Australians Take Every N.Z. Tennis Title

Northern Advocate, 14 February 1940, Page 8

Australians Take Every N.Z. Tennis Title

[Per Press Association —Covyrightl WELLINGTON, This Day/ As expected, the Australians annexed every title in the New Zealand Centennial lawn tennis championships. Wellington’s notorious northerly wind had done much to mar play, but, even so, the visitors showed immeasurably superior form throughout the tournament. New Zealand’s only hopes in yesterday’s finals were C. Angas and A. D. Brown in the men’s doubles, and Mrs. Gallagher (formerly Miss Dulcie Nieholls) with Miss M. Hardcastle in the ladies’ doubles, but, as results show, the Australians were never seriously threatened, and won' almost as they liked.

Bromwich Prevails. Revealing form which has won Jiim the ranking ‘of No. 2 player in the world, Bromwich vanquished Crawford in the final of the men’s singles in straight sets. Crawford showed all his artistry and courtcraft, but Bromwich was irresistable. Both players struck immaculate lengths in their driving, and there were numerous prolonged rallies. Crawford often took the net to volley for what appeare d to be certain winners, only to be passed by Bromwich, whose retrieving shots were nothing short of brilliant. Crawford frequently placed himself in the position of winning a game, but as often as not he lost the advantage by netting easy returns. Eromwich Delights Crowd. Bromwich drove into the net frequently ip the first few games, and Crawford established a lead in the first set at 4 —l, but the younger player, showing characteristic concentration drew level at 5 —5, and went on to win the set ,at 7—5. Bromwich was right ’on his game iii the second set, ’and, after a 3—l, lead, he ran to 5—2. putting himself in a commanding position. Crawford was more troubled by the wind than Bromwich, and he made numerous costly mistakes to drop the set at 3—G. Bromwich delighted the crowd with many dazzling shots in the third set, and won at 6 —3. to take the match. Invincible Combination. Naturally such an invincible combination as Crawford and Bromwich in the men’s doubles gave Angas and Brown no chance of even taking one set. The Australians were leading 4—o in the first set without the Canterbury men having shown anything commensurate with the ability displayed by their opponents. By her all-round play throughout the tournament Miss Wynne stands out far ahead of all the other lady competitors. In the final of the ladies’ singles yesterday she ’beat Miss Coyne with ease with straight sets. In the second set she virtually swept her opponent off the court. Mrs Gallagher, who was at one time New Zealand lady champion, showed that she was short of match play in the ladies’ doubles final. Although Miss Hardcastle drove consistently well on the forehand, Miss Wynne and Miss Coyne showed remarkable superiority at the net, and riddled the defence with cleanly-hit volleys. Results. Men’s Singles.—J. Bromwich (Australia) beat J. H. Crawford (Australia), 7—5, 6—3, 6—3. Men’s Doubles.—Bromwich and Crawford beat Angas and Brown, 6—2. 6—2, 6—2. Ladies’ Singels.—Miss N. Wynne (Australia) beat Miss T. Coyne (Australia), 6—4, 6—l. Ladies’ Doubles. —Misses Wynne and Coyne beat Mrs Gallagher and Miss Hardcastle, 6—l. 6—2. Men’s Plate.—M. Fcrkins beat Hamilton, 6—4. 7—5.