BOWLING CARNIVAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1916, Page 8

BOWLING CARNIVAL.

TARANAKI TOURNAMENT. PIHAMA WINS THE SHIELD. WEST END RUNNERS-UP. The concluding day of the tournament was favored with splendid weather, and as a. result the attendance yesterday during the final match was a record. The uncertainties of the bowls were evidenced by the downfall of Smith (Fitzroy), who, after going through his section without a loss, fell an easy victim to Mason after a well contested game, and thus lost his chanco of competing in the final. Mason was also successful in his play-off with Fred. Newell in the sectional tie, and as he secured 'the final he obtained three wins on the day's play. Johnson had an easy task in defeating Abbott, hut in his game with Tarrant ho only won by a slice of luck after keenly.contested play, in which Tarrant certainly seemed to have the better chance of scoring a victory. The arrangements wcro again as near perfect as possible, and the success of the tournament may justly be laid to be largely due to the care 'and attention bestowed on the details by'itho secretary (Mr. 0. N. Firth). Certainly the pftss are greatly indebted to him for his courtesy and assistance, and the Taranalci Centre is to be heartily congratulated on the excellent work of its executive. The whole of the play yesterday took place on the New Plymouth green and the ample provision made for the comfort and entertainment of the visitors was a pleasing feature of the tournament. THE PLAY. Section E tie.—Mason (Pihama) 7.beat Fred. Newell (West End), 4, in a game of seven heads. SEMI-FINALS. Johnson (West End), 20, beat Tarrant (Hawera), 19. Mason (Pihama), 18, beat Smith (Fi)zrov), 12. Johnson (West End), 24, beat Abbott (Fitzroy), 13.

THE FINAL. The final contest of the tournament was between Johnson (West End), and Mason (Pihama), the following being the members of the teams:— West End Pihama Wood R. Lambie Curtis Pohe Sole W. Lambie Johnson (s) Mason (s). As an exhibiton of what should have been championship fr.n the play was somewhat disappointing, and after the fifth head, when the score was five-all, developed into a one-sided contest, Johnson only scoring two on the tenth head, one on the 19th head, and two on the last head, when it was evident that the winners were letting the losers down lightly. At the same time- there were many instances of expert deliveries, perfectly judged and accurately timed. The element of luck, which enters more or less \ivto all games of skill, certainly favored Mason more than his opponent. For instance, Johnson drove and sent the jack bacWards, but it was held up by one of hisV<, opponent's bowls. Mason drove and sW kitty into the ditch, his bowl following up well, but in Johnson's attempt to score his bowl, which was given a perfect length and direction, was held up by Mason's. These are only a few instances of Johnson's hard luck, but many more could be given. That the best team won, however, is beyond question, and on the merits of the players of the respective teams, judging from their performance.Sj«therc was almost a point a head difference. Where Pihama bad a great advantage was in their second man, Pohe, whose consistent accuracy was a theme of universal praise. It is very rare that a team's second man shows to such advantage as did Poho yesterday, and he justly deserved the eulogy bestowed on his efforts by the president of the Centre. The veteran player, E. Lambie (Pihama's j lead) was also a tower of strength to the team, while W. Lambie made a safe third man, but not a very successful exponent of the art of driving. For West End, Wood proved a serviceable lead, and Curtis a good second, while Sole, though playing well, was not in such good form as usual. Both the skips proved good »enerals, but man for man, Pihama had the better team and thoroughly deserved their win. West End did well in keeping down their opponents score, it being the exception to be more than one down on a head. Of the 21 heads, Mason scored 3 on the first, 18th, and 22nd, tve* on the Cth, lOtb, and 20tli, and on 10. heads, a single. Johnson scored three on the third head, two on the 4th, and 10th, and one on v the la'tst head. The final scores were: Pihama 25, West End 10. At the close of the game the winners were loudlv applauded, their victory being very popular. Pihama is probably the smallest club in the Dominion, but what they lack in quantity, is fully made up in quality. This is the third time Pihama lias annexed the shield, and the record is greatly to their credit. In the course of his remarks at the 'conclusion of the tournament, Mr. Parkinson (the president of the Centre), said that he hoped the visiting bowlers had enjoyed themselves. He considered that the ' play witnessed that day showed what a fine combination oE bowlers Taranaki could put on the field if necessary. Moreover, an illustration had been given of how men of all ages showed great skill in the game. He referred to Mr. li. Lambie as the "Grand Old Man" of the bowling arena, remarking that such a man would never grow old. He warmly compliment Pohe on his play, the like of which had prob- [ ably never been seen on that green beI fore, and he eulogised the play of the team as a whole. West End, he said, I had played gamely and well, and the

diffeienct- in the scores was no" indication of the respective, merits of the teams. Cheers were given to both teams, after which Mrs. 0. N. Firth presented the trophies to the winners and the rnnnersup enth n.ember of both teams receiving a gold medal. -* Lambia returned thanks, and paid a well merited tribute to the excellent arrangements, made by the Centre. The shield was Men presented to Mr. Mason amid great cheering, and the services of the ladies were also recognised with cheers. The proceedings of what proved a most enjoyable tournament were brought to a close by the president of the New Plymouth Club (Mr. M. Eraser), who thanked the visitors for being present in such large numbers. SHIELD WINNERS. Since the inception of the tournament the following clubs have had their names inscribed on the shield; — 190(5—New Plymouth. 1007—Stratford. 1908—Hawera. 1000—Pihama. 1910-New Plymouth. 1911—Opunake. 1912—Opunake. 1913—New Plymouth. 1914—Pihama. 1915—Hawera. , , 191G—Pihama. " ; ' s '