SUMMER SPORTS COMMENCE

Chronicle (Levin), 22 October 1947, Page 3

SUMMER SPORTS COMMENCE

BOWLING, CROQUET AND TENNIS • Although weather conditions over •the past week or so have hardly favoured summer sport, three of the local clubs commenced their 194748 season on Saturday. After two weeks of intermittent rain and an all-night steady downpour, it appeared to the greens committee of the Shannon Bowling and Croquet Club that it would be impossible to open and play on Saturday afternoon, but with the cessation of rain and the addition of a strong breeze throughout the morning the greens, although still heavy, had dried sufficiently for the opening ceremony and games to take place. A large crowd gathered for the occasion. Mr. F. Edmonds, president of the bowling section, extended a welcome to the visitors from other clubs and new members. Mr. A. Gardner, vice-president of the Manawatu Bowling Centre, express'ed the good wishes ofHhe centre for the fqture of the club, and remarked on the improvement to the greens since his last visit to Shannon. Before callitig upon the Mayor (Mr. R. E. Downes) officially to open the section, the greens superintendent dr'ew attention to the tender playing surfaces and •asked for the co-operation of the players in the treatment of the greens. Mrs. S. Morrison, leader of the croquet section, threw up the first "kitty" of the season and Mrs. F. Edmonds rolled a neat first bowl. The gathering was welcomed to the croquet section by Mrs. Morrison. The MayOr, in declaring the lawns open, asked the president to hit the first ball. The ladies served a dainty afternoon tea in the clubhouse.

The croquet competition winners were: Rings, Mrs. T. Bell; heel, Mrs. Edmonds; ladder, Mrs. Clancy (Timaru), French, Mrs. J. T. Bovis; -hurry-scurry, Mrs. R. P. Lester and Mrs. Clancy.

ihe bowls resulted: Shannon defeated Foxton 20 — 13, Shannon lost to Levin Central 14—16, Hokowhitu 2 — 31, and Terrace End 14 — 19. On Saturday next the local. club i will be .represented at a Manawatu j Centre conference and executive j fours competition by Messrs F. Ed- , monds, H. Norris, E. Hook and R. Hook. A one day bowling tournament is i to be held on Labour Day and the ' committee would like all members j to make every endeavour to be I present. Several rinks from neighi bouring clubs have intimated that jthey will attend. Tennis Opening In spite of many other counter I attractions, there was a fair attend1 ance of players at the official opening of the Shannon Tennis Club's j 1947-48 seasons. ; In extending S Welqphie to thfe Inew members and visitors" f roria neighbouring clubs, the president, Mr. R. Vinsen stated that although the weather was hardly suitable for tennis, he felt sure that as it improved so would the attendance at ■the courts. Mr.- Vinsen paid tribute to Messrs H. Moore, A. Peni, K. Batt, C. Booker and A. McDowell, who had worked so hard to put the courts in such good playing order and improve ' the surroundings, making the courts a very attractive place. The president then called upon JUrs. Martin to serve the first ball of the season. Mr. Vinsen expressed the desire that all would enjoy a good day on the courts. A most enjoyable afternoon tea was served by the ladies.