BADMINTON

Southland Times, Issue 25306, 8 June 1935, Page 15

BADMINTON

(By

“Drop-Shot.”)

That the game of badminton is progressing is shown by the numerical strength of the city clubs and the large number of clubs which have been formed in the country. The latest districts to take up the game are Waianiwa and Tisbury, both of which have received visits lately from some of the leading town clubs. It is to be hoped that all these country clubs will see their way clear to affiliate with the Southland Badminton Association. As the affiliation fee ds only sixpence a member, in view of the advantages which this enables the club to enjoy such a step would prove a wise one. The Southland Association is desirous of being of as much assistance as possible in fostering the game, being prepared to arrange for exhibitions by the leading players of the province. In addition affiliation entitles all members of the affiliated clubs to play in tournaments and to receive visits from affiliated clubs.

George Pearce, who is probably the best Otago player at both badminton and tennis, has accepted a business appointment in Wellington. He has found time in the past three years to visit this city regularly and his displays on both the badminton court and tennis court have always been a treat to watch. Although regretting that he is unlikely to visit us for some considerable time, badminton and tennis players of Southland will, I am sure, join me in wishing him success and the best of luck in Wellington. Now that the game is so well established in both Southland and Otago it may be not out of place to suggest that the local association should take steps to arrange a representative match. Miss Melvin, Miss Guest, Mrs Salisbury, Strang, McCallum and Padget have been playing.so well this year that it would be most’interesting to follow their fortunes in a contest with Otago’s best. /'

The only A grade match played this week so far is that in which Britannia comfortably defeated AU Saints by nine sets to three. Both these teams were defeated in the first round, but with new blood in each team both gave improved displays. Wren, making his first appearance this season, had a successful night, being the only All Saints player to win both his sets. Partnered with Smith he had a very narrow victory over Lee and Mayhew, winning by 21 to 19 in the third set after trailing 16—19. Wren and Mrs Skelt have been considered for some time to be one of the best combined doubles pairs in Southland and 'certainly their reputations did not suffer against Britannia.

They defeated Baird and Mrs Salisbury, 15—8, 15—3, giving a very polished exhibition. Strang and Hanan paired in this match and went very well together. Strang played his drop shots in his usual efficient manner and Hanan played an excellent all-court game. His display was most impressive. Their opponents in this match were Mitchell and Challis, who found the Britannia pair a little too clever. Mitchell does not appear to have reached his best form yet. Misses Provan and Whyte played very well and may have defeated Mrs McNickle and Miss Deegan had they been more competent with the drop-shot. The Invercargill No. 1 team in the B grade competition are a very strong combination and should win this grade. The team appear to be strong in all departments and do not tail off to any extent. Dunne, who plays in the last men’s double, plays his chop-shots with unfailing accuracy and makes excellent openings for his partner at the net. Larsen, also of this team, has a fierce smash and rushes the serve. This is most disconcerting to an opponent, especially if not too accurate with his service. Mrs Thompson plays an excellent net game and this makes her an ideal partner in a combined double.

The Invercargill No. 3 team are composed mostly of first year players. Although heavily defeated this week they showed a considerable improvement on their form in the first round. Henley looks like developing into a class player, having a severe smash. He has a bad habit of tossing up short lobs on his backhand which gives his opponents a great advantage. Hodgson and Williams played well, but found Dunne too clever. Among the ladies the Misses Breen show most promise, being very mobile and always endeavouring to keep a length. St. John’s went down to Invercargill No. 2 chiefly because the team tailed off too rapidly. Miss Wilkinson was impressive with her all round play and made good use of her courtcraft. Miss Strang also showed excellent form, being very severe with her smash. Strang and Milsom played well amongst the St. John’s men, both playing with plenty of dash. Invercargill are very strong, particularly in the last pairs. The Sleeman brothers play an excellent game. They have developed rapidly and if they continue to improve will soon make Invercargill A grade. At the present time both are inclined to overdo the smash, and although both are very proficient with this shot, a quiet dropshot instead would give better results quite frequently. Miss Breen and Hayden. also first ytear players, played very well and scored two good wins for their side. Both play with plenty of dash and will chase anything. Britannia fielded a very strong B team, including such well-known players as Mayhew, Stirling and Deaker. Mayhew is a busy man, being wanted by his club to play in both grades, surely a compliment. Miss Mclntyre played very well and is evidently finding form soon. Stubbs was also in good form, putting plenty of pep into his play.

Dobbie and Miss Dobbie for All Saints made a remarkable recovery after losing the first set 15—2 and being down 9—14 in the second. They rallied to take the second set and the third comfortably. No doubt the Britannia pair were discouraged after having practically won the match to see it slipping away. Rennick would make a good player, but too often finds himself playing a shot off the wrong foot. Bews is playing well but will have to practise •.his drop shots more.