COMPETITIVE BOWLING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 15, 8 April 1927, Page 12

COMPETITIVE BOWLING

BECOMING A MENACE TO GAME DECLINE OF SOCIAL SIDE The alarming growth of competitive events, in comparison with social bowling is giving serious food for thought in bowling circles • The following article deals trenchantly with this subject, embodyina’ as it does, the expressed opinions of Mr. James Pascoe, president of the Auckland Centre, on the question.

Serious alarm is being expressed among bowlers in prominent positions that competitive bowling is increasing to such an extent that this element of the sport looks likely to entirely supersede social bowling in the near future. That this fear is well grounded is evidenced by the enormous increase in competitive events during recent years. It is now claimed with accuracy that there is almost a continuous succession of competitive events engaging the close attention of strong players from Christmas time until the end of the summer season, while, on the other hand, social inter-club competitions, which provide the average rank and file bowler with the fullest pleasure and which are the happy media for the social intercourse that bowling has been so truly famous for in the past, are on the marked decline.

No attempt is made to decry or belittle the very high standard of skill now displayed by our splendid exponents of the game in New Zealand. Contrary to this, however, there is every reason to believe that intense pride is widely and justly felt at the strength of play now exhibited in the game in this Dominion. In fact, when we look back over just a few years, and mark the rapid rise of “an old man’s game” to one of exceptional! j* high skill, it is fully justified and well worthy of the highest merit; at the same time, the splendid final contests provide model bowling examples of the highest order to all aspirants for playing honours. But it may also be said that all cannot be of the strong playing class. Figures prove conclusively that they are not. The competitive events, oil the other hand, are fought-out by quite a small fraction of the total. THE RANK AND FILE And it is to this large rank and file, who never enter for these events, that urgent attention is directed. It is justly and rightly contended that they have a strong claim to much more attention than has been given in the immediate past. As a matter of fact, to place the matter quite plainly, it might be clearly stated that the game to-day could not exist financially if it was not for this big tail of players now attached to the sport. Apart from this defensive point, however, the social side has been the noble heritage of the game handed to us as a legacy from the past. That is should provide the ideal of the future is most desirable, in the broad interests of the whole sport. Mr. James Pascoe, president of the Auckland Centre, has expressed himself very strongly and fully upon this question. He regards it as a matter that is most vital to the future of the sport. He regrets that delegates have, in the past, not availed themselves, at the centre meetings, of bringing forward constructive proposals from which a definite policy can be framed, which will effectively deal with the weakness.

He has expressly asked all clubs anrt even individual members to unhesi tatingly come forward upon this ques' tion. At the same time, that club* should inaugurate permanent inter' club competitions, where results do not count, is earnestly desired. The pen nant inter-club competition is franklv not of this class. It has long since ceased to be a social event. Again it must be emphasised, however, that the playing side is not decried and that this competition is purely of the competitive order. PONSONBY’S LEAD Quite an innovation, where results do not count, has been tried out most successfully by the Ponsonby Club. The experiment has been tried out and thoroughly enjoyed by all the members. The skips played five heads in their position, and changed over to leads. The latter went to “twos,” and the “threes” to skips. Another five heads were played and then all moved on again. This was continued until all the players had played in the positions of leads, “twos,” “threes” and

skips. By working this “out-in” system during the games, the experiment was an unqualified success. It has proved so successful that the club has decided to play all the ordinary draw matches left on this season’s programme under this system. The scheme should immediately commend itself to all clubs for a trial. From the playing side. also, the scheme has its value. It gives a most favourable opportunity for players to try themselves out in the different positions. Best of all it gives many members the opportunity to conduct the game, which they have often longed to do in many cases. If they show marked skill in this direction, it should reflect to their personal advantage and also to the club’s. ANOTHER SUGGESTION Another quite simple but effective plan that was found to possess splendid points for social bowling was tried out when the New South Wales president’s touring team was entertained in Auckland by Mr. A. W. Bryant, president of Ponsonby. The visitors were mixed with the members, two in each team. This, qf course, exactly was what the visitors wanted —to enjoy the companionship of fellow bowlers, and not the winning of games. That did not count with them. This scheme was put into operation again at St. Heliers. Probably there is no evening that can compare with the hearty good fellowship of bowlers, spent in bowlers’ company. Many clubs have a few scattered evenings during each year. It is proposed that these should be widely extended. In the words of Mr. J. W. Hardley, president of the Dominion of New’ Zealand Bowling Association, “the bowlers’ ideal should be sociability, hospitality and good fellowship.” For men of all professions, trades, occupations and shades of opinion to meet on one common ground —how can it be otherwise than a most effective social and democratic association? Such mental air spaces for the people are sadly needed by our nation at the present time.