BADMINTON

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 713, 12 July 1929, Page 13

BADMINTON

IMPROVING NEW PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP DATES FIXED By SHUTTLE. A survey of the new central club’s membership discloses much promising material, particularly among the women players, but there is a great need of proper coaching. Nearly all the players appear to stand much too far back in delivering service, and though their short play is on the whole excellent, attention has not yet been directed to the possibilities of the deep game. V. Johns, one of the new players, has a very delicate touch with short stuff at the net, and should improve rapidly in hia all-round game. Radcliffe lvis the right physique for the game, and E. Burton, an All Black hockey player, and R. Bartleet, a brother of the tennis champion, are two others who should be more than useful provided proper steps aro taken to acquaint them with the strategy of the game.

Among the women pla.yers, Miss Newton is particularly promising, and her appearance in the New Zealand championships will be watched with interest. Mrs. Massam, of course, is an experienced player, and Miss Shaw and Miss Ramsay are two others who are playing well. 1 It is perhaps unfortunate that the committee of the Central Club has not so far responded to the association’s efforts to arrange interchanging of players between the various city clubs on selected nights. Being composed for the most part of new players, Central would gain much benefit from such an arrangement. Tho hall in Wellington Street is large and airy, almost large enough, at a casual glance, to take two courts crosswise; but the lighting badly needs improving. There is very little light on the baselines, and the lines are not very conspicuous* It is understood that these matters are to be taken in hand. Tho dates of the New Zealand championship have been advanced to the last week in August, which means that solid practice will have to be the onjer from now on. The active secretary, Mr. W. Langgutli, has already some promises of trophies. The entrance fee will be 5s an event, or £1 a player, to cover the lot, including handicaps. Archdeacon Creed Meredith, of Wanganui, has been invited to act as referee. News from Napier states that only Mrs. Harvey and Mrs. Hetley are likely to visit Auckland for the tournament. Dr. Harvey, popular vicepresident of the association, has an injured shoulder, and has played very little badminton. It is unfortunate that such well-known players as Bradley and Gardiner are not likely to be here for the tournament, particularly as Auckland sent such good representation to Napier last year. Wilson, of Wanganui, holder with Meredith of the men’s doubles title, is reported to have relinquished badminton on account of ill-health. This is bad news, as he was a very promising player, with a remarkable back-hand smash. J. Southern, of the Auckland Club, is partnering with E. W. Griffiths in the championships. This pair should be formidable. Griffiths has improved wonderfully, and Southon is in great form in botli singles and doubles. In singles lie is among the select few who will seriously contend for the singles titles at the championships. It is proposed shortly to hold an inter-club match between the Northern (Mangere) and Auckland Clubs. The engagement should produce good badminton. Captain Cunliffe-Parker has adopted the name “Badminton Club of Auckland for his club of young players, who use the court in St. Mary’s Hall, ibe name conflicts with that adopted earlier by the Auckland Club, but as Captain Parker’s club has not joined the association, nothing can be done about it. For his efforts to popularise badminton, Captain Parker must he commended, but at the present rate or progress it will apparently be some time before even the more active Players reach a reasonable standard oj. proficiency.