TEST TENNIS.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19459, 5 November 1928, Page 11

TEST TENNIS.

BRITISH PLAYERS AT AUCKLAND. NEW ZEALANDERS OUTCLASSED. D. G. FRANCE SCORES ONLY WIN FOR HOME SIDE. (PBBBS ASSOCIATION TBLIOBAH.) AUCKLAND, November 4. The visiting British tennis team met the New Zealand representatives in the fiist matches of the test series to-day under perfect weather conditions, and won five out of the six matches played. The New Zealanders, though plainly outclassed, were not disgraced, and play was not always so one-sided as the scores indicate, but they lacked the finish and condition of the visitors, and were given lessons in courtcraft. Par--ticularly did the Englishmen excel in attacking play at the net, coming in close at every opportunity, while in the majority of cases their opponents hung to the back of the court, where they were more at home in long range driving and placements. Austin and Gregory excelled among the visitors, playing with almost faultl- - style, finish, and strength. D. G. France was outstanding among the New Zealanders, securing the only win for his side against Higgs. France played a careful, heady game. His overhead work was very sound, and he most readily accommodated himself to the English stylo of game. There was an attendance of about 800. The teams were: Britain—H. W. Austin. E. Higgs, J. C. Gregory, I. G. Collins. New Zealand—G. Ollivier, E. L. Bartleet, D. G. France, and N. R. C. Wilson. It took 40 minutes for Austin to defeat Bartleet, and until the end of tho first set the New> Zealand captain hung tenaciously to the brilliant young Englishman, Austin took the first set 6-4 after sustained driving duels. In the second set Austin maintained perfect control of his driving on both wings, keeping Bartleet on the run. Although tho Aucklander never gave up, he was unable to capture a game. Gregory reversed the result of nis Christchurch match with Ollivier in the mast decisive fashion. Tn the first set Ollivier lost the first five games, but by strategy prevailed. against Gregory's pace sufficiently to score three games before the set went to England. Gregory hammered through the second set 6-2.

France's steadiness and versatility carried him through in his match | against Higgs, who netted most frequently, although his fast and shrewd placements showed of what he is capable when at his top. France, after losing the first two games in the first set took it 6-4, and the next 7-5. Wilson did well to run Collins to three sets. In the first the young New Zealander looked all over a winner, his poise and condition hacking his forceful volleys from mid-court and net, and his effective placements' to the sidelines. He took, the first set 64, but the next two went to his young English opponent, 6V3, 6-1. Wilson peared to lose his length, and • Collins made a brave recovery to stabilise his game, playing, with remarkable judgment, and far greater power than m the first set. His anticipation nullified much of Wilson's game, which had proved so successful in the opening set. However, had Wilson maintained his first sot's play, the 'result would have been very close. He was beaten Dy experience. Gregory and Austin had a runaway victory over Bartleet and Wilson. Wilson was beaten continually in attempting to come in. and the combination of the Britishers was far more effective in covering the court than that of Partleot unci Wilson. The Englishmen won 6-2. 6-2.

The contest between Higgs and Collins and OHivier and France provided? interest, for half the distance, the New Zealanders winning the firat set 8-6 after many brilliant rallies at close quarters. France often excelled, but Ollivier was far from his best, and became worse as the match 'progressed. France made heroic efforts, but the smoothly working combination, of .the visitors, their exploitation of the net game, and their steadiness carried them through comfortably, 6-1, 6-2, in the second and third sets. Following are the results, the English players being mentioned first: — , Singles. H. W. Austin beat E. L. Bartleet, 6-4, 6-0. E. Higgs lost to D. G. Franfce, 4-6, 5-7. J. C. Gregory beat G. Ollivier, 6-8, 6-2. I. G. Collins beat N. Wilson, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. Doubles. Austin and. Gregory beat Bartleet and Wilson, 6-2, 6-2. Higgs and Collins- beat Ollivier and Franco, 6-8, 6-1, 6-2.

COMMENT ON THE PLAY

[THB PEEBS Special SwvlcftJ WELLINGTON, November 4. The Test match games between England and New Zealand showed the definite superiority of the visiting team. Far below form through lack of practice at this early stage of the season, the New Zealanders were no match for the agile and accurate British team, Wilson being the only one to show any real form. Although he tailed off towards the end, his match with Collins, the Scottish champion, was the most thrilling and spectacular of the afternoon. Austin was master of the situation all .through his match with Bartleet, who was properly "off." while hard-hitting Gregory had matters almost his own way with the New Zealand champion, Ollivier. After playing the first few strokes of his match, against Bartleet Austin complained to the umpire that the voice of the broadcasting man troubled him. "Can't you have that man removed ?" he asked. "It's absolutely impossible to play with him talking like that." The man with the microphone was comparatively silent after that. E. L. Bartleet, captain of the New Zealand team, chatting after the day's play, said he thought the British team would do well in Australia. They were all fine players, and were now very nearly at the top of their form. "Austin was too hot for me," said Bartleet. "He is a great player, and it must be remembered-that he ran Lacoete to five sets. He has a beautiful style, and his biggest asset is the fact that he hasn't got a weakness. At least I couldn't find one," >- he said with a smile. All the New Zealand team were very pleased with the exhibition given! by Wilson. "He was playing some brilliant stuff," said Bartleet, "and the match produced easily the best tennis of the day. It is. lather. » Kte m (MS

not in better fora, and" not able to give the visitors a better game, but there it is. They're too good for ,ns, and that's that. We would have all liked very much ta have met them when we were playing better tennis. We may do better on Monday." "■': Bartleet was very enthusiastic about; the play of Gregory. He mentioned especially Gregory's driving, and said some of his ground shots carried equally as much pace as those of TOden when he was here. "His backhand i« a beautiful stroke, and his all-round courtcraft is excellent," he said.v'fr'T* think Gregory was playing easily !the best tennis of both teams on the day. Be hits as hard as any international player I have n»V^j: ." V