LAWN TENNIS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 174, 11 April 1923, Page 8

LAWN TENNIS

NEW ZEALAND TEAM IN SYDNEY BEATEN BY NEW SOUTH WALES bSI.UcJIiA.. ; -‘~- BY 7 RUBBERS TO 4 (Rec. April 10, 10.30 p.m.) By telegraph.—Press association. Sydney, April 10. Notwithstanding the absence of the cream of New South Wales tennis players, the New Zealanders were beaten by seven rubbers to four at the opening day of the New Zealand and New South Wales match at Rushcutters Bay courts. The weather was fine but cloudy, and the attendance small- Owing to rain since the weekend tho New Zealanders were unable to obtain the necessary practice to regain their top form. In the singles France fought a stubborn contest against Kirkpatrick, and thoroughly merited a fine victory. Against Dive and Huthnance he later figured with Sims as partner m the best doubles of the day, though overshadowed by the masterly play of his partner, whose ambidexterous skill and. long reach enabled him repeatedly to extricate his side from tight corners. Ollivier seemed off-colour, both in tho singles and doubles, playing far below the form displayed when he met Anderson in the final of the Sydney tournament recently. In the contest against Clemenger and Kirkpatrick it was expected that Peacock and Ollivier would carry off the honours, but whilst both visitors disclosed the more scientific shots the opposing pair keenly disputed every ace and annexed the second and third sets in convincing fashion. Wallace and Robson met more than their masters in Sieler and Baker, who were stopped only by Anderson and Peach in the recent tournament. On his day Sieler is likely to upset any player by his dazzling, unorthodox manner. He successfully attempts apparently impossible strokes. Play on the whole, with the exception of the Sims-France doubles, was devoid of thrilling rallies, and lacked tho speed and “pep” which characterised the recent tournament. Tli© matches will be continued on Wednesday. Results: — Singles. Dive beat Robson (N.Z.), 6—3, 6-4-Peacock (N.Z.) beat Daker, France ’(N.Z.) beat Kirkpatrick, bl 9 6 8 0 3 Clemenger beat Ollivier (N.Z.), 2 —6. 6 —l, 6—3. Sieler beat Sims (N.Z.), 6—2, 6—3Wallace (N.Z.) beat Huthnance, 6—4, 6—o. Doubles.

Dive and Huthnance beat Wallace and Robson, 6—2, 6—2. Baker aid Sieler beat Sims and France, 5 —7, B—6,8 —6, 6—2. _ Sims and France beat Dive ana Huthnance, 6—l, 4—6, 6—4. Clemenger and Kirkpatrick beat Ollivier and Peacock, 3—6, 7—5, 6—l. Baker and Sieler beat Wallace and Robson, 6—2, I—6,1 —6, 6 2.