N.Z.U. tennis boosted

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34104, 17 March 1976, Page 16

N.Z.U. tennis boosted

(By

JOHN BROOKS)

The New Zealand Universities Lawn Tennis Council might well lie persuaded to become more active in the tours field, in the light of the splendid results achieved by its team in the South Island recently.

Finance will be a stumbling block for the development of a comprehensive tours programme, but it is probable that the energetic chairman of the council, Murray Smith, will pursue methods of offsetting costs. As manager of the 1976 team he obtained a keen appreciation of the benefits arising from regularly strong competition for his top players.

The team lost narrowly to Wellington, 5-7, in the opening fixture, but won all the other contests — against Marlborough. Nelson. Otago. North Otago. Gore. Southland and Canterbury. In aggregate, the side won 81 matches and lost only 29. Outstanding results were obtained by the top women. Judith Phillips (Canterbury) and Sheryl Tebbutt (Waikato), both of whom are nationally ranked. They were unbeaten in singles and doubles, and contributed 24 wins to the team’s tally. Richard Delaney (Manawatu), the No. 1 player among the men experienced mixed fortunes but maintained a high standard. David Shapcott had a

dream run in his singles matches, winning all eigh:, and Alan Croad. Mark Cod lin. Ka> Hatherton and Nancy Rendell weighed in with some good wins.

The highlight of ihe tour

was the performance of Croad and Shapcott in reaching the final of the Canterbury men’s doubles championship In the same tournament. Miss Phillips joined forces with Shirley Haig to win the women's doubles.