HARD COURT TENNIS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13540, 19 April 1937, Page 5

HARD COURT TENNIS.

CHAMPIONSHIP TO E. LETT. MAXGAMCTU’S CLOSING DAY. The Maiigumutu Tenuis Club held t official closing yesterday, there a good attendance of members, an enjoyable afternoon being spent by all. The feature of the afternoon was the final of the men’s singles championship between E. Lett and 15Reilly, which, contrary to popular opinion, resulted in a victory for Lett. Both, players quickly settled down and were hitting everything hard, but Reilly" was the more accurate, coming into the net with deadly effect. U-et-t however was playing at top form and contested every point, but Reilly appeared to be able to produce a winning stroke at will and took the first set 6—3. Xn the second set Reilly lose touch ■ and many of his placements were ruled out or were netted ; on the other hand Lett was still playing very steadilv and overran his opponent 6—l.

The third and deciding set commenced at a great pace but Reilly appeared to be erratic and Lett, taking advantage of this, established a strong lead of 3—O. Reilly however showed his true form, and with beautifully" placed shots fronn all angles, evened up three all. From then on it was anyone’s game. Both men were serving splendidly, and driving accurately on both fore and back-hand, hut Lett was outplacing Reilly with difficult angle shots and took the nest 4—3. Reilly. evened to 4—4, but Lett was on top again and led 5—4. The next and final game provided the highlight of the match being characterised by driving duels. Both played very carefully and Lett established a. lead of 30- la. hnt.it was evened up 30-all. With an excellent drop shot just over the net Lett again took the lead and the match point- 40—30 Reilly disputed match point with well placed shots but Lett, who proved a master at covering the court, made excellent returns till eventually Reilly netted, giving Lett the set <s—4. He thus took the title 3—6.

The popular club captain thoroughlv deserved his win, as he has played consistent tennis throughout the season. Reilly" however was definitely the more finished player but the winner’s fitness ancl agility proved the deciding factor