BOWLERS' DUTIES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2971, 8 January 1917, Page 11

BOWLERS' DUTIES

(By "Skip.") As the big tournament is to begin to-day some- few hints upon etiquette and play might possibly bo of some service, particularly to younger players. Most brcacaes are tho result of ignorance or thoughtlessness, and as tho game is one for gentlemen, no player has the.dbsire to act in any but the most approved fashion. Skips.—A skip should show his opponent that samo consideration he would oxpeot to have shown to himself. Common mistakes are uoglecting to straighten, ono's own kitty; not moving out of tho way when opponent is directing his No. 3. Standing alongside the skip and moving just as lie is about u> deliver his bovrl is reprehensible, and could almost be termed sharp practice. Get well behind and stay there. Mark your own touches, and when abont to play, ■ goodness sake —say: "I'll do this, or that," rather be modest, and say: "I'll try," etc. Don't hesitate to consult your No. 3 when there is any doubt. Two heads aro better than one, and you make your roan feel happier and play better by such acknowledgement. Don't talk too much or show un-duo elation. It is rather meau, as the gain that elates you to joyous expression is at the cost of your opponent, and it is bad taste to rub it in. Pay particular attention to your team's strong'points and weakr.esees, and do not fail to direct your men on their favourite hands if possible. It is always bad policy to grouse at your team, and makes for worse, rather than better, play. On the other baud, don't applaud a rotten shot. It is not honest, and could easily be mistaken for sarcasm Say exactly what you mean, and don't be indefinite in your directions. Vague expressions, such as "Be up to it," or '"Come on with a bit oi running," should be avoided. Better to say: "I want you to draw, and not to be afraid of being up," or "Take it out," as the case may' bo. When you say. "1 want a yard on," menu it, and do. not expect a drive. It is always well beforehand to be certain your team understands you, so that in play they will endeavour to do as you desire. No. 3.—The great fault with tho average- third.plajer is his intense desire- to direct his skip. On no account, and many games have been lost for this one reason, should ho direct his skip how to play his first shot, unless, of course, the opposing skip lias played first, and the position of the head has boon materially altered. A good rule is to give no directions at all. unless alteration in tbo head, which is not apparent, has been made. Your skip has determined to <tu when ho goes down to play, and it is very upsotting to him to bo given a direction other than that which ho is deterrnivad upon. That creates a- doub.,, and makes- for uncertainty in play. Take, a fair share of tho kicking bacK of bowls. Don't bo too anxioue to do all the measuring if your opposing player shows a desire for a share. Uii no account make remarks to your 1 and 2, such as "Ho is bringing you ou the wrong hand," "Why. .docsirt he lot you'drive it out, otc. Micl) expressions lessen the confidence o the team in the skip's ability and votir own chaiioes of winning. Never try to induce your skip to drive by misstatement, such as "Take-ins out for u." The skipper might do it without further disturbing the head, and will lose faith in you and _ ignore your directions if he finds.after all there is only one or two in it. No 2—Your jub is to keep the scores, and in this connection, you ought to chock yuur opponents card and the board by your own from time to time. It might savo dispute. Draw attention at once to any inaccuracy. See that you have found your bowls, aud Siro ready to play immediately your turn comes. W-hen.you have | pLaycd sit on tho bauk. Hub last applies equally to the fircl players. No. 2 should try nevnr to be short, but rather to cur on the side of being well up. , Lead.—The second player on each head places the mat for tho first, and should not neglect his duty. As Boon as tho bowls are kicked hack, .the player leading off should! bo ready to throw the jack and put away his bowl. - Many start an exploration after their wood when they ought to bo playing. This means delay, and in n tourney adds considerably to.tne strain of all players. : To All.—Be at your nnk to tune. Unpunctuality is diECourtesy in its worst form. With four games each day thero is considerable strain, particularly on tho skip and No. 3. who should both endeavour to £et all the rest possible. Sit down whenever you can, if it is only for a fe'.v seconds. If one of your team plays short when he ought to have been well up- say nothing—the player knows all about it, and feels worse for Jim failuvo than you do. Besides, remember that you can play bad ones, too Do not forget to shake bantfs with j'our opponent, win or lose, and remember it is quite easy to say somethiii" to take away tho sting of defeat or to shc-tt- you aro feeling no resentment merely because you are beaten. , ■ n. r These fe,v tips are the rosult ot experience, wd are well known to most old ptoyers. Younger players, in tho main, neglect them. TE HIWI BOWUNC CLUB, A number of tho visiting bowlers were entertained-at tho week-end by Mr. Charles Hill, senr., and members of the Te Hiwi Bowling Club. The ladios provided afternoon.tea, which, wit hthe excellence of tho green and tho beauty of the surroundings, wag greatly appreciated by the visitors. A number of short games wero played with the following results:— Skoglund (Stratford), 16; Griffin (Motueka), 7. ... Mason (Pihama), 9; Saywell (Feildin\Valko'r (Ponsonby), 8; Orchard (Ohristclnirch), 5. . Lamb (Carlton), 4; Guernoy (Christchurch), 10. Haworth (Canterbury), 9; Scrivener (St. John's), 11. 'Smith (Waipawa), 5; Haldano (lakaka), 8. Blackwootl (Wcstport), 4; Horner (To Hiwi), 13. Ken- (Eketahuna), 5; Kilgour (Carlton), 20. Haldano (Nelson), 9; Wilson (Te Hiwi), 5. M'lntosh (Onchunga), 9; Griffin (Motuoka), I. Shaltcrass'CFo Hiwi), 10; Mason (Pihama), 9. Slcoginnd (Stratford), 5; Crawford (Nelson). 10. Langsfortl (Ponsonby), 10; Angus (Rangiom). 3. Wylio (To Hiwi), G; Walker (Ponsonby), 12. Hill (Te Hiwi), 10; Orchard (Christchurch), 7.