DAVIS CUP

Grey River Argus, 16 May 1935, Page 4

DAVIS CUP

STEDMAN v. CRAWFORD. EVEN PLAY HELD VP. (Aus. and N.Z Cable Assn.) LONDON, May 14. In the Davis Cup singles match at Eastbourne, Crawford was leading Stedman 14/12, 17/15, 4/6 when rain stopped play for the day. The court was covered and was not i affected by the morning’s rain but rain commenced soon after play began. Stedman driving powerfully led 4/1. He was within point of leading 5/1 on service but Crawford took the next service and evened 4/4. Rain drenched the players who continued until the score was 5/5. They later resumed wearing spiked shoes to enable them to get a footholl on the slippery court. Splendid driv- » ing nevertheless was seen. Crawford’s greater variety of length and concealment of direction enabled him to take the set, but only after Stedman’s baseline aggression provided the most brilliant tennis of the contest. Conditions improved in the second set, both hitting even harder. Crawford’s versatility again neutralised * the effect of the New Zealander’s fierce driving. The Australian led 5/3, when Stedman resolutely equalised. Driving with great power, and precision, Stedman held set point at 9/8, but failed after which a great struggle was resumed at tremendous pace, with the New Zealander unable to regain the lead, though every game was hard fought until 14/14. The 1 hard driving continued, Crawford eventually taking the set 17/15. He was leading 4/3 in the third set when another downpour drove the players from the court. The Australian Press Association comments: The Crawford-Stedman struggle was undecided after 24 hours’ play. Stedman was scarcely recognisable as the uncertain player who faced McGrath on Saturday. Crawford found himself challenged throughout. The longer the match progressed, the more difficult he found it to bring Stedman to close quarters. While the New Zealander kept up a steady stream of well placed forehand and bankhand drives, he served well. Crawford’s command of spin got him out of many tight corners. Stedman hit vigorously throughout and achieved ders with his limited stroke equipment. The few hundred spectators docilely accepted the announcement of no further play.