N.Z. And Britain Draw Tennis Test

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30065, 25 February 1963, Page 12

N.Z. And Britain Draw Tennis Test

(Nov Zealand Prow AMociatton) WELLINGTON, February 24. A draw was a fitting' climax to the sponsored , tennis test between New Zealand and Britain at Central Park at the week-end. The match tally was 3-3 at the end of yesterday’s play. Today New Zealand jumped to a 5-3 lead and later a 6-5 lead, but the top British doubles pair, R. Taylor and G. Stilwell, saved their side from defeat. New Zealand took 15 sets to Britain’s 13.

The top singles between I. S. Crookenden (New Zealand) and Taylor did not produce the fireworks expected. Taylor made no mistake in the first set as he swung his tremendous service into action and returned Crookenden’s delivery with such control that the New Zealander could not get into the game. Crookenden took a 3-0 lead in the second set but Taylor evened and then gained the initiative to win the aet and match with his service at 7-5. J. E. Robson (New Zealand) appeared to have the measure ot M. Cox in the second singles. He won the first set comfortably. In the second set his superiority continued and in the tenth game he had match point, but Cox rallied and won the set at 13-11. It was a very sharp Cox who began the third set. He served powerfully and volleyed surely as he went through the set, dropping three games.

Stilwell Is the moot casual tennis player seen at Central Park for m.- iy years. Against J. B. Souter ne was nonchalant. The New Zealander won by his tenacity.

R. N. Hawkes (New Zealand) and S. Matthews had a titanic struggle. Matthews was well on top In the first set as he served and volleyed surely. Hawkes's play improved considerably in the second set and the many returns he netted in the first set found their way over. Matthews had two match points in the third set but Hawkes rallied well and took the set and match at 10-8.

The doubles between Robson and Crookenden and Cox and Matthews had a hard-fought first set which went to the New Zealanders, and then an easy path In the second set as Robson and Crookenden took the match.

The other doubles between Taylor and Stilwell and Hawkes and Souter illustrated some of the remarkable shots of the talented Stilwell. The British players were superior tn the net exchanges in the first set and took it at 6-3. Tn the second set the New Zealanders took Taylor's service to level at 5-5 and then win the set after a tense battle. Taylor and Stil-

well recovered well in the third set and quickly got on top and stayed there. Outstanding in ■ Saturday's play was the saving of three match points by the same Britain pair in their match against Robson and Crookenden. The New Zealanders had the opportunity to put their team up 4-3 at the end of Sat. urday's play but Taylor and Stilwell fought as though their lives depended on the outcome. After surviving the match points they struck back so strongly that in the third set only two games were conceded to Robson and Crookenden.

Crookenden'* win over Cox in straight sets was meritorious. The two left-handers hit the ball freely and hard but it was the New Zealander who minimised his errors and who served better on his way to victory. Results (New Zealand players first):—

Saturday.—J. B. Souter beat S. Matthews, 6-4, 6-1; R. N. Hawkes beat G. Stilwell. 6-4, 8- J. E. Robson lost to R. Taylor, 4-6, 3-6; I. s. Crookenden beat M. Cox. 6-4. 8-3. Crookenden and Roboon lost to Taylor and Stilwell, 6-3. 5-7, 2-8; Hawkes and Souter lost to Matthews and Cox, 3-6, 3-6. Sunday.—Souter beat Stilwell, 9- 6-3; Hawkes beat Matthews. 2-6, 7-5, 10-8; Robson lost to Cox, 6-2, 11-13, 3-6: Crookenden and Robson beat Matthews and Cox, 6-4, 6-2; Hawkes and Souter lost to Taylor and Stilwell. 3-6, 11-9. 3-6.