ON THE GREEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 542, 20 December 1928, Page 18

ON THE GREEN

j | Bowls and Bowlers |

By

JACK HIGH.

i It is not widely known among the i bowlers at this end of the Dominion i t hat Mr. F. A. Saxton, Remuera’s popui lar skip, took an effective part in the formation of the Dominion of New' Zealand Bowling Association. when that governing body in bowling firs? came into existence. Then, Frank Saxton was secretary of the Canterbury Club, Christchurch, and in that position he boosted the old club into a very thriving organisation. Turning his attention next to the New Zealand Bowling Association, which had its headquarters in Dunedin, and controlled bowling in the South Island, he fought hard and long, eventually winning out on the question of forming centres for the sport in the respective important districts. The outcome was that, along with others, he formed the Christchurch centre, of which he became honorary secretary. Having accomplished this work successfully, he became concerned with the lack of enthusiasm in the sport evidenced in the City of the Plains. Not to be deterred with this 'aspect of affairs, he w'ent into the highways and the byways, and preached the formation of bowling clubs to such purpose that no less than five new' clubs found their place on the map of the city. Following on this splendid effort, he organised and personally conducted the exhibition tournament of 1908, which attracted entrants from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and is credited with being the largest tournament conducted in New Zealand up to that time. Frank Saxton’s crowning work in the interests of the game was the bringing into line of all the centres in the South, including the Christchurch centre, of which he was secretary, when the Dominion Association was formed. It will be seen from this brief summary that when Frank Saxton tackled a job, he did if thoroughly, and that he possesses rare, outstanding executive ability, which was wonderfully appreciated in the South. The amazing point that naturally arises is that his services have never been requisitioned since he came to take up his permanent residence in Auckland. Surely there is a wonderful opportunity here for such a capable worker in Auckland bowling. #

C. J. Wallace, of the Caulfield Park Club, Melbourne, is in Auckland. He arrived here on the last trip of the Niagara. *

Tw'o entries have now been received by the Auckland Centre for the coming Christmas tournament. This obviates any byes in the section play, and makes the total entries up to (50, which is the same number of teams as last year. Those players who have entered will now be assured of the full number of games.

Mr. W. Truesdale, of the Californian Bowling Association, is in Auckland, and was entertained at the Mount Eden green on Tuesday by Mr. A. J. Parker.

On Saturday last, the third clash for the concluding honours of the inter-club pennant competition, occupied the attention of bow'lers in Auckland. Although the day was brilliant and the greens ran smoothly, after the recent heavy rains, a tricky wind made fine bowling somewhat difficult on a number of greens, which were .exposed to the wind. Nevertheless, the play on the day was exceedingly high and the circumstances proved another added element to be overcome when drawing to the elusive jack.

The result of the play shows -the position of the respective contesting clubs in much the same position as at the end of the previous round. Helensville easily heads the list in the A section, with one game and a tie, and a total of five and a-half games to its credit so far in the competition. It was Ponsonby’s turn to try and displace this victorious club from the leading place in the competition, but the best that could be done by that club was a tie on the day, while on Ponsonby’s own green the game went to the visitors by the handsome margin of five points.

Carlton, as usual, with this particularly strong club, maintains form, and is easily a good second in the A section. The club recently changed its selector and requisitioned the services of that fine old player, J. Sneddon, in this position. Some nervousness in the teams that were selected was evidenced by some of the members of the club, but results have proved beyond a shadow of doubt that the work of selection was done wisely, for the club has steadily increased its -average from 57 per cent, to 64 pe.r cent., and finds a place second only to Helensville, and in the lead of all the large clubs in the section. * * * Henderson had three wins out of four against Ponsonby, and came thereby into third place after being sixth on the list the previous round, with Papatoetoe following with 50 per cent, of wins on the day, and Mount Albert next, in a good position. However, the result of the section play is mure than likely to be in favour of Helensville, as this club is more than certain to win some games out of the four yet to be played.

In the B section a smaller club, Otahuhu, is again in the lead by obtaining 100 per cent, win on the day, bringing the total score to 69 per cent, in its favour. Such an improvement is remarkable and the club deserves a mead of praise for the fine effort. Rocky Nook has gradually lost a little from the first round, but still retains a place in advance of the larger clubs. This section is more even than the A Section and should prove of great interest during the next two rounds.

It is almost certain that the Hally burton Johnstone Club members sent up a full-voiced cheer on Saturday when their club obtained its first win in the competition. Their opponents on this occasion were from

Waitemata. Now that a win has been registered they should take heart, for it may be the beginning of big things for this club. Certainly the experience gained by the play is a fine introduction to the game to their as yet. inexperienced members. A number of inter-club fixtures will be played on the coming Saturday. They include the following:—Auckland v. Remuera, Ponsonby v. Dominion Road. Epsom v. Mangere, Epsom v. St. Heliers, Epsom v. Te Papapa, Glen Eden v. Henderson, Mount Wellington v. Avondale, and Papatoetoe v. Howick. The games should prove most enjoyable. The Auckland and Remuera fixture is an event that is played between these two clubs annually. While the keenest interest is exhibited in the ultimate result of the contest, the mixing together of these two great bowling clubs in social intercourse dominates the order of the day. Both Mr. T. Procter, president of the Remuera Club and Mr. E. A. Craig, president of the Auckland Club, are to be relied upon for their precedent in this respect.

The Remuera Club is making an open tournament of its annual tournament at New Year. Those teams who have entered previously have pronounced most favourably in favour of this event. The immense area for play at the disposal of this club makes for a possible record entry. No effort is being spared to make the tournament an outstanding success. The Grey Lynn Bowling Club will hold the fourth of its series of pairs tournaments on Wednesday, January 16, 1929. Entries will be received by Mr. T. J. Me Ivor, Karangahape Road, N ewtoru BOWLING FIXTURES The following are the fixtures for Saturday’s bowling:— Auckland Club—lnter-club v. Remuera Avondale Club—lnter-club v. New Lynn. Buekland Club—President’s pairs. Carlton Club—Percentage and handicap fours. Devonport Club—Percentage fours. Dominion Road Club—lnter-club v. Ponsonby and Papatoetoe. B#endale Club —Percentage fours. Ellerslie Club—Competitions. Epsom Club—Mangere, St. Heliers and Te Papapa. Glen Eden Club—lnter-club v. Henderson Grey Lynn Club—Club fours. Hellensville Club—Club games. Hillsboro Club—Club fours. Mangere Club—lnter-club v. Epsom. Mannrewa Club—Percentage fours. Mount Albert Club—Bennett's competition. Mount Eden Club—Ordinary draw.* Mount Wellington Club—lnter-club v. Avondale. Onehunga Club—President’s fours. Otahuhu Club—Percentage fours. Papatoetoe Club—lnter-club v. Dominion Road. Ponsonby Club—lnter-club v. Dominion Road. Pukekohe Club—Ordinary Draw. Rawhiti Club—Open day (visitors). Remuera Club—lnter-club v. Remuera. Rocky Nook Club—Pei'centage fours. St. Heliers Club —Inter-club v. Epsom. Stanley Club—Club fours. Takapuna Club—Percentage fours. Tauranga Club—lnter-club v. Epsom. Waitemata Club —Percentage fours. West End Club—Afternoon tourney. THE TEAMS LIST The following teams have been chosen for Saturday’s bowling matches:— Auckland v. Remuera—At Remuera: Hislop, C. Allan, Commons, Davidson; Harding, Ansell, Graham, Bailey; Howard, Matheson, Bourke, Walker; Beaumont, Inglis, Carr, Scantlebury; Williams, Jaffrey, Mason. Steele; McDougall, Rawlinson, John Carlaw, Duncan; Israel, Wilson, Rudd, Brackebush; Wiseman, Esam, Newell, D. Harvey; Ward, McEldowney, Michaels, Price; Blades, Jury, W. Campbell, Moir; Simpson, Darlow, Clarkson, Lyell; Probert, Plummer, Kirk, Woolley. Veterans: Moon, Paterson, Kretschmar, Dingle. At Auckland: A. F. Mackay, Fordes, F. Whittaker, Osmond; Westphal, Susman, Hood, A. Gray; Hampton, De Renzy, Hewitson, Keesing; Woodham, Alexander, White, Atkin; Mills, Myers, McCrea, Nicholson; Wyatt, Newbegin, Hacket, Neil; Armitage, Dadley, Daniel, K. Macky; S. Gray, Bannister, Robertson, Keys; Winks, Mohr, Devereux, H. Allan; George, Frost, R. Gray, D. Campbell; L. Whitaker, Matthews, Ure, Fletcher.

Remuera v. Auckland—At Auckland: Brown, Styak, Burcher, Brookes; Donaldson, Tudhope, Dixon, E. A. East; Passmore, Edmiston, Ridings, Graham; Stubbs, Brownlee, Kenderdine, Irvine; Farrar, Tanored, Norton, Long; Booth, Wade, Priestley, Macfarlane; Rearv, Hawkins, Wright, Paterson; Hertslet, Pitcaithly, M. Bell, E. D. Reid; Jackson, Gutfiejd, J. C. Kissling, Ryan; Wells, Menzies, Jacks, Wooller; Aclieson, Loosemore, Baker, Young. Dominion Road v. Ponsonbv—At Dominion Road: Bathgate, Fort, Stone, Ashby; Betts, Barber, Cannon, Kelly* Foreman Dr. Gunn, W. Richardson! Clews; Mason, Gaeth, Blair, Cartwright At Ponsonby: W. S. Fisher, G. W. Clark, D Richardson, Denison; Speir, Buckley, Wilson, Gifford; Sessions, Sawyer, Hoppv Hollows; Percy, P. Ferguson, 'Wildish! Benson. Against Papatoetoe—At Dominion Road; Gunning, A. R. Davis, Truman, Layland; Taylor, Steele, Goodall, Sayers; Virtue, Stevens, Nagle R H Fishery At Papatoetoe: Beck, Anderfon, W. H. Jones, Ramsey; Barton. W. H. Davis, S. E. Chappell. Brown Trewin, Donald, Walker, Bush. Epsom v. St. Heliers.—At St. Heliers: Amoury, Slater, Foubister, McCown; Laud V . Harrison, Mingins, Mcßeath; \ ear bury, Paget, Grattan, Hetherington; Beckman Hendry, Milieu, Parsons. At Cpsom: Miller. Cunthorpe, Boyne, Burton; W. H. Lamb, A. S. Lamb. de Launay C. Lamb; Gribble, Morton, Smith, Haszard; Wells, Penn, Tanner Nash. Against Te Papapa—At Te Papapa; McCullogh, Fox, C. Richmond, W. Wallace; Clarkson, T. Wallace, Morison, Kendall. At Epsom: Hamblin, Vinson, A. Jones. Ramsay; Gray, Tingey, Townsend, A. Taylor. Against Mangere—At Mangere: French, Whitehouse, J. Wright, Foote; Rowley, Westwood, McDougall, Gladding. At Epsom: Standen, \\ . Jones. Dunlop, J j . Wallace; E. Tavlor, Bowring, George, A. Wright. St. Heliers v. Epsom—At Epsom: Reid, Blomfield, Brookfield, Cahill; Bradley, Cameron, P. White, Crawshaw; Roberts, S. Diamond, Philip, Koefoed; Tyndall, Lovegrove. Garrard, S. White. At St. Heliers: Clark. Millar, Knight, Jack-

son. inglis. Stevens. Wright. Price; j Runways, Hutee, Porter. J. Diamond; Le Grice, P. S. White, Norris, May. j Against Rawhiti: At Rawhiti: Hunt, j Dawson, Thompson. Campbell. At StHeliers: Gray, Lawrence. Watson, Twi- ! name. At Remuera: Burnett, Tuke, ; Rathbone, Badeley; Martin, Alexander, Johnson, Bray; M under, Gardner, Som- ; erfield, Coe; Fisher, H. East, E. D. Ashton. Daniels: Griffiths, Bartlett, Wallace, Mellars; Segar, Williams, S. Kissling, McCallum; McKechnie, Campbell, Spooner, Mcßobie; Egerton, Lusher, Newton, Procter; Shannon, Headdey, Davis, Russell; Walker, Robertson, Mahon, Saxton; Evans, Whitaker, Dransfield, Short; Douglas, Rainger, Scott, Watson. Veterans: At Remuera: Sutherland, Vickerman, E, D. Ashton, Choyce. Ponsonby v. Dominion Road—At Dominion Road: J. Jones, McMillan, J. Kemp, Somers; Dromgool, F. Moore, Purdingtou, Miller; Bishop, Waterworth, ; Drummond, Crowe; Ormerod, Stevenson, ' Johnson, Allen. Rawhiti v. Mount Eden—At Mount Eden: Sam ways, Katterfeldt, Allan, Maitland, Scarborough, Henson, Hamlin, Jackson; Morrow, Leaning, Robertson, Woods; F. Roberts, Wayte, Thronsen, Schofield. Against St. Heliers—At St. Heliers: Cowden, Hedges, Hardcastle, Wilmot. At Rawhiti; R. J. Walker, Ryder, Barker, Worthington. Emergencies: Bennelt, H'arle, Keller. Te Papapa v. Epsom—At Epsom: Roy Speight, Donnell, Johnson, R. G. Speight, Crichton, James, Thorpe, Harriman. At Te Papapa: W. Marks, Fallon. Thursby, Simpson; Williams, Whitehead, Allcock, E. Marks. EPSOM CLUB MATCHES Following are the results of matches played by members of the Epsom Bowling Club: — Singles Championship—Blakey beat Burton, Westwood beat J. Wright, E. Jones beat McCowan, George beat Bruce, Mingins beat Morison, W. Taylor beat C. Lamb, Boyne beat Foote, E. Richmond beat Hetherington, Gladding beat Gray, Tanner beat De Launay, Jenkin beat Millen, Parsons beat Sansbury. Pairs Championship—Hooper and Burton a bye, Mcßeath and Jenkin beat Gray and Foote, Gribble and Parsons beat J. Harrison and Blakey, Kendall and Richmond beat McCowan and A. Jones, W. Taylor and Boyne beat Hardley and Townsend, Haszard and Millen beat Bruce and George, Ambury and Bryce beat Montgomery and Miller, Grattan and Dunlop beat Beckman and Whitehouse, A. Taylor and J. Wallace beat W. Harrison and Sansbury, Wylie and Ramsay beat Furnell and Paget, C. Lamb and De Launay beat Gladding and Mingins. Junior Singles—Gordon a bye, E. Taylor beat Hooper, Montgomery beat French, Gribble beat Furnell, Whitehouse beat Miller, Beckman beat Parkinson, Wood beat W. Jones, McDougall beat Wells, Wylie beat Clarkson. Handicap Singles—Gladding beat A. S. Lamb, George beat C. Lamb, Tanner beat Paget, Kendall beat Bruce, E. Jones beat Foote, De Launay beat Hardley, W. Harrison beat Hetherington, Mingins beat Whitehouse, Gray beat Wood, McDougall beat W. Jones, Jenkin beat Miller, McCowan beat Furnell, Grimthorpe beat Wylie, Hooper beat Millen, Gribble beat Montgomery, French beat Clarkson. THE PONSONBY CLUB The following Ponsonby Bowling Club teams will take part on Saturday in a challenge match for the Somervell Buckles; Good, W. Brown, Baggett, Farrow (holders), Clarke, Dougherty, Fowett, Row bottom (challengers). The following teams will take part in the final of the full rink championship: Harkins, Somervell, E. Jones, Parsons, v. Rolfe, Conway, Torrance, Best. The final of the mid-week tournament resulted as follows: Rolfe, Pardington, Somervell, Parsons (Ponsonby), 22, v. Wilkinson, Waters, Muns, Sheath (Hillsborough), 15. Further entries are invited for the fullrink tournament to be held on January 1 and 2, 1929. The closing date for the second round of club competitions has been extended to January 5 to embrace the holiday period.