BOWLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2397, 12 January 1909, Page 2

BOWLING.

ON THE GREENS

(By “Toucher.”) During the past week the games in the Bennett Oup competition of the Turanganui Club have pursued , tho even tenor of their way. Two more Richmonds have , commenced their games, but have met with slight encouragement. •A. Zachariahi is one ei the late starters, and commenced bis career by meeting that courageous bowler who hardly ever sees a. win to his credit, in AV. N. Douglas. In this combat the ever-smiling one was successful, “Dolf” having to cry “Peccavi,” by 7 points. Not disheartened “Zack” turned his attention ■to Nasmith, jiuir. I think the latter player expected an easy victory, but here “Zaok” turned the tables on his stronger opponent, and' wrestled victory by 3 points. This sort of surprise is where the game of bowls becomes interesting. If one could always do as he liked with every bowl tho fascination of the game would depart, and if a poorer player could not sometimes overthrow a better man the game would never have enjoyment for all its devotees. Next we see Zachariah “shape up” to J. Stormont. Here the doughty baker had to put up bis best forward, and only succeeded in defeating Zachariali’s aspirations. Again he comes up smiling to face C. J. Bennett. A big fight is put up, Bennett puts his back to the wall, and onlv by the narrowest- of points Zacliariali is “downed.” Thus far has Zachariah ventured. The other Richmond to enter the ring is M. G. Nasmith, sour. He threw down the glove to Stormont and a worthy contest ensued. The game was anyone’s to the playing of the last bowl. Nasmith required 4 to tie on tho last head, but Stormont drew a shot with his last as his opponent lay three. Nasmith essayed a trail to 'secure the four, but. just missed. Nasmith was only “scorched,” and next tackled Hind. This player, however, proved too deadly on the long jacks and Nasmith suffered, .another defeat. Nasmith next gave battle to Ilatcliffe, this game lie gave bis opponent no chance, and won easily. J. Somervell, one of the Club’s colls, has been putting up some good play in liis games : his play would be a credit to a more experienced player. Sawyer had to play liis very best when he | met this debptant. But notwithstanding Sawyer’s superior knowledge of the game, Somervell tied with him on the hist head. The extra head, however, was in Sawyer’s favor. Hird had also to use all his skill when he met this promising colt, for 5 points only separated the combatants at the finish. Somervell looked for “gore” iu Douglas, and here he found satisfaction. Douglas jumped off with a good lead and should have won the game easily, but somehow in this uncertain pastime Douglas never scored on the last eight heads, and Somervell saw victory to his arms by 2 points. Another loss was registered to _ ray friend of the Cafe when lie met Neill, the latter showing Douglas the way to the last head. Nasmith, jtinr.. added two more victories to his credit during tlie week, when he disposed of Bennett and J. P. AVilliams in the easiest possible manner. The SawyerMartin game was looked forward to with keen expectation, and a good game was provided for the spectators. The drawing of both players was splendid, but the scoring of a four by Martin near the finish just about game him the game. This.was the only head when Sawyer’s drawing was faulty. The following is- the position of the various players at- the conclusion of

Tlio Handicap Pairs of tlio Turanga. nui Club wore advanced a, stage during the-past week. In section A. McSkimming and Neill proved too deadly for Harries and Morse. The latter pair were outclassed from tlio start, and though Morse had considerable ill-luck in giving his opponent- the shot on several heads at the commencement- of the game, this practically had no hearing on the result. In the C. section Colley‘and Hooper (with Skillion as a substitute for the latter) gave battle to Cussens and Zacliariahi Both, pairs played well, but lialf-way through the latter pair had a good lead. Colley and his partner recovered their position and were 20 to 21 on the 20th head. The last head saw some exciting play. Cussens took the jack through and lay adjacent to it near the ditch. Skillion, with a splendid howl, rested on Cussens’ and 'lav on the jack, nutting Cussens in the ditch. Zaehariah, however, vyitli his last- bowl put Skillion in the ditch and lay, himself on the jack, thus winning the game'amidst much excitement. As the rep. uractiee matches have interfered considerable with the Completion of this competition I notice that the Match Committee haveextended tlio date of its closing for a fortnight. While I do not approve of the Committee going back on its deliberation to close on Saturday last it seems only .fair that those who are battling for the honor of the chib at Nanier should be allowed* an opportunity of getting their games completed. The following is tho position of the players in the various sections at the present time:—

the week’s play. Wins Losses A. Sawyer .... 11 3 B. Hire! .... 10 2 J. Stormont .... 9 3 M. G. Nasmith, jo nr.. .... 7 4 M. Neill .... 4 3 W. ItatelifFe .... 4 4 W. J. P. Gaudin .... 3 0 ,J. J. Martin .... 3 1 W. Hay .... 3 .... 3 4 0. J. Bennett 4 W. H. 'Douglas .... 3 9 M. G. Nasmith, sen .. •2 J. Someryell 3 A. Zaeliariah .... 2 3 C. F. Lewis .... 1 0 J. P. Williams .... 1 2 J. Colley .... 1 2 P. Hallam .... 1 2

— SECTION A. Wins.Loss Neill and McSkimming ... 4 0 Nasmith and Hay ... 3 2 Sawyer and Somervell 1 1 Morse and Harris 1 . 2 Bennett and R. Slceet 1 3 McConnell and Edwards ... 0 2 SECTION B. Wins.Loss Martin and Douglas 3 0 Hallam and Anderson 1 ’ 1 Jeune and. Tholwall 0 1 Williams and Birrcll 0 2 W. 0. Sheet and Lewis ... 0 0 SECTION C. Wins. Loss Stormont and Leydon 1 1 Ratcliffe and McPherson ... 1 0 Cussens and Zachariah ... 1 0 Gaudin and Bruce 0 0 Hird and Creamer 0 1 Colley and Hooper 0 1