Letterbox

Press, 19 February 1986, Page 42

Letterbox

I congratulate the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association on its decision to ban four Auckland male tennis players from future tournaments in Christchurch. Like many players who participated in the Canterbury championships, I was appalled by the offensive behaviour of these petulant, highly opinionated, selfcentred players. My sympathy and admiration goes to the tournament referee, Diana McKinnel, who had to deal with their loud and often abusive verbal outbursts, their racket throwing, their wilful hitting of balls into neighbouring tennis bays, and their failure to wear correct attire.

It was a pleasant contrast to view, on television, the exemplary sporting behaviour of the two finalists in the Benson and Hedges men’s tournament in Auckland several days later. —SHIRLEY HAIG.

Recently we watched, on television, a fine game of cricket between India and New Zealand in Tasmania. But there were

incidents, first when an Indian player was run out and then when a New Zealander was given out to a catch after the ball appeared to have bounced. I wonder what action these players would have taken if the umpires had asked their opinions. I think more cooperation should be shown between players and those in control.

I well recall a Seddon Shield rugby match played at Victoria Square, Westport, in 1933. A Buller forward plunged across the goal-line with the ball, but it slipped from under his arm before he grounded it properly. The crowd clapped and cheered for a try, but the Christchurch referee, who was unsighted, dashed up to the Buller player and said, “Did you ground the ball?” The player replied, “No, ref,” so a drop-out was awarded. There was a lovely compliment paid to this man at the aftermatch function. Buller won, anyway.—G. MASON.