Four Times In A Row

When Geoff Weatherley's four won the Burton trophy last year for the third time in succession, history was made in the annals of Gisborne-East Coast bowling, and the feat was hailed as something really out of the ordinary. The Burton is the district's premier bowling trophy, and the struggle for supremacy in the annual Easter tournament brings some of the Dominion's top bowlers to compete against the cream of local talent.

This year, incredible as it may seem, the Weatherley team did it again. Playing their usual brand of relaxed bowls (as one bowling "fiend" on the sideline put it, "Dammit, you'd think they were playing a -- game!"), they went smoothly on their way to final victory against Tom Mitchell's four by the crushing margin of 28 to 7 in 22 heads.

A Master Skip in actions Geoff Weatherley casts a contemplative eye over a difficult, problem.......

....decides exactly what is wanted.....

......and plays the one shot called for by the situation.

Good Bowlers All...

The other three members of the winning team are pictured in action on this page.

The lead was J. Kelly (his Burton wins are now 1951, 1960, 1961 and 1962).

The No. 2, A. Falconer (Burton wins, 1955, 1959, 1960, 196l, 1962).

The No. 3 was the skip's brother, George Weatherley (Burton wins, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, one Peace shield win, and three centre championships). Skip Geoff Weatherley has the same record as his brother plus an additional centre championship.

Tom Mitchell, skip of the losing Gisborne Club four, congratulates winner as game ends.

Mayfair Studio's picture of the winners, taken last year, after what was then considered a phenomenal "third time in a row" win.

In a last-ditch effort in the 22nd end, losing skip Tom Mitchell tries to kill the head, but the shot ended the game.

Centre president A. G. Cairns making presentation to the winner.

...And congratulations to the loser.

Winners and runners-up: From left, J. Kelly, T. Mitchell, S. N. Smith, R. Crosby, A. Falconer, G. A. Weatherley, L. Kendrew and G. P. Weatherley.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 95 : May 17, 1962

Four Times In A Row