Sports Commentary

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26735, 2 April 1948, Page 2

Sports Commentary

menu. By The Sports Editor ,

Robson’s Triple Success J. E. Robson, the Otago lawn tennis player, made a clean sweep of the Otago and South Island Lawn Tennis Championships at Easter, winning the Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles titles. In the Singles final he gave the spectators a real taste of his quality. Actually it was not until he reached the final that he was pressed sufficiently to compel him to show his best form, but Owen Bold then tested him thoroughly in the first set and the Otago man played sparkling tennis. Hi volleying was noteworthy, and Bold was at times considerably disconcerted to see beautifully placed sideline drives angle-volleyed across the court for winners. Robson’s forehand was dependable, but lacked the depth which he obtained from his backhand drive. His overhead work, at times spectacular, was generally good, carrying considerable pace and being well directed. Bold’s exhibition of driving and allround play in the first set was probably his best in Dunedin, but in the second set his play was spasmodic and he was unable to loosen Robson’s tightening grip on the' title with any real effect. Although Robson enjoyed such complete success, it was apparent that Fie is suffering from a surfeit of match tennis and that a few months' rest from the game will have a tonic effect. Invitation to Otago Coach

A nice compliment has been paid to Mr V. G. Cavanagh, sen., whose record as a coach, first of Southern and then of University A and Otago Rugby football teams was outstanding for so many years. Mr Cavanagh has retired as an active coach, but his knowledge and experience continue to be availed of by others still engaged in coaching. And now the Taranak' Rugby Football Union has been in communication with Mr Cavanagh. inviting him to visit Taranaki for a week to address its coaches on ways and means of improving club football in Taranaki. Unfortunately, Mr Cavanagh is unable to accept the invitation.

Combination of Events An interesting feature of the New Zealand University athletic tournament was the combination of events in which the leading middle and long-distance athletes took part. The national one mile champion, J. D. Sinclair (Otago) won the 800 Yards and One Mile titles. In the former event the runner-up was J. E. Millar (Canterbury), who occupied third place in the 440 Yards. .' C. Hawke (Victoria), after runninr second in the Mile, filled a similar position behind R. N. Crabbe (Auckland) in the Three Miles. There have been many discussions regarding the best combination of events for an athlete anxious to take part in more than one of the longer races, and the University tournament may well provide food for further debate. Becoming a Habit When playing golf at the Russley links,? during the week-end, the town clerk of Christchurch, Mr H. S. Feast, holed in 1 at the short third, 121 yards. He has joined the ranks of those who have accomplished the feat twice, for just before the war he sank his tee shot at the same hole. Wellington Rugby Gain G. King, of Poverty Bay, who was included in the North Island pack in the Rugby match against the South Island at Invercargill last year, will play for the Onslow Club in the Wellington competition during the coming season. In spite of the fact that he was played out of postion, King was one of the most promising forwards in the North Island team last year, and in a club which has the former All Black, T. C. Morrison, as a coach he should develop still further this season. Popular Official to Retire Mr W. J. Gladding, who has been umpire for th£ Dunedin Bowling Centre at most major tournaments held at the St. Kilda green during the past 15 years, has announced his intention of retiring from the position at the end of the present season. Mr Gladding’s experience, his tact, sound judgment, and popularity have made him the ideal man for so onerous a post, and his place will be hard to fill. Mr Gladding took up bowls in 1913 as a member of the Rocky Nook Club in Auckland, and when he came to Dunedin in 1922 he had a season with the North-East Valley Club and then joined the St. Kilda Club, with which he has been associated ever since. For 20 years he held various executive offices in the club. In his capacity as umpire his commonsense interpretations of the laws of the game have been invariably accepted by players who are appreciative of assistance which gives them a knowledge of what to do when similar instances may arise.

Winter Sports Most of the Dunedin harrier clubs will open the season to-morrow, when the “hares and hounds” will be in action over'the countryside. No other centre in New Zealand is blessed with better harrier country than Dunedin, where many varied and enjoyable runs can be planned within close proximity to the centre of the city. Dunedin is generally regarded as the home of cross-country running in New Zealand, and it is true to say that in no other part of the Dominion does the sport enjoy greater popularity. Although most clubs hold competitions, and, in spite of provincial and national championships, the majority of the harriers run simply for pleasure and exercise, treating the sport purely as a recreation. Undoubtedly cross-country running possesses a fascination sufficient to warrant this attitude. The monotony which accompanies long-distance track running is absent from work over the plough; indeed, variety is its essence, and no two courses are like. The health-giving virtues of the sport scarcely require commendation, and it presents opportunities for team work and training together in packs of graded strength.