Provincial Tennis Champs.

Northern Advocate, 24 January 1939, Page 5

Provincial Tennis Champs.

[Special to “Northern Advocate”] AUCKLAND, This Day. PHay commenced in the first round of the sehior section of the Auckland provincial tennis championships at Stanley Street yesterday, when a start was made with men’s, women’s and mixed doubles. Matches were played on the best—-of-five principle and many interesting contests resulted.

Smith *and Wilson. Wad little difficulty in disposing of Allen and Copsey at 6—o, 6—2, 6—2, their smashing being the deciding factor. For the losers, Copsey’s service was effective and Allen gave a good display of judicious lobbing.

Lusk and Mitchell, victors over J. N. Wilson and T. H. Wilson in straight sets, were strong on lobbing, and were also outstanding in smashing work. McGrath Backhand. Matuschka, good on lobbing, displayed a fine, hard two-handed backhand when he partnered L. Roach to victory in a four-set match' (against Devereaux and Crevatt. J. D, and R. H. Lewis' were too strong for J. Leng and G. Martin, R. H, Lewis, particularly, playing exceptionally well in volley and overhead work; ; 1 ' .

H. N. Potter partnered D. Anderson to win in a four-set match against F. H. Dow and L. B. Stuart. The winning pair were strong on service, Potter also showing up on smash and overhead work.

Misses N. Hull and J, Moody, though young players, showed their mettle even though they were beaten by the Beverley sisters, who played at the top of their form. The younger players served well 'and handled smashes brilliantly. Marathon Doubles. In the afternoon there were some long drawn out matches in the first round of the men’s doubles, all going to five sets.

One was between the Waikato pair, D. B. Livingstone and J. Roach, and W. T. Poutney and I. A. Wylds, the former proving successful. The lengthiest match of all in this round was that between J. D. Bull and B. McL. Wallace and G. W. Radonich and M. R. Andrews. The match commenced at 10.45 a.m. and did not conclude until 2.15 p.m.

Brough Brilliant.

N. F* Bedford and J. W, Gunn, who are favoured in many quarters for the title, were well extended by G. Brough, previously of Whangarei, and M. Cameron. The latter pair actually had set points in the second set. Brough played some brilliant tennis, and his partner, although perhaps not quite in the same class as the others, rose to the occasion in great style. Misses B. L. Bishop and P. Cooke, holders of the ladies’ doubles title, were unable to take matters, easily with Misses K. Milne and V. Mclndoe. Misses M. and R. Hodges, who won the New Zealand junior title at Wanganui last week, were taken to three sets by Misses B. Potter and M. Wade. ' ' • - '

Misses M. and N. Beverley, who won the championship in 1935 and 1937, were not extended in defeating Misses M. Hull and J. Moody in straight sets. In the combined doubles there were some interesting matches. J. T. Mayson and Miss M. Macfarlane did not have matters all their own way against L. Roach and Miss R. Hodges.

Rodney Smith and Partner Win,

Following the winning of the first set with the loss of only one game, R. W. Smith, formerly of Kaitaia and Whangarei, and Miss P. Cooke lost much of their accuracy against J. D. Lewis and Miss J. Hansen. It was only when Miss Cooke won her service for 10—9 that she and her partner were able to clinch matters. D. G. France and Mrs France wore eliminated in the second round, but only after a gallant effort on the part of France.

Bedford and Miss Bishop encountered solid opposition from Leng and Miss Symes. Leng was very consistent at the net. where he volleyed and smashed for winners. Miss Symes gave able support, showing fine anticipation from the back of the court.