SQUASH SHIELD WIDE OPEN

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32612, 21 May 1971, Page 15

SQUASH SHIELD WIDE OPEN

Although High School Old Boys emerged the deer winner of the first competition for the men's A grade squash rackets. Its chances of winning the Wilson Shield for the last two rounds are not good. R. McCutcheon, who has been unbeaten in the second or third position, leaves for overseas on lune 2, as does S. Dixon, the team’s first reserve.

In addition to these losses, the consistent V. Hargreaves will be missing for at least two matches when he is competing in the New Zealand championships and the international individual event

A replacement for McCutcheon will be found from either B. McNeill (a surprise selection for Canterbury recently) or D. DearSley, who played in the A grade last year when Old Boys fielded two teams.

With these changes, Christchurch B and University must be considered to have good prospects for the premier shield.

For consistency of team composition, Christchurch B wins hands down, because it has had only two changes in five matches, compared with University's five changes. If University can field its strongest team regularly, it must be considered to have the most chance of success. A Naughton is striking the ball particularly well at present, and the Unlver-

slty line-up of Naughton, J. Rosevear, B. Johns and C. Tilby or P. Gallagher is capable of beating any of the other teams.

One other team must come Into consideration for the top honours, and that is Christchurch A. Only once—in its first match—has It had all its team available.

If It can call on R. N. Hawkes, C C. Klssllng, P. Salt and R. G. PatHnson every Saturday, the team must have a chance. Hawkes is improving rapidly, and Salt should return from Australia, where he has been with the New Zealand junior team. It has been noticeable that due to a general tightening up of rules and strict adherence to them by the competitions committee, players are arriving on time and matches are played at the time stated.

The greatest need now, is for greater consistency in umpiring. Consistency Is necessary, both In calling the score and In Interpretation of the contentious Rule 17 which covers allowing one’s opponent free access to the ball, freedom of stroke, and a fair view.

The New Zealand management committee last week-end ratified some minor changes to the rule. The two Canterbury representatives at the umpires’ gathering, Messrs P. A. Liken and D. M. Lawrie can now establish a school in Christchurch to raise the standard of umpiring throughout the province.