LAWN TENNIS MATCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19550, 1 February 1927, Page 14

LAWN TENNIS MATCH.

NEW SOUTH WALES TEiAM. AUCKLAND PLAYERS DEFEATED. SOME INTERESTING CONTESTS. The New South Wales lawn tennis team defeated Auckland by six matches to two at the Stanley Street courts yesterday afternoon,, The courts were in good order, being hard and dry, but unfavourable weather marred the play. Light showers fell at intervals and continued gusts of wind blew diagonally across the courts. Under such conditions high-class tennis was impossible. The programme comprised 12 matches, six singles and six doubles. The singles matches were all played but only two doubles were completed, play being discontinued about; 6 o'clock when heavy rain fell. Dr. A. 13, North and J- McCausland (New South Wales) lost the first set 2 —6 to E. L. BartJeefc and A. W. Sims (Auckland), but led 5—3 in the second set when play ceased. The match which produced the best tennis was that between N. Peach (New South Wales), and E. L. Bartlect. Both players adapted themselves to the unpleasant conditions and their display would have been creditable at any time. Peach started off well and, winning the first two games, led all the way in the first set, running out 6 —4. Bartleet, who had been driving indifferently, then struck form and took three games running, winning the set 6—2. Playing at the top of his form he won the final set b—o.

Sturt beats McCausland. Another good match v was that between J. McCausland (New South Wales), and N. Sturt. It was a fine game to watch, the strokes o! both players being cleau and sharp. McCausland had the mastery in the first set, clever placements being the chief factor in enabling him to win 6—3. The second set was closely fought the scores reaching 4 all. Sturt then broke through to win 6—4. In the third set Sturt, playing consistently good backhand shots, drew away after 3 all and ran out 6—3. Playing against J. Fitzgerald (New South Wales), H. Brinsden quickly got into his stride and took the first three games, his overhead work being particularly fine. Fitzgerald evened at 5 all, but Brinsden took the next two games and the set. Brinsden led 2—o in tin. second set but Fitzgerald rallied and took the set 6—3. The final set was in doubt until the end. Making good uso of a strong backhand cross-court drive, Fitzgerald led 3 —o, but Brinsden, playing with great dash, evened at 5 all. . Fitzgerald made no mistake in the next two games and won, 7 —5. < The match between Dr. A.' L. North (New South Wales) and A. W. Sims was somewhat disappointing considering the standard of the players. After losing the first two games Sims won the first set 6r—3. North worked himself into form and won the second set 6—3 and the third 6—2, Sims appearing to tire somewhat, although he made a desperate bid at 2 all in the final set. The other singles matches, between F. Peach South Wales) and A. 0. Johns, and 0. 0. Brewster (New South Wales) and E. W. Griffiths, were long and interesting contests. Peach, after being one set down, 3—6, showed great form, using all sorts of shots from a severe chop to a tremendous drive, »nd won the next two sets, 6—4, 6—2. Lengthy rallies characterised the Brcnv-ster-Grifliths match. Brewster won the first set, 9—7, after Griffiths had made a fine uphill fight from 2—5. After two all in the second set Brewster kept a game ahead, winning B—6. The Doubles Matches.

Rain fell in the match between Peach Brothers and Brinsmead and Griffiths. The New South Wales players were the superior pair, and after leading s—o, took the first set, 6—l. The second set was exceptionally long, no fewer than 22 games being played, Peach Brothers winning, 6—l, 12—10. The court' strategy of Fitzgerald and Brewster proved too much for Sturt and Johns. The first set was won easily by the Aucklanders, who were driving excellently. When leading 4—l in the second set they seemed to have the match well in hand. They reached match point five times but by lobbing every ball the Australians staved off defeat and completely broke through their opponents' play, winning tho last two sets, 3—6, 6—2. In the unfinished match with North and McCauslarid, Bartleet and Sims won the first set 6--2 by good, hart! hitting. The visitors were leading 5—3 in the next set when rain interrupted play. '.Details o! the Kesults. Following are details of the results, the New South Wales players being mentioned first:— N. Peach lost to E. L. Bartleet, 6—4, 2-6, o—6. J. MeCausland lost to N. Sturt, 6—3, 4—6, 3—6. J. Fitzgerald beat H. Brinsden, 5—7, 6—3, 7 —5. Dr. A. L. North beat A. W, Sims, 3—6, 6—3, 6—2. F. Peach beat A. C. Johns, <3—6, 6- 4, 6—2. O. Brewster beat E. W. Griffiths, o—7, B—6. Peach and Peach heat Griffiths and Brinsden, 6—l, 12—10. Fitzgerald and Brewster beat Sturt and Johns, 2—6, B—6, 6—2. TEAM RETURNS TO SYDNEY. MONTH SPENT IN DOMINION. The New South Wales tennis team returned by the Niagara to Sydney last evening, after a month's tour of New Zealand. The members of tho team were fare welled on the wharf by representatives of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association. . -