Impressive Displays At Parakao Tennis Gala

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1947, Page 7

Impressive Displays At Parakao Tennis Gala

MORE than 300 people thoi at Parakao on Saturday. The appearance of leading A but Northlanders taking part ac

The highlight of the day was the singles encounter between E. D. B. Lusk, Auckland champion, and Peter Smith, of Kaikohe. Both players impressed with their smooth controlled stroking on either hand. Smith played the steadier game but allowed Lusk to take the initiative most of the time. Lusk has a One cross-court forehand drive which kept his opponent reaching. The Aucklander also possesses a beautifully-controlled and accurately placed backhand, produced with the minimum of effort. It would be a very difficult stroke to return on grass, being heavily undercut. Smith demonstrated superior overhead play but his opponent delighted the crowd with remarkable ability to retrieve shots which appeared to be winners. Lusk made many errors, particularly in his service, but by maintaining the attack secured victory, 3—6, B—6, 7—5. SPARKLING DOUBLES The men's doubles between M. Otway and E. D. B. Lusk and Peter and Johnnie Smith, of Kaikohe. was splendid, producing some sparkling net play. Otway, although only 15, has some fine strokes and employs plenty of pace. With his good net play and severe overhead, he gives promise of reaching the top flight. Johnnie Smith performed particularly well although he has had very little play this season. He showed that with practice he would hold his own with the best. He displayed more initiative than Peter and employed more pace to keep his opponents on the defensive. MACHINERY FOR SALE

•oughly enjoyed the tennis gala

Liickland players was the magnet :quitted themselves creditably.

His smashes, like those of Otway, were ' winners every time. The mixed doubles with Lusk and Mrs Wentzell against John Smith and Miss Winnie Smith was also a very good exhibition. Miss Smith does not appear to have lost any of her previous skill and executed all her strokes smoothly and with plenty of pace. Miss Moira Finlayson played some of her best tennis in taking a set from Miss Valerie Johnson, the New Zealand junior champion. The Aucklander impressed as one with a bright future. Miss Heather Redwood, of Auckland. was disappointing in her match with Mrs Wentzell. of Dargavillc, and was beaten in two sets. Miss Redwood made many errors whereas Mrs Wentzell was particularly steady. Results are:— Men's singles: E. D. B. Lusk beat P. Smith (i—3, (i—B, 7—5; Bowden beat It. Wentzell G—3, G—2; M. Oiway and R. Mullins drew o—l.0 —1. 4 —fi. Women’s singles: Mrs Wenizcll beat Miss H. Redwood 6—3. 7—5: Miss V. Johnson drew with Miss M. Finlayson G—3, G—B. Men's doubles: Rowlands and Bowden heat Wentzell and Mullins G —s; Lusk and Oiway drew with P. and J. Smith G—<s. Women’s doubles: Misses Lobb and Drawer beat Misses B. Bircball and Hogg 7—5, G—4; Misses V. Johnson and H. Redwood lost to Miss W. Smith and Mrs McCaut: 5—6; Misses Lobb and Smith beat Misses F'inlayson and Birehail G—s. Combined doubles: Bowden and Miss Drawer beat Burch and Mrs McCaull G —s; Bowden and Miss Drawer beat Morgan and Miss Hogg G—4; Rowlands and Miss Lobb beat Wentzell and Miss Finlayson G—4; Lusk and Mrs Wentzell drew with J. Smith and Miss W. Smith 4 —fi, 6—3.