawrie, a most popular member of tho club. At thc call of thc president, Air. Wight, a short silence was observed in his memory before play commenced on Saturday. Alcmbcrs also regret the absence from the green of another popular member in the person of Air. W. Brown. The writer missed this genial player, but was not aware that he was so ill until just recently. Congratulations are extended to W. Bourne and his lead, C. S. Brown, on winning the 1932-3 B pairs championship. This game was played after the cup matches on Saturday and was closely contested by the runnersup, Dave Lattimore and F- Stringer, who also arc to be congratulated on getting to the final. Thc club’s representatives were not successful in their challenge to Gon ville for the Keesing Cup. Evidently members have not the same keenness to get into the teams for the Keesing and Hurn Cups, as only four names were put down for each when called for. Another Bannerette team will be selected before these notes appear, the game being against Wanganui on this occasion. The list of teams from St. John’s to play in the centre Christmas tournament is being posted at the pavilion. Up till Saturday they number eleven, with more to follow. The games in the font th round of the various singles and pairs competitions are being played now and should be completed before the last day set by thc match committee. After this round is complete tho usual record of results will bo posted inside the pavilion and kept up to date afterwards. The names of the leaders in these competitions will be given in next week’s noto-s. St John’s Club’s last game in tho Nixon Cup competition will be played on Saturday, their opponents being Wanganui Club.