LAWN TENNIS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 176, 13 April 1923, Page 5

LAWN TENNIS

VICTORY FOR NEW SOUTH WALES NEW ZEALANDERS BEATEN BY 13 RUBBERS TO 8

CRITICS IMPRESSED BY VISITORS’ PLAY

BY TELEGRAPH—PBESS ASBOCIATICH. —OOPYBIOHT. (Roc. April 12, 10.25 p.m.) Sydney, April 12.

Owing to continued rain the resumption of play in tho tennis matches between the New Zealand and New South Wales tennis teams was delayed for a couple of hours. The courts were sloppy when a start was made, several players discarding their shoes in order to obtain a better, foothold. Even then it was practically impossible to move off tho mark smartly or turn to chase returns. The New Zealanders appeared more at home on the wet courts, and from a scientific standpoint provided the best tennis, but they were unable to wrest the laurels from their keen and persistent opponents, who won thirteen rubbers against eight. Peacock’s play was tho feature of the series. Every shot was stamped with the hall-mark of the artist. Ollivier, who is imperturbable in sunshine or rain, invariably found his length early, but at times lost points by erratic returns. Sims proved an outstanding player. The remainder of the team impressed critics by their all-round play and fine temperament. Singles. Peacock beat Kirkpatrick 6 —o. 6 —3, the former losing only three shots in tho first five games. Ollivier beat Sieler .6 —2, 11 —9. The loser fought hard in tho twentieth game, but the visitor succeeded in wining- the set and match. Clemenger beat Sims. 6—3, 3 —6, 6 —4. Sims met his master in Clemenger. who relied chiefly on his services for victory. Doubles. Sieler and Baker bent Peacock and Ollivier, 6 —3, 2—6. 6 —3. The visitors had their opponents at sea. in the first set, superior court general ship enabling them to run tho New South Wales men all over the slippery court. Sieler moved about -with cat-like agility in tho second set and accomplished brilliant neb play. , Baker’s form fluctuated till nearing the end of the third set. when he momentarily eclipsed the visitin" veterans. Div® and Huthnance • bent Pencock and Ollivier, 8-y6. 6 —3. Peacock excelled in overhead work. Ollivier exercised his usual judgment, but annenred listless nt times. Dive was kent busy bv the New Zealanders, especially as his partner is weak in backhand strokes. In tho second set the seventh game was lovo-40 in favour of tho New Zealanders, but Huthnance excelled himself with sneedy services and returns, and won the name. Kirkpatrick and Clemenger hnp.t Wallace and Robson. 6 —3. 6—4. The winners proved their superiority in volleying and net play. Peacock on the Defeat. Peacock, asked to explain the defeat, said: “Wo just lost, that is all. We have had a splendid time, notwithstanding the Orange experience. We regret that rain interrupted the later games. The team will sail on Friday.—Press Assn. CLOSING DAY" AT WELLINGTON COURTS. The Wellington Club will hold its official closing day for the season tomorrow, when Vho semi-finals; and finals of the ladies’ championship bin,"les and (championship combined doubles will be played, and trophies for events won during the season will be presented.

LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP OF CANTERBURY. BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. Christchurch, April 12. In the final of the Ladies’ Tennis Championship of Canterbury, Miss Spiers beat Miss Ferrier, 3—6, 6—5, 6-1.