BOWLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2356, 24 November 1908, Page 3

BOWLING.

THE GISBORNE CLUB

Tho fine weather attracted a number of players to the Gisborne Qub’s green yesterday afternoon. Several practice games were played, and one game in the Champion Cup series was got off, J. J. Martin (18) beating Witty (10). NOTES. - -» (By “Toucher.”) After an- interregnum of several weeks, due to tho exigencies of, the general election, I now make my reappearance with the object of providing reflection for bowlers and generally to advance this favored summer pastime. I have heard comments as to the absence of my notes, but it is my intention to again supply the want, and while criticising individuals 1 wish it understood that it is done solely to advance the game as “Toucher” sees it.

The Turangauui Club is this year making great strides. They have done .a wise thing in appointing subcommittees, and thus decentralising responsibility. First, they have appointed a Refreshment Committee, consisting of Messrs J. J.. Martin and Nasmith, junr. This committee have already done'good work, and have overcome troubles which harassed the Club the previous season. Afternoon tea. is arranged for each. Thursday or holiday, each member’s wife taking the responsibility in turn. .1 understand that now election matters are settled the committee intend furnishing a refreshing cup to Saturday afternoon players. The appointment of .a Match Committee, consisting of Messrs W. O. Sheet, J. J. Martin and Nasmith, junr., was a. correct move. Under tho old general committee control, no matches were in hand till the holiday season last year, whereas the match committee have nearly completed a series of Handicap Fours and are taking entries for Handicap Pairs. I understand that entries will shortly be taken for a points game, and that the names of those willing to represent the Club at tho Napier tournament will also be taken by the end of the month. The Ground Committee are doing good work, Messrs Sheet and Martin doing their utmost to make the green one of the best in the Dominion. Since last season considerable improvements have been made to the Turangauui green. . A refreshment room has been erected, gas laid on, and all other details necessary for the furnishing of afternoon tea have been provided. Seating accommodation is now furnished in all parts of the ground, due to the liberality of vari-. ous donors, while on the flagstaff floats tho new flag of the club in its colors of'green and gold. The membership of the T*iranganui Club has: been considerably augumented this season. While some are seasoned players, the majority are raw “colts,” who seem to be getting knocked into shape. I understand that a competition * for the beginner’s will be nrovided later on.

Up tO’ the present interest on the Turanganui green lias been centred on tire "Handicap Fours. The first game was between Hallam’s aud Nasmith, junr’s., rinks. It looked well for the latter’s rink at the half-way stage,' but after tliis point the leaders played short, and Neill, for Hallam, improving, the tables were altered on the last few heads, Hallam winning by six points. The game between Colley and (Sheet provided a good game, though Sheet’s team did not play to expectation. Colley’s team surprised everyone. Clayton and Edwards, without doubt, played the game of their lives, while Hird and Colley did well, the latter especially being “on the job.” Tlnrs Skeet cried “peccavi.” The meeting between Sawyer’s and Martin’s teams was a one-sided arrangement, Sawyer’s team never being in the hunt. This was greatly due to the play of Bennett and Martin, the former putting up his best performance for many a day. Williams’ and Ratcliffe’s rinks bad a ding-dong “go.” With Ratcliffe jumping off with a six, things did not look too well for Williams. However, he stuck to his task gamely.- Four heads from homo Ratcliffe practically had the game won, hut it was.not a reality,’ for on two heads Ratcliffe’s men played short, and blocked their skip. This put him “out of his stride,” and be was unable to save. Williams’ team scored on the remaining heads ind won, Ratcliffe completely going to pieces. Ia the second'round Colley met Martin, and on this occasion Martin’s team suffered a heavy defeat, due chiefly to the excellent play oL Hire! and Colley. Both Edwards and Clayton were exceedingly poor,, and the same may be said of Martin’s team, and though several good shots wore made, the play on their side was mediocre as a whole. Today Hallam’s and Williams’ rinks meet, and I fully expect to see the former team win on their previous showing; in fact, I should not he surprised if they saw the final through.