BOWLING.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16433, 29 January 1919, Page 9

BOWLING.

NOTES JBY "SKIP/'

Practically all the Christcliurch bowlers who took part in the Auckland tournament have now returned home, and one and all arc loud in their praise at the treatment they received from their Northern friends. The principal topic is the fine greens on which they played, and although the> lost they have no excuses to offer, sucu as "the green was no good and impossible to play on," as we very often iiear locally. Commenting on the riuk which won the championship, o' ie pla}' p '" cxpiessed the opinion that he had never seen such a line rink before. Every man ■was in his proper place and tlia 111s own particular bit of work to perleetion. "There is no questiou about it that Jury's rink is one of the mos brilliant rinks I have ever seen play, said an old tournament player. hearing such glowing reports local bowlers will look forward to seeing this rink defending their title next year at Christchureh.

The Champion liinks tournament on the St. Albans green is proceeding apace. . On Saturday last Dobbs and Thompson played their game, and the last-named won rather easily. Thompson has now got to play Henderson, and the winner of this game will meet Dobbs in the final.

Another match for the Centre Challenge Badges was played on Saturday last, when a rink from Rangiorn, skipped bv Gibbs-Jordan, played Gagiiardi's champion rink. The match was very well contested right up _to the 19th head, the scores then being level. The last two heads proved fatal to ltangiora, the holders scoring a six. and a thrce 3 thus winning by nine points, the scores being 26 to 17. The next game for tho badges will be piaved against a Linwood rink skipped by T. Marriott, who will hare with him J. Marriott, T. Strange, and li. llead. J. R. Brunt was the next on the list, but as he will be out of town l'or a fortnight he had to withdraw in favour of the above.

The Canterbury Club concluded their Champion Jiink games on Saturday, when Ivirker and Benzie met in the final. The game was a fairly even one all through, and Kirker Avon by three points. Tho rink, which is composed of Dollan, Hagger, Burgess, and Ivirker (skip), will represent the club in the Champion of Champions Kinks.

The following is taken from a Sydney exchange: "No section of the sporting community has taken a more serious view of the war than the bowlers of this State, although they include in their numbers men who for the most part are beyond the age fitting them for the more Strenuous pasLinies. On the outbreak of hostilities 4..! years ago those controlling the game in this State decided that carnivals and ostentatious gatherings should cease, and that every effort should be devoted to helping the patriotic organisations that sprang into being. bo well did the players answer the appeal that, with the exception of the A.J.C., 110 sporting body gave so much aid to the good work so well perlormed by the generous and active war -workers of the State. Over £30,000 was collected. Now that the air is clear it has been decided to resume the convivial gatherings of the past. Easter lias been decided upon as a gala time s At a meeting of the Australian Uowiing Council held recently it was agreed that Sydney should be the rendezvous. This decision was telegraphed throughout tho States and Xew Zealand, and the spontaneous replies indicate that the greatest interstate carnival yet known to Australians will be held at that date in this city. A strong,,.committee •' of the New South Wales Bowling Association has been formed to conduct the carnival, and it is estimated that 500 players will contribute their help and enter the lists for the trophies to be presented. The business community will welcome this invasion, and it is hoped by the promoters that the opportunity will be seized by the trading community to fittingly mark the visitto the city of a number of prominent business people who will be among the visitors." I

The Linwood green presented an animated appearance last Saturday when a "Navy Day" afternoon was held. The green was full of bowlers, while the croquet lawn was also well patronised. Tho star game was the final of the champion rinks, which Was won by Marriott. During the afternoon tea was served by the ladies, and altogether the Nary League will benefit to the extent of about £1,3. Although invitations were sent to nearly all the other clubs in the city, only the Canterbury Club responded. Speaking to a local bowler the other day about greens, he expressed himself very forcibly on tho condition somo of tho greens have been allowed to get into. Whether the bad season has had anything to do with it or not bo could nob say, but the amount of clover to be seen on a good manv of the greens was alarming. He" was particularly well pleased "with the St. Albans green, which has not been in better playing condition for quite a long time.

For tho West Coast Bowling Tournament. which, takes place at Grcymouth ■011 February 11th and following days, t.lif» Hokitika Club vis entering three full rinks and six pairs. Interest will l>o added to this year's gathering bv the presence of outside teams, a rink from a Christ-church club mid one from a Lvttelton club having b~cn entered.