TENNIS

Southland Times, Issue 21856, 5 November 1932, Page 14

TENNIS

(By

“Chop.”)

Tournament Dates.

December 26, 27 and 28—Southland Championships at Invercargill. December 24, 26 and 27—North Otago championships at Aamaru. December 26, 27 and 28—Marlborough championships at Blenheim. December 26, 27 and 28—Wellington championships. December 31, January 2, 3 and 4— South Canterbury championships at Timaru. January 2, 3 and 4—Otago championships at Dunedin. B grade matches to-day. The A section draw is: Kennington v. Rugby Park at Rugby Park. Gladstone v. Southern at Gladstone. Central v. Bluff at Central. Waihopai I a bye. B section—lnvercargill v. Southend at Invercargill; Georgetown v. Moana at Moana. St. Mary’s v. Waikiwi at Waikiwi. Waihopai II a bye. The itinerary of the American team in New Zealand has not get been drawn up, but in all probability a test match will be played at Auckland, a one day match at Wellington and Christchurch and exhibition matches in certain other centres—perhaps Invercargill. Judging from Allison’s remarks at Auckland it is doubtful whether Vines will tour New Zealand. Southend and St. Mary’s proved to be very evenly matched. The former team is not quite as strong as last year, for Deaker is now playing for Invercargill and Miss Bamford has been in-

disposed. St. Mary’s on the other hand has been strengthened by Allan Baird and his youthful father. McCallum, Southend’s top player, was very disappointing in his single. By his forceful play he won both his men’s and his mixed double, but when it came to his single he descended to poking in a way that wofild have disgraced a C grader. McCallum is unquestionably a player of considerable promise, but he will get nowhere if he does not go for his shots in singles as well as , in doubles. Allan Baird, once he got into his stride, was too severe and too well equipped for Fortune. Rigby, Southend’s most reliable man, was in good form against Walker whom he defeated 9 — 3. Bill Baird went a New Zealand Cup gait in his single, but was beaten on the post in his mixed double. He and Miss Fitzgerald led s—o against Smith and Miss J. Lamont, but the latter pair staged such a wonderful recovery that they took seven games in a row for the set. Walsh was the hero of the day so far as St. Mary’s were concerned for it was his singles victory that played the biggest part in the win. He is a hard man to beat if one tries to do it at his own game. The moral is—don’t. Go for your shots instead. There were some breathless moments towards the conclusion of the Gladstone-Georgetown match which the former team won bv 103 games to 101. The final set was the single between Broughton (Gladstone) and Davidson (Georgetown). If Davidson could win 9—6 or better, the match was Georgetown’s. But Broughton fought toe to toe till the score was 8— all. Davidson took the next game for the set; but Gladstone had already won the match. Actually there were closer calls than this. Little Ruth ,Lush was down 2—6, 15—40 in her single but pulled up magnificently to win 7—6. Russell and Broughton were losing 6—B and had three “vantage outs against them in the next game. They survived the crisis and went on to win 9—B. Both these recoveries were well deserved; but it has to be admitted that fortune smiled on Gladstone. Barnes and Hewat had a strenuous single in which the former did a great deal of running, but not in vain. He came through the day with 3 wins. Gladstone were without Miss Russell and J. Hamilton, but so far as the latter was concerned his young brother, Don, proved a very worthy substitute. Thomas, on his last year s showing, would have been regarded as a certain winner against the Bluff boy, but the latter had the game in hand all the way. His passing shots and his clever changing of direction were very fine. Miss Webb played at the top of her form in her single. Mrs Harland again showed her reliability as a match player.

Winton put up a fairly good fight against last year’s champions, but never actually looked like winning. Mason, who by reason of a ladder victory over Stephens was top man for Waihopai, met his erstwhile partner Lindsay, but found him a little too old in the head and too versed in the art of mixing his game. Stephens made no race of it with McCurdy, but Strang had to work hard to beat Dobbie 9—6. Manson played his best game for some seasons to beat Perrelle 9—2. The winner is hitting much more freely than of yore, his stroking showing great improvement. Strang and Stephens maintained last season’s success despite some lapses by the former. Miss Whyte nearly overhauled Mrs Jamieson who at one stage led 6—2. Miss Whyte took four games in a row, but could not take the deciding game. Good tennis was played by Misses Lockwood, Ronald and Woods in their singles. In the ladies’ doubles Misses Martin and Hamilton created a surprise by decisively beating Misses Ronald and Woods. Mrs Brandford ,is rapidly regaining the form she displayed in her Southland representative days. There were some rather crushing defeats in the C grade competition, but the losers should not get perturbed. Long-established clubs with big memberships have a decided advantage over recently formed clubs, for their players have had a fair amount of match experience. For instance, the Invercargill team which met Moana contained some well-seasoned players whereas the Moana representatives were new to matches. The latter team will improve considerably. So vzill Kennington who went down heavily to Waihopai. Though it was generally felt that Invercargill would be too strong all round for Central, it was not expected that anything in the nature of a 12—4 victory would be gained by the former, rue, Central were without the services of Miss Guest, but her inclusion would not have swung the pendulum the other way. The Invercargill men overwhelmed their opponents. Deaker and Hanan won their singles 9 —o, and Deaker and Cockerill had the same margin in their double against McKay and Paterson. These scores indicate that the Central players suffered from lack of practice owing to their, courts being under construction. Hanan’s forehand drive and fast serve were big factors in his success. Lopdell came through with three wins, his net play being outstanding. Miss Rein has resumed her position at the top of the Invercargill ladies. In her single she found Miss Melvin too skilful at intercepting, but she and Miss. Murdoch played so effectively in their double that they led 49—15 in the thirteenth game against Misses Melvin and Wade who had hit out so freely that they lost many points. They steadied at the crisis and snatched the game from the fire. Miss Murdoch did well to beat Miss Wade, the score being again 7—6. Southland tennis players —although they may not have known it—were vitally interested in the selection of Invercargill’s town clerk. The fact that the choice fell on Mr W. F. Sturman should cause them satisfaction, for in her single days Mrs Sturman (Nancy Curtis) was an outstanding figure in New Zealand and Australian tennis. In fact it would not be an exaggeration to say that she is the finest player the Dominion has produced in the last twenty years. Not only did she on several occasions secure the New Zealand championship but in a tour of Australia she carried all before her. Unfortunately the tour proved rather strenuous and her health suffered to such an extent that she could not thereafter reproduce her wonderful form. Nevertheless she should still be better than any player in Otago and Southland and will prove a very welcome hddition to the Southland representative team. Furthermore she has done a lot of valuable work coaching in Petone and will no doubt be willing to carry on down here. Her husband, who is also a player, does not assume office until the new year. Doubles Ladders.

All challenges must be made through and the result notified to the Ladder Secretary (Mr ID. Jack) within 7 days retary (Mr I. D. Jack) within 7 days from the notification of the challenge. Any pair may challenge the pair immediately preceding them and any pairs not on the ladder may challenge the bottom pair. The locale of the match and the provision of new balls must be arranged by the players. All matches are to be the best of three advantage sets. Any match played without prior notification to the Ladder Secretary will not be recognised. The ladders are as follows: — Men. Sumpter and Lopdell. Deaker and Cockerill. Stephens and Strang. Lindsay and Mason. Strettell and Hanan. McKay and Paterson. z Rea and Rigby. Fortune and McCallum. ' Baird Brothers. Barnes and Thomas. ■ Rout and Shand.

Ladies. Misses Melvin and Wade. Misses Guest and Bamford. Misses Rein and Murdoch. Misses Mahoney and Wesney. Misses Whyte and Lockwood. Misses Ronald and Woods. Mesdames Harland and Mehafley. Miss Price and Mrs McEachran. Misses McCallum and Holdsworth. Misses Cutt and Campbell. Misses Lamont. Misses Deegan and Porter. Misses Basstian and Shand. Miss D. Nicholls, the 1931 New Zealand champion, will be playing for Canterbury this season, she having been transferred from Wellington to Christchurch. ) Queensland, and probably Australia has produced no more remarkable athlete than C. B. St. John, who died recently in Brisbane. Handicapped by the loss of his right hand, severed at the wrist, he won inter-State tennis, football, and cricket honours, and stood out as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, all-round athlete Queensland has had. St. John was certainly the best tennis player ever to represent Queensland. For many years he dominated the game in that State.' He retired while still at the top, about 10 years ago, to turn professional. It is certain he would have represented Australia in Davis Cup contests had he not been a man of moderate means. He was, in consequence, obliged to watch his business interests, which prevented him from making visits south to show his prowess. Nevertheless, he met all the champions in Brisbane, where he was practically invincible. One of his greatest feats was his defeat of J. C. Parke, also an Irish international Rugby Union three-quarter. Parke headed the British Davis Cup team which came to Australia in 1912, and lifted the famous trophy after America had sent out three teams in vain. Britain’s Davis Cup victory that year was due to the defeat of N. E. Brookes by Parke, yet the lastnamed was beaten by St. John. Much discussion takes place from time to time on which is the best make of tennis ball, and there seems to be divided opinion on the matter. Inflation however, has been receiving the attention of the English and New Zealand authorities of late. It is understood that the English Lawn Tennis Association has come to the conclusion that one of the reasons for the lack of success of British players is that the adopted balls of the English Lawn Tennis Association are of a lower inflation than those used in America and France. In future England will adopt a more high-ly-inflated ball. This will add to the resiliency and practice with the new ball will further the chances of British players. It is understood New Zealand is following suit and this year’s ball will be slightly higher inflated. While talking of inflation, however, it must be remembered that not only is inflation an important factor but the type of rubber used in construction will add to the resiliency.

EASTERN DISTRICT NOTES. Tennis matches on Wednesday were uncompleted owing to rain. The surprise of this week’s matches was the defeat of Mrs Ferry by the first lady for St. Patrick’s, Miss E. Graham. Undoubtedly Mrs Worry has played better games, but at the same time Miss Graham fully justified her win as she is one of the few players who use their stroke equipment to the best advantage. Townsend again defeated Fitzgerald but was fully extended by his opponent who made some remarkable recoveries. Henderson was playing at the top of his form and his win of 9—l was richly deserved. It was pleasing indeed to see the veteran playing as he has in his last two matches, and there is no reason why he should not retain his present form. As Wyndham have now won 8 sets and have a decided advantage in games, it will be unnecessary for the remaining two sets to be played. At the Citizens’ Courts, Gore had a lead of 7 sets to 4 when rain interrupted play. The Citizens ladies did not play up to form, losing the three singles played and also both doubles. In several instances they were in winning positions in their matches, but failed at the critical stages. Probably the best ladies’ singles of the afternoon was between Miss I. Graham and Miss F. Allen, both driving forcibly. Miss Allen started off with a rattle and led 4—l, but her opponent then steadied down and secured a well deserved win at 7—5. Gore lost the three men’s singles played, which was somewhat surprising in view of the evenness of their team. Peterson has never played better and by the means of a severe chop on to Leishman’s backhand had his opponent in difficulties all the way. Maude continued his run of successes by defeating McMillan 9—B after being down 7 —3. At this stage of the game he commenced to hammer his opponent’s very weak backhand and pulled off a meritorious win. Neither D. S. McLeod nor Chapman were at their best in their singles, the wind troubling both players. The score went to 3 all before McLeod took the lead to win 9—5. In the doubles the McLeod brothers had a comparatively easy win over Chapman and Martin, the score being 9—3. D. M. McLeod has improved considerably in his doubles game and is serving much better than in earlier matches. Townsend was at the top of his form when playing a challenge match against D. S. McLeod last Tuesday. In the first set which he won easily at 6—l, he was volleying with deadly accuracy. The scores in the second set were much more even, but McLeod could not keep his drive in, repeatedly driving feet beyond the back line. Henderson also played a challenge on the same night against D. M. McLeod for fourth position, winning 6 love, and 6—3. McLeod made the mistake of trying to outdrive his opponent and paid the penalty. It is doubtful if there is a more consistent driver than Henderson when in form, and he drove to the comers with good length balls which repeatedly had his opponent at a loss. Quite a number of other challenges are pending, Fitzgerald having challenged D. M. McLeod for fifth place and G. R. Martin challenging Maude for eighth place. In the ladies’ section Miss I. Graham has challenged Miss Blaikie for fourth place, Miss K. Jopp has challenged Miss E. Graham for sixth place and Miss F. Allen has challenged Miss L. Jopp for eleventh place.