LAWN TENNIS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25738, 25 February 1949, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS

N.S.W. TEAM TO PLAY TODAY MATCHES AGAINST N.Z. The opinion that overseas tours benefited both the visiting players and those who were matched against them was expressed by the captain-manager of the New South Wales tennis team (O. W. Sidwell) when replying to addresses of welcome given at an official reception to the team at Wilding Park yesterday. Sidwell said ne thought the courts at the park had improved considerably since he visited Christchurch a year ago. team arrived in Christchurch on Wednesday and will play matches against a New Zealand team to-day and on Saturday. It comprises Sidwell. R. McCarthy, J. Matthews, and D. R. Rocavert. After a practice at the park yesterday afternoon they were entertained at afternoon tea.

The president of the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association (Mr J. Mercer) and the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) welcomed the team.

The team clearly illustrated the high standard tennis has reached in New South Wales in the practice matches. They soon got the pace of the court and there were some excellent rallies.

Sidwell, an Australian Davis Cup representative, will meet the former New Zealand champion, R. S. McKenzie, this afternoon. McCarthy has had some brilliant wins recently, and he will meet the national champion. J. E. .Robson (Otago). Matthews will play O. Bold and Rocavert will play J. E. Barry. In the doubles matches. Matthews and Rocavert will meet Robson and McKenzie and Sidwell and McCarthy will play Barry and Bold.