LAWN TENNIS

Dunstan Times, Issue 3518, 20 April 1931, Page 6

LAWN TENNIS

Tin South Island championship and handicap tournament which was concluded on Wednesday, "as a thoroughly enjoyable gathering. The outstanding leature ol the tournament was the improved standard ol play ol many of the younger local players, and it is a gratifying circumstance that Otago plavers 'held their own remarkahl.C well against a strong visiting contingent. A\ . 0 Robertson, of j inicirii, was ol course tlie outs tan (Iing player among the men, and his beautiful stroke production and superb’ court emit were greatly admired. The young St. Kihla player, C. Deaker, upheld the honour of the province by tilling the role of runner-up to Huber* son. and both Li. Pollock and G Pearce gave promise of future achievement. Airs V\ A. Scott, playing up to her best form, gave some notable exhibitions, and other outstanding players in a strong field of Indies, were * Aliss Miller, of Oamaru, Miss Pattison, and Miss Partridge. In addition to winning the handsome cup presented by Spaldings, . G. Robertson, the singles champion, was presented with a beautiful racket which was made m New /Zealand. the racket was given to the Otago Sports Depot which donated it for this event, and was manufactured in Wellington, by the British and Dominion Racket Afannfaetniing Co., of N.Z. Ltd. In the semi-final of the men’s singles of the Canterbury Association's Easter tournament, 14. A. Barnett entered the final by defeating H. Dymond. Barnett took the first set easily on steady play and placements, while Dymond was erratic in his driving. Dymond’s play improved in the second set, when he led 4-2. Barnett, however, pulled up to 4 all, and from then on was in the ascendency, and finally took the set 7-6. C.' Angus won the other semi-final fairly easily, defeating B. B. Longman 6-2. (5-4. A'ngas had to play at top form to beat Barnett in the final of this event. In the first set. Angas held the lead all the way, taking the set, 6- Although playing well, Barnett was frequently finding the net. Barnett took the first game in the second set, and there were some great rallies in the second game, when both players brought out their full stroke equipment in a battle for placement. The advantage was with Angas, and he evened the score, and lead, 4-2, only to see his opponent capture the next two games. There was little between the players in tlie closing stages, Angas eventually running out, 7-6. Angas ami Dymond won tbe men’s championship doubles, defeating Sheppard ami Barnett in the final. The former pair won the first sot easily, hut the second was a marathon of twenty games. Sheppard and Barnett improved considerably in the second set, and there were many sparkling incidents, when all four players were at the net exchanging volleys. In the representative match between Wellington and Wairarapa, played at Miramar, Miss X. Fleming, the ex-Otago player gained the distinction of being one ol the two Wairarapa ladies to- win their matches. Writing in the ‘Evening Post.’ “ Drive” says that; “the match between Miss Fleming and Miss M. East, who played fourth in their respective tennis, left the spectators impressed with tbe merits of both girls. Aliss East played extremely well in difficult conditions, apart from a fatal weakness in lobbing. Atiss Fleming revealed -such strong shots, and such command of the court that it is not difficult to believe that she has an excellent future in tli ■ game. Her driving is made in a manner technically perfect, and at the net she volleys fearlessly and with decision. Her net work carried her through, for in tlie fatal third set, she had the advantage of tlie wind when lending 6-6 after a long and patient match. A keen struggle was expected in the final between E. L. Bartleet. holder of the Remnera Club title, and A. C. Steelman, Dominion champion, and the spectators were not disappointed (says the ‘ New Zealand Herald ’). For hard driving and interesting play, ua match has been played in Auckland this season to equal it. Bartleet’s fine serving, backed by accurate driving off Steelman’s necessarily defensive returns, enabled him to take tbe set at 6-2. Bartleet continued In play fine tennis in tlie second set. with accurate driving off both hands. Steelman kept one game ahead to 7-6, when Bartleet. at 16-4(1. double-faulted. !n tbe third set, leading at 4-3, Steelman, who was letting the ball with his full power, broke through, and then held service for the set at 6-3. Bartleet returned refreshed alter the rest period. Although Stedman at no stage eased oli in Ids driving, lie lost a little ol his precision, and Bartleet gained the set 7- hi tin’ fifth set, a had attack of cramp prevented Bartleet from continuing. and the club championship went to Stedman, 2-0, 8-6, 6-3, 6-7, 3-!. The ending was unfortunate, hut the four sets played wore brilliant and fnl! of thrills.”