LAWN TENNIS WILDING SHIELD CHALLENGE

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27832, 3 December 1955, Page 2

LAWN TENNIS WILDING SHIELD CHALLENGE

AUCKLAND LEADS WELLINGTON

R. S. MCKENZIE BEATS M. A. OTWAY

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 2. Unites Wellington’s t« nn 's reprefentafives play extraordinarily well tomorrow, the Wilding Shield will be taken north with the Auckland team tomorrow night. Today’s play at Central Park ended with the challengers, Auckland, leading by 4 matches to 2. . , Even if Wellington wins four matches tomorrow—-and this seems „ ■will still have to make up a deficit on sets. Wellington’s two wins were recorded by R. S. McKenzie and McKenzie and P. G. Nicholls in the doubles. The one bright feature for Wellington was McKenzie’s victory over the D a v « Cup player, M. A. Otway, who is ransea four places above him on the New Zealand ladder. Otway found the moisture on the courts most difficult, and his ment was tested by the capricious wind. The Auckland captain, J. E. Robson, had too much all-round polish tor J. R. McDonald, whom he beat in straight sets. McDonald was found wanting in real pace, and his smashing was ineffective. For determination, E. D. White (Auckland) won honours by his victory over P. G. Nicholls. White did not appear a likely winner in the first eight games, but after saving a set point at 3-5, he gradually overcame his opponent to win 9-7. 6-3. \ Nicholls was handicapped somewhat by the effects of a sprained knee suffered during the week. Considering his comparative lack of experience and first-class match L. Dunn’s performance against C. Parker deserves high praise. Parker eventually won in three sets, but not before Dunn had led 4-3 in the third set. The doubles went according to reputation, the leading pairs in each team winning comfortably. Results (Auckland names first) were:— Singles.—M. A. Otway lost to R. S. McKenzie, 3-6, 6-0, 3-6; J. E. Robson beat J. R. McDonald, 6-3, 6-0; C. S. Parker beat M. L. Dunn, 6-1, 6-8, 6-4; E, D. White beat P. G. Nicholls, 9-7, 6-3. Doubles —Parker and White lost to McKenzie and Nicholls, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6; Robson and Otway beat McDonald and Dunn, 6-2, 8-6 In a friendly match the Auckland team s reserve, P. B. Becroft, beat J. T. Eichelbaum, 8-4, 6-3.