LAWN TENNIS Easter Tournament Reviewed

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 April 1946, Page 9

LAWN TENNIS Easter Tournament Reviewed

The West Coast Lawn Tennis Association held its Easter tournament last week-end. The event was favoured by good weather. The entries, particularly for the men’s events, were good and the general standard of play was satisfactory. For the first time since 1940 the West Coast championship titles were at stake. As was expected, Miss M. Costello retained the women’s singles title, but R. G. Pattinson went down to A. D. Hunter in the semi-final ol the men’s singles, his opponent having a further win in the final to take the honours.

Model of Concentration. ; A. D. Hunter, winner of the men s singles championship gave the impression of being determined to win. His positional play and careful stroking showed a concentration which was the outstanding feature of his play. This concentration was not applied merely to getting the ball back over the net, but to productive, point-scor-ing play.

Promising Youngster. The boys’ singles brought to light a youngster who displayed a coolness and knowledge of stroke play that would be envied by many older players. Aged only 12 years, J. Lynch impressed those who saw him play as a boy who would develop exceptionally well with practice and coaching. He defeated W. Meldrum and was in turn beaten by a boy whose a?e and physique were deciding factors. Onlookers were amazed at his footwork and stroking and, if he iulfils the promise he now shows, he may well be a force to reckon with as he grows older.

Cramped Style. Credit must be given to Miss tx. Walker, who was runner-up m the girls’ championship singles, and the winner of the women’s handicap singles and doubles, being partneiea in the last-mentioned event by Miss J. Lindsay. Miss Walker has some excellent scoring shots which she exploited to full advantage at times during the tournament, but it was disappointing to see the cramped style which mars her game. Faulty footwork is at the root of the matter, and she is often too close to the ball when playing forehand shots. The result is that she uses a type of “scoop from the elbow, instead ol a lull swing when driving.

Close of Season . The Greymouth Tennis Club will officially end its season’s play on Saturday. Members have been requested to attend whether the weather is wet or fine. From the point of view of competition with outside clulbs the season has been highly successful and a good share of championship honours came to Greymouth in the Easter tournament. It is to be hoped that other local clubs will gain next season in numbers and experience so that competition may be keener and the standard of play consequently improved.