Lawn Tennis R. G. Clarke, Miss Morrison Win N.I. Singles

Press, Volume C, Issue 29405, 6 January 1961, Page 8

Lawn Tennis R. G. Clarke, Miss Morrison Win N.I. Singles

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, January 5 - R. G. Clarke and Miss R. Morrison today emerged as the North Island singles champions in an uninspiring day’s tennis. Clarke came back well against I. Crookenden by changing the pace of the game and watching the ball carefully. Miss Morrison was too steady for Miss

M. Johnston. The men’s doubles went to J. B. Souter and R. N. Hawkes, the women's doubles to Misses E. Green and J. Glenie. and the mixed doubles to G. Judge and Miss J. Davidson, after they beat the top seeds, B. Nicholls and Miss Morrison.

Losing the first 13 points. Clarke did not get into the swing of the first -set. and Crookenden won comfortably, 6-2. Crookenden served well and attempts to pass him at the net generally met with a good angled volley. It was not till 1-2 in the second set that Clarke looked as though he was going to enter the proceedings. He served with purpose, and when Crookenden came to the net. Clarke often left him groping after passing shots. Crookenden was also on the receiving end of good length lobbing. Clarke led 5-2, then 5-4. and then he served and volleyed the set out. The early part of the third set saw Clarke continue his dominance and force Crookenden into manv errors. He led 5-2, but the tall left-hander forced himself back into the game, and lost only after he had saved six match points—most of them on Clarke’s service. Vital mistakes on crucial points cost Miss Johnston the chance of pushing Miss Morrison further. Miss Morrison was her usual steady self, and worked Miss Johnston from side to side of the court till she either over-hit or hit out. Miss Johnston made some successful ventures to the net. where a neat backhand volley won her points, and her driving was good.

In the men’s doubles, only' some inspired play from Campbell lifted the match from the doldrums. He picked up some remarkable volleys. Hawke's volleying was at times unbelievably bad. and he netted frequently. Souter returned services well, but his play was patchy, and Crookenden was indifferent

There were service breaks for both pairs in all sets, the first set seeing Souter and Hawkes lead 3-1. and lose 6-3. The second set went their way. and then, after being down in the third, they came back and won. Misses Green and Glenie, winners of the Wellington doubles six days ago. comfortably disposed of Misses A. Holbrook and J. Blackburn.

Judge and Miss J. Davidson combined powerfully and smoothly to beat Nicholls and Miss Morrison in the mixed doubles final for the loss of five games. Miss Davidson cracked the ball with great gusto and Judge was in good touch. A 15-year-old Waikato boy. P. Thomson, made an impression in the final of the boys’ singles against the top Australian Universities’ player. M. Hussey. Results in the finals were:— Men’s Singles—R. G. Clarke beat I Crookenden, 2-6. 6-4, 6-4. Women’s Singles.—Miss R Morrison beat Miss M. Johnston. Men’s Doubles.—J. B. Souter and R. N. Hawkes beat Crookenden and G. D. Campbell, 3-6. 7-5. 6-3. Women’s Doubles.—Misses E. Green and J. Glenie beat Misses A. Holbrook and J. Blackburn. 6-3. 6-3. Mixed Doubles.—G. Judge and Miss J. Davidson beat P. Nicholls and Miss Morrison. 6-2. 6-3. Boys’ Singles —M. Hussey beat P. Thomson. 6-4. 4-6. 9-7. Men’s Plate.—V. J. Hargreaves beat R. F. Ferkins, 2-6. 6-3, 6-0. Women’s Plate.—Miss L. Hollowav beat Miss S. Robertson. 6-4. 8-6.