CROQUET TOURNAMENT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 February 1925, Page 5

CROQUET TOURNAMENT.

EXCITIN' G CONTESTS. Yesterday saw some of the best croquet- played in the course of the whole tournament. Interest, which has been well maintained throughout, was exceptionally keen and increased during the afternoon as so many good matches were witnessed by the large number; of spectators present. At Hawera lawns most close- attention was given to the match in the champion doubles in which Mrs Skeet and Mr Meredith met Mrs McKay and Mr Clague. The latter were both playing exceptionally well, but if Mrs Skeet had given her partner the support expected the result might have been different. Mr Meredith was in great form and put up a great performance,, when leaving his partner a long way back, he went right through and had very bad luck in not euchring the good play of his opponents. He had a shot from twelve feet to peg out Mr Clague and just failed. In this he left an opening and Mr Clague, with a brilliant shot pegged Mr Meredith and the game was won. It. was a gallant effort on the part of the latter and deserved a bet ter fate.

Immediately after this strenuous game Air Meredith went to the Park to play a singles with Airs Alorrison. She won the toss and immediately went off to establish a substantial lead, Air Meredith being unable to get in with the black. This continued until she was well ahead, about seven hoops with both balls. Her opponent, playing a fine bold game, at last got his opening, and with two brilliant well sustained efforts, marred only by one fault' in an easy hoop, went clean round and, using his opponent’s balls very. cleverly and effectively, gave a masterly .exposition of croquet of a class which is rarely seen here. Mrs Morrison played a fine game, but she was no match for her doughty opponent. She is entitled to great, credit for her good struggle and for the sporting way in which she took the result. It was the most thrilling event of the day. There will be a. series, of capital contests to day (Friday) and interest promises to be well maintained until the end of the tournament. ... Each day a nice afternoon tea is put on by Airs T. H. Campbell. This is much appreciated by all. Messrs Meredith Clague and Horner are all showing excellent form, and their meeting in the champion singles is being looked for with keen interest. An interested visitor to the tournament to-day was Mrs Clarkson, vicepresident of the Auckland Association. Mrs Clarkson expressed herself delighted with the grounds and the manner in which the tournament was being managed. She said that at any future tournament she would endeavour to come and bring other Auckland players. Results were as follows: — CHAAIPION SINGLES.

First round —Mrs McGaliey beat Mrs 26 —23; Mrs Greenhill beat Mrs Glenny, 26—23; Mrs MrKav beat Mis Donald, 26—7. •' Second round —Mrs Morrison beat Miss Power; Mrs McGaliey beat Mrs Armitage, 26 —6. Third round —Mr Meredith beat Mrs Morrison, 26—20. CHAMPION DOUBLES.

First round—Mrs McKay and Claguc heat Mrs Glenny and Horner; Mesdanios J. E. Campbell and Dowling beat Mesdames Donald ami Greenhill: Mesdames Puisted and Glasson _ beat Mesdames Snowden and Armitage. 26 —11; Mesdames J. L. Campbell ami McGregor boat Mrs W. Johnson and Wyllie. 26—17; Mesdames Morris and Cook beat Mesdames McGahev and Hill, 26—20. Second round —Mrs McKay and Plague beat Mrs Skeet and Meredith. ofi- 17; Mesdames Suisted and Glasson beat Mesdames J. L. Campbell and McGregor, 26—18; Mrs Morrison and Miss NorTnan beat Mesdames J. E. Campbell ami Dowling. 26 —25. This morning's results were |a,s be,o" ‘ ~ CHAMPION SINGLES Second Pound.—Mrs. Wylke beat Mrs. J. L. Campbell, 26—23; Mrs. N. Johnson beat Mrs. J. B. Campbell, 96 i2; Mr. Cl ague heat Mrs. Suisted, 2fi 6; Mrs. McKay beat Mrs. Greenhall, 2o handicap DOUBLES. Mesdames Morris and Cook b"°t Mr. Homer and Mrs. Glenny, 26—20.