SCHOOLS’ TENNIS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 69, 15 December 1923, Page 4

SCHOOLS’ TENNIS

FERGUSON CUP HELD BY ISLAND BAY KEENLY-CONTESTED FINALS The finals in the twentieth annual schools tennis tournament were decided at Brougham Udi Courts yesterday. It speaks well for the cont *° l ’ Uno- officials that so many ,as 719 games could be put through in three and a half days, and the management yesterday was another perfect example of thoroughness. Among those present during the day were the Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.), and Mr. T. Forsyth. The finals were of more than ordinary interest this year, on account of the fact that no fewer uhan seven schools competed, which is, in itself, abundant proof of the remarkable growth of popularity for the Ba, ™ro fact that a great deal was due to Mr. J. Melody, who had completed his tenth year in charge of the schools tourney, was stressed by the president of the association (Mr. Thwaites) at the conclusion of the tournament. Mr. Melody, he said, could remember the time when the entries for the .annual tournament totalled only 220; m 1922 they had reached 1065, and even with the restricted number this .year, there were as many as 928 entries. Mr. Melody’s influence on the young blood would be revealed in later years, when our now champions in embryo would emerge. He also wished to thank Mrs."j. A. B. Howe, Messrs. J. A. B. Howe, W. IS. Howe, Lord, Bell. Harland, Dewhurst, Miss E. "Woodward, and the Headmasters’ Association, teachers and officials who had done so much to make the tournament a sucMax Perkins (Island Bay) won the boys’ singles final for the third year in succession, and also, partnered with Athea, carried off the boys doubles. He incidentally annexed the J. Jenness medal, and played.prominently for the coveted shield, which igoes back to Island Bay. It is interesting to note ibo past successes of the schools competing for the Ferguson Cup:—l9o4, won by T.R.O; 1904 (Dec.), Terrace; 1905, Terrace; 1906. T.R.0.; 1908, Kilbirnio; 1909, Clyde Oi’ a y - > 1910, 1911. 1912, Kilbirnie; 1913 Clvde Ouay • 1914, Terrace; 1915. 1916. 1917, Clyde Quay: 1918, epidemic, no tournament; 1919, Hutt and Lvall Bay (equal); 1920. Island Bay; 1921. South Wellington; 1922, Island Bay; 1923, Island Bay. ~ The girls’ doubles provided an exciting finish, when Misses Jones and Mather (Muritai) snatched victory by dint of hard fighting from Misses Weller and 1 Greenbank (Roseneath). from 29 all. Miss Weller, winner of the girls’ singles, and incidentally the H. M. Boddinigton medal, is another voupg player of promise, and E. Clapham and Calder in the combined doubles made an impression op, spectators by the manner in which they improved, their service from a dull opening to win the final from F. Clisby and R.. Howe. In responding to eulogistic references made at tho conclusion of the tournament. Mr. Melody .regretted that it would bo the last occasion on which he would control the “happy event,’ but said he would always have the interests of the school children at heart. Ho wised to particularly thank the Headmasters’ Association, who hac placed every assistance at his disposal. Following are tho results of tho finals:—• GIRLS’ SINGLES. Semi-finals. —V. Dyer (East Hutt) beat E. Clapham (Normal), 30—22; L. Weller (Roseneath) beat M. Cooper (Hataitai). 30—20. Final. —L. Weller beat V. Dyer. SO--21. BOYS’ SINGLES. Semi-final.—M. Ferkins (Island Bay) beat A. Pringle (Seatoun). 30—20; Baker (Roseneath) beat Howe (Clyde Quay), 30 —26. Final.—Ferkins beat Baker, 30 —12. GIRLS’ DOUBLES. Semi-final. —W. Jones and F. Mather (Muritai) beat Baigent and V. Dyer (East Hutt). 30—28; L. Weller and Greenbank (Roseneath), beat Cording and Rickards (Johnsonville). 30—22. Final. —W. Jones and F. Mather beat L. Weller and Greenbank, 31— 29. BOYS’ DOUBLES. Semi-final. —M. Martin and R. Walker (Plimmerton) beat E. Clay and M. Murray (Lyall Bay), 30—23; Ferkins and Athea (Island Bay) beat Burns and French (Lyall Bay), 30 —15. Final. —Perkins and Athea beat Martin and Walker, 30—19. COMBINED DOUBLES. Final.—E. Clapham and A. Calder (Normal) beat F. Clisby and R. Howe (Clvde Quay), 31-29. Tho shield and numerous medals donated by Mr. Peacock, Mr. Jenness and Mr. Boddington, were presented by Mrs. J. A. B. Howe. The secondary tournapient for the Grady Cup, for_ which 100 entries jrave been received, is to be played on the Lower Hutt courts on Tuesday morning at 8.15