RANKING MATCHES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20894, 25 November 1937, Page 8

RANKING MATCHES

SOME INTERESTING CONTESTS CHALLENGES FILED Judging by the number of ranking matches played and the challenges filed, there is no lack of interest in ths men’s division of the South Canterbury ranking list. Although the departure of some of the province’s best players has weakened the strength of the list, nevertheless the vacancies have been an incentive to the younger players who are exhibiting every sign of keenness in their effort to qualify for a high place. As in past seasons the women’s ladder has lapsed into its customary state of somnolence. Lapsed, indeed, it is doubtful If it ever was fully awake. It is hard to account for the lethargic state of most of the players. It would almost appear that it Is infra dig to issue a challenge. There is ample opportunity for advancement on the ladder and it should be the ambition of every player to do what she can to attain the place which her ability deserves. Wake up ladies!

G. Innes-Jones (Timaru) successfully challenged M. E. Crowley (St. John’s) for eleventh place. In winning in two straight sets the Timaru player had to fight all the way. In the first set Crowley established an early lead by means of nicely angled volleys. Falling into errors at critical points, Crowley temporarily lost his grip of the game and Innes-Jones playing consistently won the first set 6-3. The second set was won in a similar manner. The tennis fairly sparkled at times as the players exchanged pacey volleys. Both men played soundly, but Innes-Jones was a shade more reliable in his ground strokes. G. C. Reid (Timaru) successfully withstood a challenge from F. G. Lewis (Aorangi) for third place. As the game progressed Reid made steady improvement and towards the finish le was going for his shots in fine style. At times he was short of a good length but Lewis was unable to capitalise this weakness. Reid at times was responsible for good placements in his volleys but for some unaccountable reason he is prone to miss veritable "sitters” at the net. One possible explanation is lack of concentration due to the simpleness of the shot. However, Reid’s form is very promising for this time of the season, and if he realises his present promise he will be a challenger for the premier place on the ladder. The form which won Lewis his high place on the ranking list last season was not present in his game against Reid. General indecisiveness in his play allowed Reid to call the tune. Good angle smashing is a strong point of this player’s game but more consistency and speed in his volleys would tone his game to the pitch where he would become a stumbling block for any player in South Canterbury.

A marathon three-.—t match eventuated as the result of the meeting between T. Morrison (Wai-iti) and P. Durning (St. John’s) for ninth place. Although Morrison won the third 6-4 there was little between the pair. The Wai-iti man gave a sound display of effective smashing and crisp volleying, and throughout the game was more decisive than his opponent. Playing well from the baseline, Durning nevertheless failed to find an effective length against his agile opponent. Lack of pa-e on his volleys was turned to good account by Morrison, who played his shots boldly irrespective of the state of the game. The match was productive of good tennis at times, and revealed both contestants as players of considerable ability.

In the game for sixth place Taylor (Timaru) failed to dislodge J. Milliken (Aorangi). Attackingly boldly from the outset Milliken quickly ran into a 3-1 and 40-15 lead by means of good serving and smashing. At this stage, however, his game slumped, and Taylor, profiting from his opponent’s mistakes, played steadily to even the score at 3 all. Assuming the offensive and getting to close quarters whenever the opportunity presented itself, the Aorangi player clinched the first set. Getting amazing pace at times Milliken jumped to a 3 love lead, but Taylor, playing steadily and retrieving well evened the score to 4 all. Again applying pressure the Aorangi player won 7-5.

The only women’s challenge riled last wcjk was played on Monday night. Miss C. Venning (St. John's) retained seventh place at the expense f Miss M. Sexton (St. Mai’y’s). The contest was decided in two straight sets, and Miss Venning emerged a worthy winner. There was not a great deal of difference in the ability of the players, but Miss Venning maintained a better length and placement and forced her opponent into errors. In match play M’ss Sexton is inclined to tighten up her game and consequently allows her opponent to call the tune. This defect is a matter of temperament and can be overcome by determination.