ON THE GREEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 168, 6 October 1927, Page 8

ON THE GREEN

Bowls and Bowlers

By

JACK HIGH

Not many moons ago—and, incidentally, indecently wet ones, too, from a bowler’s point of view—it was stated that the Auckland Bowling Centre executive intended, in the future, calling meetings whenever the occasions warranted. This was held out as a definite indication of that body’s ready willingness to further any movement at all which would in any way assist the sports in Auckland and bowling generally. Last week a very strong case was made to the bowling centres throughout the Dominion to expedite the finalising of the many complicated details that surround the coming Australia v. New Zealand test match, by convening meetings of all those who intend to take part in the Melbourne carnival. In response the Auckland Centre promptly called its meeting as suggested on Tuesday night, and set a worthy example to the other centres throughout the Dominion. At that meeting it was decided to circularise all the clubs, asking for all names that might be included. These bowlers will then be called to a further meeting on October 26. It must be a matter for admiration to all bowlers, and thankfulness to those who are specially interesting themselves in the initial stages of this great event, that the meeting was called so promptly. It is to the credit of the Auckland Centre that it assumed such a busi-ness-like attitude. Another important point is that the lead given here will most likely be followed by the other centres. It is worthy of note that Sir William Brunton, president of the Australian Bowling Association, will be passing through Auckland during the weekend, and further details of the Australian carnival will be available from him. PRESS AND PRINTERS The Press and Printers made another attempt to get off: their annual fixture on Saturday last. During the week spring weather set in clear and warm. There was every indication that this long-looked-for fine weather would continue over the week-end and allow the fixture to be completed. In fact, the morning of the appointed day gave every promise of an ideal type of spring afternoon. Some forty players presented themselves on the Re mu era green, and the Remuera men rolled up in equal force to give their guests a really warm welcome and a good game. In the absence of the president, Mr. W. Me* Callum welcomed the visitors on behalf of his club Until afternoon tea adjournment, the chances of winning were distributed, there being only a few points between the opposing teams, the aggregate totalling slightly in favour of the Press ar. d Printers. However, it was destined that this year, at least, the weather was to interfere with this event. For at this stage rain delayed the proceedings. A few more heads were played during an intervening lift in the weather, but the game had to be finally abandoned, with the total scores at 177 for Remuera and 152 points for the Press and Printers. THE REMUERA CLUB The Remuera Club’s property looks in the pink of condition. The “cottage green” was utilised for this match for the first time this year. It ran perfectly true and very fast. The pavilion green, which was resown at the close of last season, is a sweet picture of bright, green sward. A new green is in the course of formation right behind the pavilion, which will be ready for play in March next year. Then the Remuera Club will be able to boast of the largest play areas in any club in the world. It will be able to accommodate no fewer than 432 players in a rink tournament, and upon 36 rinks. This is another striking example of club growth, which speaks volumes for the wonderful growth of the game on the green in the Queen City of the North. It will be possible now for the Remuera Club to accommodate comfortably 300 members.

The* long deferred final match for the crowning honours in the Dominion Road Club’s 3rd of June tournament was played between two very excellent teams on Saturday—Ure, Percy, Kirkham, Bremner, of West End, and Carbines, Drummond, Rolf, Parsons, of Ponsonby. It was expected that a close contest would eventuate; but the Ponsonby team struck top form at the outset of the game and led to the finish. At one stage the score had the large difference of 27—8, and from that time on the Ponsonby skip, Parsons, had only to prevent his opposition from making big scores, to bring his team home to victory. The final result was 27—14. Throughout the game the Ponsonby team drew with wonderful precision. The outstanding player was Rolf. It is to his credit that he played most excellent bowls throughout the game. Parsons showed his usual reliability in drawing the shot. The West End team, on the other hand, was kept continuously on the defensive, and the skip, Bremner, drove throughout the game. THE EDWIN STARS COMPETITION The Epsom team —C. L. Blakey, O. Blakey, T. R. George, A. Blanchard.— were successful in retaining the stars against a challenging team from West End, comprising Cox, Potter, C. Hardley, Irving Clarke. The match was of particular interest from the fact that the West End team comprised the players who made such a remarkable showing in the Denison Pins competition during the winter. However, on this occasion, the same balance of play was not in evidence. The West Enders led for the first eight heads, after which they were unsuccessful in being up on the score board. On the Epsom side, the front rankers had a day on top form. Both C. L. Blakey and O. Blakey displayed remarkable skill, especially O. Blakey, who was undoubtedly the “star” of the game. The West End skip was thereby placed on the defensive and drove excellently, there being no less than seven dead heads during the contest. Rain somewhat marred the proceedings and rudely interfered with the fine play on both sides during the latter half of the game, which was abandoned on the 20th head, with the West End team having to attempt the impossible—seven points to win on the last head—the final score being 21 —15 in Epsom’s favour. CENTRE EXECUTIVE MOVEMENTS

On Saturday afternoon last the Centre executive were the guests of the members of Rawhiti Club. A very pleasant afternoon was spent. The Rawhiti Club, headed by its genial president, Mr. J. B. Paterson, gave its guests a real bowlers' welcome and provided them with a very fine game. Mr. S. Coldicutt, in the absence of Mr. James Pascoe, skipped one of the official teams, while Mr. J. -W. Kardley headed another team. It is good to see the centre executive devoting such close attention to the smaller clubs. It has been proved that these visits help materially in their success. Recently the centre executive visited a young club. As a result of the little publicity that was occasioned by the visit,* locally, no less than ten new members were enrolled. These visits certainly tend to warm up enthusiasm. Mr. Pascoe and Mr. Gladding were present at the early opening of the Mangere Club, one of the baby clubs of Auckland. A very pleasant afternoon was spent. The prospects for the season in this club are excellent. NOTES AND NEWS No fewer than 18 excellent teams have entered for a mid-week one-day tournament, which was held at Mount Eden yesterday. The final of this event should provide an excellent game with such a brilliant array of players. There are still vacancies for a few teams for the Epsom Club’s Labour Day tournament.