HASTINGS CLUB NOTES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 10, 22 December 1933, Page 3

HASTINGS CLUB NOTES

Ladder Matches Played THE COMING TOURNEY

(By

“Sideliner.”

Activities at the Hastings Tennis Club during the week have been confined mostly to ladder matches and practice for the forthcoming Christmas Tournament. Very few matches have so far been played in the club championship, and it would appear that there will now be some difficulty in completing: all matches before tlie end of the season. There has been a material change in the order on the men’s ladder during the last week, and competition has been very keen among the first six players. The order now is: Elliott, Watson, Read, Ross, Brown and Averill. Ross, formerly in No. 2 position, has failed to reproduce his form or last, season, and has suffered defeat at the hands of both Watson and Read. In his match with Watson he did not play his ground strokes with his usual speed and accuracy. This allowed Watson to get to the net and use his powerful volleys and overhead work to advantage. Ross has had little practice this season and this, in a measure, accounts for his loss of form.

R. Read, as predicted earlier in the season, is steadily climbing to the top of the ladder. To gain No. 3 position he defeated both Brown and Ross rather comfortably. Read employs a very heavily cut drive which most players in the club find hard to handle. This stroke has largely accounted for his success so far, but it is doubtful whether it will carry him to the top flight in tennis. Players of class rarely find difficulty in coping with a cut drive. Lower down the the ladder Wilson and Vesty had a strenuous battle for No. 7 position, Wilson proving the winner.

Ladies’ Ladder. Matches for places on the ladies’ ladder have been few this season. The only encounter during the week was tho match between Miss Struthers ami Miss Matheson, tho former winning 6—4, 2—6, 6—4. These two young ladies practise assiduously and should find places higher on the ladder.

Xmas Tournament. Entries for the Xmas Tournament, to start next Tuesday, are excellent, both in quality and number. Besides players from all parts of the provinci many outside entries have been received.

Much interest will attach to the appearance of Noel Wilson, who toured New Zealand recently with tho Australian Davis Cup players. The courts have undergone a special preparation during the past few weeks, and given fine weather a most successful tournament is assured.