COMBINED EVENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22954, 4 February 1938, Page 13

COMBINED EVENT

SEEDED PAIR BEATEN VICTORY TO HAWKE'S BAY SHARPE'S ACTIVITY AT NET Bedford and Miss Bedford played splendid tonnis to defeat France and Mrs. France in three sets in the combined doubles. The first set France dominated, Bedford being a little erratic and his sister npt so steady as Mrs. France. In the second set Miss Bedford produced excellent overhead strokes and then her volleys found many gaps. It was not surprising, therefore, to find Bedford come on his game and record an easy victory at 6—1..' The third set was more closely contested, both pairs rising to the occasion and many excellent volleying duels plensed the spectators. On one occasion Miss Bedford and France were participants in a volleying rally in which the ball crossed the net 11 times before the former won. Gunn and Miss M. Beverley had an easy win over Bold and Miss Miller. The last-named was active on the court, but, although she returned well, was chiefly on the defensive. Sharpe and Miss Glenny were generally superior to the Canterbury pair, Penfold and Miss Dickey. In the first set the Hawke's Bay pair started an attack and the set was over almost before Penfold realised it. In the second set Miss Dickey concentrated a little more and gave some assistance to her partner. Penfold played steadily and executed many high-class volleys, while his interception and overhead work was better. Carelessness crept into the Canterbury pair, after they had evened the sets,- while Sharpe and Miss Glenny played with great determination. Sharpe was a menace at the net, and his partner was steadiness itself. Miss Oooke'B Steadiness In the heft round Smith and Miss P. Cooke were far too good for Dyer and Miss N. Beverley. Miss Cooke has acquired a steadiness which allows her partner freedom at the net, and yesterday Smith did his full share of work. Wilson and Miss Stewart also won in fine style, but over a more difficult pair in Pearce and Miss Plummer. Pearce hit cleanly overhead and his partner supported bim well, but Wilson and was not to be denied, and Miss Stewart, who plays her best game in combined doubles, did splendidly i the last two sets. In the first set Pearce showed to advantage and dominated play, Wilson being a little erratic and making errors. As the match progressed Wilson warmed to his work, and was at the net on all possible occasions, cutting off many drives and shooting home the advantage often given him by a weak return following an effective placement by Miss Stewart. This pair will meet Sharpe and Miss Glenny today and this semi-final must produce bright tennis. Unexpected Result Sharpe and Miss Glenny unexpectedly beat Sturt and Miss Macfarlane in three sets, although their play during the last few days has given them many admirers. Exchange of volleys, baseline drives of the ladies and quick net interceptions by the men characterised the first set, which was closely fought, with the Hawke's Bay pair just in the ascendancy. Sharpe was everywhere and;, although not so neat as Sturt in the placement of his volleys, he was better overhead. Miss Macfarlane gave him few chances and it was Miss Glenny's deep drives which led up to the weak rejturns on which Sharpe "thrived. After Sturt and Miss Macfarlane had won the second set at 6: —4, the final set was most interesting. A stoppage for rain caused over an hour's delay, but the courts were in good condition when play was resumed. Sharpe and Miss Glenny led 2 —l and then 3—l, but Sturt forced the net position, found gaps, and won Sharpo's service and his own to even at 3-all. The points went alternately, each .player making brilliant placements. In the ninth game Sturt attempted one passing shot effectively, but lost the game when he tried it a second time and Sharpe led 5—4. In the next game all the credit must be given to Miss Macfarlane, who found three gaps from the back of the court. Miss Glenny served at 5-all and, twice having the advantage, lost this by double-faulting, but finally won the game to lead 6 —5. Some Good Lobbing Miss Macfarlane served and, after being love-30 and then match point against, eventually evened by good lobbing. Sharpe did much effective interception in the 13th game, but could not take Sturt.'s service in the next. Each player won the service in turn until 9-ail and Miss Glenny had the honours, Sharpe attempting too much, but successfully intercepting to lead 10—9. Miss Macfarlane now served and outed twice on deep returns. In a tense moment Sturt attempted an interception, but outed and, with three match points, Sharpe <vaited and eventually killed a short lob for the match at 11—9. Thus another seeded pair went out. Gunn and Miss Beverley are the only seeded pair remaining and they entered the semi-finals' by beating Bedford and Miss Bedford with the loss of one game. Bedford was tired at the end of the day, but that did not altogether excuse his lack of interest in the game. His sister was allowed to do the running for their side, and she performed very creditably.