SPORT AND SPORTSMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18443, 19 April 1928, Page 9

SPORT AND SPORTSMEN.

F. Grose. New’ Zealand cycling champion, has been discharged from hospital, and. although still on crutches, he is eagerly looking forward to his first ride. Fortunately his bad spill at English Park does not at present appear to have left him with any ill effects. The winner of the men’s event in inc Easter tennis tournament held at Wellington was D. Dobie, who is well Known in Christchurch as an ex-Avon-side pia> er of DoLie a writer in the “ Dominion ” says:—Dobie, a lefthander. has much in common writh Ross, the runner-up, in ideas and type of play, making his shots with a stiff arm and keeping to the backline. Dobie, however, has a distinct weakness in his backhand, especially in dealing with balls about the service Lnes. The only thing that pulled him through the final was a stronger physique than « 2 Old Boys, Wellington’s champion Rugby club, though they will miss Rush brook, will again field a good side. Of last year's team, Bedell has left lor the King Country, and Grant, who shaped so well a\ iuil-back, has departed for Sydney. Of last year’s stalwarts Malcolm, Grenfell, R. Lamason, Tait, Patrick, Du Chateau, M’Donald and Wixon will be available for the rearguard, while Aitchison, a promising junior, may also be given a trial. Of the forwards, Emerson, M’Pherscm, Hand, Bray, Salwood, Meadows, Jones, Hum, Reynolds, Menzies and Shannon will again be on hand, and a welcome acquisition will be Preston, who has returned from a sojourn in Marton. :< There will be little surprise in any quarter at the news that the tour of New Zealand by an Australian team is not to eventuate, for the attitude of the associations was not so enthusiastic as to offer any prospects that it would be a financial success (says a ■writer in the “ Dominion "). Only two were prepared to give, the necessary guarantees, and. although a decision on? wav or the other was asked for by Thursday of last week, two were calling gencial meetings alter that date to consider the proposal. Th«*t counted them out. Others disagreed with the tour or offered teims not acceptable to the New Zealand Council. In face of the letters, despite the prersing com munications from Australia as to the quality of the team which would ccme. the council could come to no other decision than that the tour jopld net be undertaken. Knowing the feeling amongst some of the associations and their annoyance at the delay in squaring up the accounts of the Canadian tour, it is not surprising that the tour has had to be deferred for this season.