LAWN TENNIS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1307, 9 December 1911, Page 12

LAWN TENNIS.

tßi "Footfault."] NOTES ON THE CITY PLAY. Wellington Provincial Championship and Handicap Tournament, at Day's Bay, January 20, 22, 23, 1912. New Zealand Championships Tournament at Lancaster Park, Christchurch, December 23, 26, 27, and 23, 1911. Davis Cup Contest—December 23, 30, 1911, and January 1, 1912, at Lancaster l'ark, Christcliurch.

Men's Shield Competition. The most remarkable of last. Saturday's wjiis was that of Victoria College over Wellington A. This was no doubt somewhat accounted for by the fact that the match was played on the College courts, and that the students seemed moro able to cope with the strong wind against which the exposed position offers no protection. On paper Wilson's win over Brown appears to be an excellent performance, but, in reality, the latter player was .completely out 'of form, and was far from well. Eraser was not in it with Bcerc, who has come during the last two or three weeks, ond is improving his cut drive. His smashes arc at times unreturnable. Cleghoni, wjio in the early part of the season gave promise of good play, went down somewhat easily to M'Nicol, and, although this player would probably always beat him, lie should not have had such an easy victory. Smith had a good win over M'Caul, and both tho doubles were won by Victoria College in decisive fashion.

Though the Newtown team- Buffered a defeat by Brougham Ilill they put up a good fight. 11. V. Howe and Hawkins won their singles from Itcdward and Simpson comfortably, bnt failed in tho double to the same two players. Strange to say this state of affairs-was reversed by the third and fou-th players, Xewiown winning the shales nnd losing the double.

In the second set Simpson played up well, and, with some practice and the cultivation of steadiness, should he hard to beat. Morris and Low thoroughly deserved their wins in the singles over Hunter and Sampson. In the double, however, the Brougham Ilill pair showed more of their true form, and won with comparative ease. Cup Play. In the cup grade the most evenly-con-tested match was that between Newtown and Trinity, tho rubbers and sets being oven, and victory going to the former by tho narrow margin of three games. Crowes, who is rapidly getting back into form, now from his opponents in no uncertain maimer. Ho has the style aud stamina wjiich are the requisites of player-

Ladies' Shield Competitions, In tho Wellington A v. Victoria College match, tho first single between Misses Travors and Van Stavoren did not produce the play that might have been expected. Tho College player, who has been showing good form, did not make as good a stand against the champion as she should have done. Miss Williams easily disposed of Miss Tcnnanl, but tho latter player should not be discouraged, as she is capable of good teunis. Tho remaining matches, both singles and doubles, were easily taken by Wellington. Th'oriKion won safely from Wellington B, the closest contest hcing between Miss Kmythe and Mrs. Walker, which went into three .sets. Brougham Hill won from Newtown with only ono loss, this being Miss Robinson's defeat of Miss Morgan, which was a creditable performance for the Newtown player. Ladies' Cup Matches,

These mutches did not provide, anything of great interest. Miss Mack had a creditable win over Miss Miller. She has a good style, and is a promising player, as is also Miss Pearson, of the pennant grado.

Training for the Davis Cup. Interest is now running high on the Davis Cup, and tho prospects for a very successful contest are distinctly good. The Americans are hard at practice, on the special court prepared for them in Christchurch. The defending team, with the exception of Dunlop, has arrived, and bv this time are also getting into hard train-

ing. Brookes and Heath were seen to great ndvantagc on the Thorndon Courts during the week. Both played with perfect confidence, often returning what appeared to bo impossible shots with case. The length and timing were practically perfect. Of the two, Brookes was more certain of his shots, and his quick interceptions were a treat to see. Although the Americans state that they arc going to win, Brookes is not so sure that thev will, and the result will he very much in doubt until the last shot has been played.

Tennis Goods from Slazenger's, Sheffield, imd BnsseT—the best matami, Geo. Den' ton, 58 WUli* Stwct-Adrt.