WITH reference to Harry O'Byrne's reluctance to adhere to BCG rules on smoking (Play the Game, Thursday, February 24), can I first say crown green bowls is a sport, and as such should be treated that way - we don't see Kelly Holmes or Ryan Giggs nipping off the field for a quick drag.

We bowlers are also sportsmen and women, and one of the particular attractions of this sport is FRESH AIR. Cigarette smoke does not stop on the person smoking, it drifts elsewhere, and being a close contact sport it's your opponent that gets the full blast of the filthy smoke in the face, when the player on the mat is smoking.

My opponent, if they can, should beat me by pure skill, and not by CHOKING ME TO DEATH.

Well done the British Crown Green Association.

Therefore l suggest Mr O'Byrne PLAYS THE GAME.

Christine Hardman

Boonfields

Bromley Cross