BOWLING.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1928, Page 4

BOWLING.

WEST COAST TOURNAMENT. ’The West Coast Centre bowling tournament which opened last Monday morning was concluded on Friday afternoon with the exception that the filial game to decide the winners of the pairs championship lias yet to be played. Perfect weather prevailed on the Monday. The Grey green was rough as the result of a lot of top dressing having been put On. wnich had not settled down, owing to the dry weather. As a result the howls were very dirty and the play was not as true as could have been wished. Rain on Monday night settled the top dressing, and made the green play considerably better, though it was remarkable what a difference there was in the speed of some rinks as against others due to pa toy grass and sand unevenness. Tile play throughout was of a high quality, hut it was remarkable how performances varied as between play on one rink and another. Sixty-four players were engaged in the rink play for the first two days and filled the green to capacity. The Hokitika rink had four straight out wins and then suffered two losses, Page (Lyttelton) winning that section with six wins. This popular skip was at the height of his form when playing Stevenson’s rink, and gave a wonderfully line exhibition, the results achieved being almost uncanny at times, making his opponent's efforts look very puny. His line work was mainly responsible lor the smashing win achieved. E. Holmes iflreymouth) also had the satisfaction of lowering Stevenson’s colours. ’Wednesday and Thursday were devoted to the pairs section play, and here again the play was excellent. The local Club representatives had mixed resiilis, Benjamin and Stevenson. Ha latter leading, instead of skipping, having the most success. They managed to heat the skips of the two teams who had beaten them in the rinks the previous day. but in turn were beaten by Captain I iilloch, of Westport, and this left three in the section tie--Page, Benjamin and Tulloeh. These section ties were played off on Thursday evening before a large gallery, who had a great two and a half hours of interest. Ron jam in and Page first met, but both Stevenson and his skip were fairly on the job and they were enabled to score solidly, with the result that at the Gth head, with one head to go. Page required 8, (the full complement) to tie, and retired. The winners then met Wilson and Tulloch, who had also beaten them earlier in the day, but alter a line exibition of bowls, Hokitika had a load of tivo, when tlie last head was commenced. Leading Well and exceptionally steady as he had been throughout the two ties. Stevenson placed his side in a good position and Tulloch failing to break the lie drove and burnt the head. This performance was repeated four times in succession, the head being burnt on each occasion hv Tulloch. A longer jack was then thrown, and this time with the lay of the play all against him, Tulloch just failed h.v inches to hit Kitty and the game ended after nearly two hours exciting play, leaving Stevenson and Benjamin winners of the section.

Play at the Runangn green had progressed smoothly during the lour days the rinks and section winners having been found. The condition ol the Runangn green was stated to he of a very excellent mil tire and the hospitality of the lady supporters of the Club a pleasure to remember. In this latter respect every possible tiltent ion was given to players and visitors by the lady members of the Grey Club and appreciation was very Warmly voiced. Friday was the day of the finals. These progressed smoothly in the morning when the first round of rinks and pairs was played. In the rinks Reid (Wellington) defeated Page (Lyttelton). leaving the final to be played by Reid and Rose (Westport). In the pairs Benjamin defeated Blair (Grey). Green (Westport) beat AVhihley (Grey), and Graham (Grey) beat Levy (Westport). The draw left Benjamin to meet Green, Graham having a live. Play in this game commenced at I p.nt.. after a shower, and play had hardly commenced when rain recommenced and it continued throughout. Under the circumstances tlie quality of the play suffered. Stevenson at once found the weight and with his partner quickly following the game was soon easily in their favour. Half wet through when the bell rang for Hie final, a conference between Benjamin and Graham resulted in a decision to await a fine afternoon for tlie final. It was to have been played on Saturday hut heavy rain fell at I p.nt and the game is now set down for next Saturday.

.Meanwhile the final of the rinks commenced at 2 p.m. with light rain falling, the two teams desiring to return home the next morning. The rain came down heavier and pools of water lay over the green. The game was absolutely spoilt, but Rose (AYestport) and bis team managed to get the best results from the special eondions and won the game and the coveted championship. The presentation of the Usher Cup followed. Afr .Tamos Ring (Chairman of the Centre) expressing his regret that n wet day had marred the play of the filial, blit expressing his pleasure at the success of the winner, AH J. Rose.

SINGLES CHAAIPION. After heavy rain the previous afternoon and night, the Grey green was heavy when the champion of champions singles was decided on Saturday morning. The rain held off till 12.30 when light rain fell, but tlie games were nearly completed by this time, AH Aferecr (Greymouth) proving the winner, having three wins. Afr Stevenson (Hokitika) being runner-tip with two wins. The results were:— •First round.—Sara (Westport) 19. Leach (Runangn) 13. Mercer (Greymouth 18. Stevenson (Hokitika) 10. Second toilful.—Mercer 24. Sara 5. Stevenson 21. Leach 6. Third round.—Afercer 21. Leach 17. Stevenson 23, Sara 14 AViEST COAST CENTRE AfEETING. The annual meeting of the AYcst Coast Centre of the N.E. Bowling Association was held in the Greymouth Bowling Club’s pavilion on Friday afternoon at 5 o’clock, present: Messrs Janies Ring (Chairman). P. Struthers (Westport), T, Bowes (Runangn), and A. E. Benjamin (Hokitika). The President reported that since ! last meeting he had been unable to secure a gentleman to act as Secretary and Treasurer and meantime he had endeavoured to carry on the business personally.—The action of the Chairman was approved, appreciation being expressed of the attention given. Mr Struthers reported that Dentiiston Green would bo probably ready for sowing in grass this year, but tlie Afillerton green was not quite so forward, as a result of heavy stone formation having to he blasted out when the excavation fol- the green was being made. There was also a four rink i green preparing at Sergeant’s Hill some three miles outside of Westport, I —The report Was received and con-' sidered very satisfactory, *■

Mr Benjamin reported that a green was being laid down by Dr Bucharinn at Hie -Mental Hospital, Hokitika, on which good progress was being made. In connection with some discussion that had taken place during the present tournament, in connection with the draw for the section winners play, it was resolved to look into the rules of the N.Z.B.A. in regard to the subject and refer same to the next howling tournament executive for consideration. It was resolved that next year’s tournament be held tit Hokitika, in the second week in February, and that any overflow be played on tlie Grcyinouth Club’s Green, and that rinks and pairs he played as usual. It was further resolved that the champion of (champion singles he played next year tit Hokitika and that onwards this contest always take place in the same week and at the same place as the annual tournament, it being considered that this would he more suitable for players, and would save them unnecessary extra expense in travelling. It was resolved that the appointment of jt secretary and treasurer he lett to Mr Ring to arrange, Mr Brobner promising assistance in the matter, il possible. The Chairman referred to the success of the tournament and thanked Air Bowes and the Runangn Club for his compJete aflitutgU'ineiits for tihe overflow of the tournament, and the generous hospitality extended to the players by the Club and its lady friends. Air Bowes in acknowledging the remarks of the Chairman said he had received much assistance in the carrying out of the work from ATr AYarbtirLon and the meeting resolved to include the latter in the vote of thanks passed. It was resolved that appreciation ol the Greymouth Club’s work in tlie tournament be recorded, the tormal acknowledgement awaiting the reception of their statement and report at next meeting. Two small accounts were passed for payment. The chairman’s action in pitying the annual association levy was approved. It was resolved that delegates be notified of the date of the annual meeting nt least one week before the date of the annual tournament, the meeting to take place as agreed hist year, at whatever place the tournament was held, during that period, instead of directing members personally at the tournament, and so enabling proxies to be arranged for. if necessary. Air J antes Ring was unanimously re-elected Chairman for the ensuing period. The Tournament- Committee for next year was arranged to consist of the delegate of each Club on the Executive with ;t secretary and two extra members to be nominated by the Hokitika ('lull.