LAWN TENNIS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 300, 18 December 1926, Page 11

LAWN TENNIS.

VISIT OF N.S.W. PLAYERS.

BARTLEET WINS LADDER MATCH.

A meeting of the committee in charge of arrangements for the forthcoming match against the New South Wales representatives en Christmas Day was held last evening, when details were finalised. The team will arrive on Tuesday morning, and will be tendered a civic reception at 12.30 p.m. the same day. The committee are particularly anxious that there should be a large attendance of tennis enthusiasts.

Practice facilities are to be placed at the disposal of the players, who will be the guests of the local association until the commencement of the ational championships on Boxing Day. The match against the Auckland players will be played at Stanley Street on Christmas Day, commencing at 2 p.m. An important ladder match was played at Stanley Street yesterday, when E. L. Bartleet retained his right to first place against the challenge of A. W. Sims, the scores reading G —2, o—4. Bartleet, who strikes form quickly, was well on his game, and gave a sound display, punishing severely anything on the forehand. His backhand was also working well despite the fact that it was seyerely tested by his opponent. Sims, who plays a slightly less brilliant game, confined most of his attack to Bartleet's backhand, and perhaps was too persistent in this respect, allowing his opponent to anticipate his shots and give more attention to accurate footwork. A little more risk and variety in the forehand would possibly have upset his adversary's game a little, although any player may be excused for refraining from opening up a forehand attack on Bartleet's right wing. The match is particul -ly interesting in view of the selection of the Auckland team for the New Zealand" championship meeting.