LAND & WATER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1866, 26 August 1887, Page 22

LAND & WATER.

For the first time since W. Renshaw defeated Hartley the lawn tennis championship has fallen into other hands. This year W. Renshaw was unable to defend his title, owing to his suffering, as it was reported, from the prevalent malady of "tennis elbow," and after a fine struggle between Lawford and the younger Renshaw the former won the title by three setts to two. In the first sett comparatively dull play was shown by both ; but Lawford was so sluggish and uncertain that Renshaw won by six games to one. The next sett was better contested, as " three all " was called ; but after this Lawford scored the next three in succession,' and won the sbtt. In the third sett Renshaw in turn won by six games to three ; but in the fourth sett Lawford, after a tremendous, struggle, and "four all " had been called, ran out. In thejfinal sett each played with great brilliancy, although manifestly tired By the long struggle, and " two all " and " three all " were called. Lawford's superior strength or training, however, y.illed him through, and he eventually won the deciding sett by six games to four, and thus was declared champion after more than two hours' play. The yacht Thistle, a contestant for the American Cup, sailed from Glasgow for New York on July 25 under storm sails.

Articles tor a prize fight between Jacob Killan, of America, and Jem Smith, of Bngland, were signed on July 16. According to agreement the encounter will take place in Spain, on on the 3rd January next, within 100 miles of Madrid. Only 50 spectators will be allowed on the field of battle. The ground will be {.elected by mutual conspnt.

A game was played by the Lacrosse club at Tahuna Park on Saturday afternoon between teams captained by M'Kerrow and Trythall. The sides being evenly matched, a very hotlycontested game was the result, and the defence of the goals so stubborn that only 2 goals were thrown during the afternoon, each side scoring one, Borrows for Trythall's side and Armstrong for M'Kerrow's being the throwers. The 1 members all round played better than usual, Watson, Lees, aud Harper especially being very conspicuous, and deserving of praise. In view of the approaching exhibition match and the match with the Southland (Invercargill) Lacrosse Club, the'members should strive to pass the ball with more judgment, the throwing now at times being very wild , and also endeavour to keep the ball off the ground as much as possible.