SQUASH NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26774, 18 May 1948, Page 3

SQUASH NOTES

Since the opening of squash rackets, several challenges have been played and some good games have been witnessed. 1 C. Jones defeated M. Kelk 9—3, 6 —9, 9—B, 9—6; G. Henderson beat B. Mathieson 5—9, 9—6, 9—5, 9—l; and M. Gunn defeated I. Melton 9—6, 9—l, 9—5. Melton played a particularly good game against such an experienced player as Gunn, and has made a great improvement in his game. H. Ross beat R. Waldron 9 —5, 9—l, B—lo, 9—5. In this game Ross won by his superior tactics. Waldron plays good squash but must remember that an attacking player will almost invariably win matches, and that a defensive player will not. Ross has a particularly strong backhand, with which on numerous occasions he left his opponent standing. H. Kelk defeated J. Bee 9—3, B—lo, 9—3, 9—l. Bee was not up to his usual form, and is capable of playing very good squash. F. Nightingale, a first-year player, has made rapid progress and with more experience should develop into one of the club’s best players. With the visit of the South Canterbury team on May 29 in view, the club captain arranged a team practice. It was gratifying to see R. G. Mathieson play so well against the experienced player, W. Bee. Mathieson continues to play excellent squash, and is still capable of playing a hard game. His wall- shots continue to win him many points. A. L. Taylor and H. Kelk turned on good squash, and there was little between them. Taylor played a hard game and looked as though he would win. There were several long rallies, particularly one in the fifth set. but Kelk managed to run out the winner 4—9, 9—5, I—9, 9 —6. As South Canterbury will send down a strong team it is hoped to arrange more match games during this week. The Timaru team will include the following:—W. E. Renton, J. M. Kerr. C. R. Harvey, K. Smith, E. C. Earwaker, B. Morrison, C. F. Ryan, and Dr K. F. M. Uttley. Renton occupies No. 2 position on the New Zealand Squash Rackets Association's ranking list, and was one of the finalists at the national championships in Palmerstan North last year. He is one of the Dominion’s outstanding players, and it is pleasing to know that Oamaru players are to have the opportunity of seeing him in action. The secretary of the South Canterbury club has advised that the club’s open championships will be held on June 26 and 27. The local club hopes to send a team to this tournament, and if this is done the players should gain valuable experience.