LAWN TENNIS

Evening Star, Issue 22618, 9 April 1937, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS

[By Recorder.]

Interclub Matches. The final of the men’s A grade was played at Logan Park last Saturday afternoon, and resulted in a victory for Otago by the narrow margin of eight games, matches and sets being even. With the two teams so evenly matched •every point was important, and the players were so keyed up that safetyfirst tactics were frequently adopted. Nevertheless, plenty of tennis of a high standard was seen, and the spectators wei-e • treated to a keenly-contested display. A noticeable feature was the splendid sporting spirit in which the match was contested. The best match of the day was seen when ■ Bryan defeated Robertson after fi closely-contested three-set match. Throughout this match Robertson drove strongly, and never let up. However, he could not get, his volleys away for' winners, and Bryan frequently turned his opponent’s attacking position into one of defence, and was able to force Robertson out of position. Bryan gave a finished display of good all-round tennis, and, except for a period in the second set, when Robertson was making the pace, the Roslyn man made few errors. Boddy and Ravvlinson played their usual marathon match, with the former outplaying his opponent from

the net in the third set. Rawlinson, attacking strongly, won the first set, but it was his, inability to keep on coming to the net that cost him the match. The second set was played mainly from the base line, neither player showing an inclination to come in and finish otf the rally. When either attempted to come in it was usually on' the wrong shot, and a good passing shot quite frequently won the point. In this set Boddy made some remarkable recoveries, which saved games for him at critical stages. In the final set Boddy advanced to the net on every possible opportunity, and, once there, was able to volley or smash his opponent’s returns for winners. Pollock gave an accurate display against Grimsdale, and it was not until the Otago man had 5-1 in the second set that Grimsdale could make any impression. Grimsdale outplayed his opponent to take the next three games, and went close to making the score 5 all, but Pollock won out at 6-4, Kaye gained a surprise victory jpy defeating Sincock 6-2 in the third set. The Roslyn man played good tennis to win the first set, and. with a 4 love lead in the second, loosed like an easy winner. At this stage, however, Sin 7 cock made the mistake of easing up, instead of continuing his attacking game. Kaye took full advantage of his opportunity, and commenced to attack strongly, outplaying his opponent from the net. In the deciding set Kaye was on top all the way, and, serving and driving accurately, won out at 6-2. ■ At this stage Otago were leading by 3 matches to 1, and Roslyn were faced with the difficult task of winning both doubles in straight sets. Bryan and Rawlinson did their share to even the match by taking their doubles match against Boddy and Robertson, 6-2, 6-5. Bryan was the outstanding player, his overhead work being exceptionally good. Rawlmson’s only mistakes were made when going back for a deep lob. Robertson and Boddy fought hard all the way, but the Roslyn pair were playing so accurately that they were able to find the gaps with their well-directed shots. Roslyn’s second pair won the first set of their match fairly easily. All tour playeis wero kayccl up in tlic second set, as a win for either pair would give their team the shield. Of the lour players Pollock was the steadiest, and it was mainly his reliable play which gave Otago the set. Both the Roslyn men made frequent errors, and the knowledge that they had to go for every point made them slow up their, play. With the match won, Sincock and Grimsdale showed what they have done in the second set, when they took the final set at 6-2. The following table shows the winners Or the A grade competition to date:— 1905- —Otago. 1906- Otago. 1908-19—Kaituna. 1919-21—Otago. 1921-24—Moana. 1924- —University. 1925- Moana. }Ag-'?l~ Ka ! tuna and Moana. 192*-28—University, 1928-29—Moana. “ 1930- —Otago. 1931- —Roslvn. 1932- —Roslyn, 1933- St. kilda. 1934- —Ladies, Roslyn: men, Anderson s Bay.

Owing to the Empire Games being held in Sydney next summer, and entries being required by January, the national championships will probably be held in December. This year they will be held in Christchurch, and with favourable conditions in Otago it is anticipated that a team will be sent to the meeting. As the Otago championships will be held early in December after a fair amount of racing, this is all the more reason why riders should have a good spell while they have the opportunity.