BOWLING

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 711, 6 January 1903, Page 3

BOWLING

THE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT,

In view of the approaching tournament at Palmerston North keen interest is being taken in local bowling circles, and during the past few days some first-class matches have been played. It is practically certain that the district will be represented by three toams, skipped respectively by Messrs Ponsford (Gisborne), Simson (Whataupoko), and Witty (Kaiti). Yesterday afternoon the Whataupoko representatives played a match against a team skipped by the Hon. J. Carroll. Thero was a most exoiting finish, tne representatives obtaining a viotory by one, the scores being 24 to 23, The teams were: — Whataupoko. Carroll’s team. Martin Quigley Massey MoGowan Dixon (sub) Ponsford Simson (skip) 24 Carroll (skip) 2o

On Saturday tho following games were played: Whataupoko reps., Martin, Birss (sub), Massey, Simpson (22) v. MoGowan, Nasmith, Ponsford, Dixon 10; Lewis, Rees, Willock, Bright 20 v. Brown, Jones, Harris, Witty 22. Some of the representatives leave Gtsborno for Palmerston North by the steamer to-morrow night. Those who leave then will be skipped by Mr Ponsford, and the intention is to play several matchos on the way overland. It is hoped to have contests with Napier and Bluff Hill, the bowlers reaching Palmerston North on Friday evening, and having a practice game on the Saturday. The tournament commences on Monday afternoon. It will have the greater interest to this district, from the fact that the Gisborne Club now holds the championship for the fours, and will be again skipped by the veteran Mr J. Ponsford. Tho Whataupoko skip, Mr lan Simson, takes with him a very strong team ; thoy cams second in tho last champion fours, and aro in first-class practice. At present their ohances are most in favor, Mr J. W. Witty last evening selected his team for the tournament at Palmerston North, the members being Messrs Nicholas, R. Robertson, Frank Harris, andj. W. Witty (skip). Tho team leave Gisborne on' Sunday night, playing at Palmerston North on Monday afternoon. Mr Witty takes with him a young team, but tho skip himself is in grand form and is playing better than ever, which is saying a great deal, and those accompanying him have shown by their play on the local green that they are steady players upon whom the skip will be able to rely to do their utmost to win the Championship. . The faob that three teams, skipped by able generals, loave Gisborne should increase the chances of retaining the Championship for this district.