LAWN TENNIS.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 25, 21 February 1920, Page 15

LAWN TENNIS.

The finals of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association Championships were contested on f the Remuera Courts.

In the Men's Singles. Dr. Laurenson v. E. Bartlett, the former gave a A r ery fine and interesting display of good tennis. His accurate back-hand strokes were a treat to witness, and were really an outstanding feature of the contest. His smashing was also good, and some of his saving shots were well worth watching.

He played a heady game throughout, and made the best of every opportunity, t

On the other hand, the exhibition of Bartlett was somewhat disappointing, his play not being up to his best form. He appeared to be contented to adopt his usual practice of hard driving from the /base line, and rarely went up to the net.

However, as the game developed, he improved, and succeeded in making the game interesting.

In the Combined Doubles, Dr. Laurenson and Mrs. Hodges succeeded in defeating Robson and Miss M. Macfarlane.

This was a very good exhibition of tennis, and was very keenly contested at some stages.

In the first set Dr. Laurehson gave a really good, game at the net. His continuous cutting-in on strokes and anticipation of strokes were excellent.

If anything, however, he did too much work, and showed signs of fatigue in the second set, where he was frequently beaten down the side line and across the court by Miss Macfarlane. His partner also showed up well in this set, and they well deserved the win for excellent play.

In the final set Dr. Laurenson apparently profiting by previous experience, allowed his partner to do more of the work, which resulted in some very fine cross driving by the ladies.

Dr. Laurenson again showed up well, and his ability to smash was characteristic of his play, which was responsible for winning the set and the match. The scores were 6—3, 6—B, 6—2.

The Dunlop Shield finals were played on Eden Court.

In the Singles, Dr. Laurenson (Remuera) met E. Bartlett (Eden and Epsom). At times flashes of brilliancy were displayed. Both players showed unusual activity and accuracy in their returns.

In the earlier stages of the* game Dr. Laurenson had matters much his own way, but in the 2nd and 3rd sets Bartlett livened up and showed considerable improvement in his play.

The superior steadiness of his opponent gradually wore him down, however, and in the last game of the match Bartlett unfortunately strained his wrist, though this did not effect the result, Laurenson winning 6—3, 7—5, B—6.

In the match between Webster (Eden and Epsom) and Griffiths (Remuera), the former showed to better advantage throughout an interesting game, and eventually Avon, 6—2, 6-4. 6—l. '

As each team secured a win the issue depended on the Double, Laurenson and Griffiths (Remuera) and Webster and Bartlett (Eden and Epsom) ..

Much to the surprise of all the first set was credited to Bartlett and Webster, despite the former's strained wrist. The two subsequent sets, however, were landed by the Remuera pair, who thus won the shield. The scores were B—6, 6—2, 6—3.