WOMEN’S SPORT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 306, 9 December 1933, Page 10

WOMEN’S SPORT

N.S.W. TENNIS TOUR. VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND. The New South Wales women’s tennis team to visit New Zealand leaves Sydney on December 14. The itinerary includes a visit to both the North aud South Islands, says a Sydney paper. Miss Nell Lloyd, captain aud man ager of the team, is responsible for the arrangements, it is her acquaintance with the New Zealanders that led to the tour of New Zealand in 1931 by the New South Wales team. Certainly the New South Wales Lawn Tennis Association sanctioned each visit, but the actual negotiations were made by Miss* Lloyd and the team was chosen by her. Miss Lloyd volunteered interesting comments upon the New Zealand ■women players with whom our girls will compete. ‘ 1 Marjorie McFarlan captained the New Zealand team in Sydney in 1922,” she said, ‘‘and has played in every match against Australia since that time. She is one of the most attractive players. She defeated Joan Hartigan two years ago. We shall meet her again when we arrive in Auckland. Beryl Knight is another Aucklander who has played against Australia, but she has never visited Sydney.” Miss Dulcie Nicholls, of Wellington, is the present holder of the New Zealand championship. She won it last year in the absence of Joan Hartigan, who captured the title in 1931.

"She comes from a fine sporting family,” remarked Miss Lloyd, ‘‘and is a sister of the brilliant Mark Nicholls, Dominion Rugby Union football-

Mrs. Dykes, of Wellington, is the outstanding player,” Miss Lloyd remarked. ‘‘She plays the all court, and particularly excels in the volley. At Christchurch in 1931 she defeated both Joan Hartigan and Ula Valkenburg. ” Miss Lloyd thinks that New Zealand is not as fortunate as Australia with respect to organised tennis, for thev have no system of grade or badge matches, such as are common to New South Wales. The North Island is stronger than the South, possibly because weather conditions are better and allow of grass courts. Nearly all the courts in the South are of asphalt, especially from Timaru southwards. New Zealand Wales will be represented by four of its strongest players —Misses Louie Bickerton (a membei of the last Australian team to visit England), Hall, Valkenburg, and Dingle. All are in fine form, and are having excellent practice at present in tlic New .South Wales championships and interstate fixtures. The team will compete in the New Zealand championships (which commence on December 30 in Christcliurch), club championships, and three test matches. The tour will be completed by January 20, to allow the New South Wales players to return to Sydeny in time for the Australian championships.