LAWN TENNIS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 935, 4 December 1933, Page 7

LAWN TENNIS.

Australia Defeat Britain in First Test. CRAWFORD IX FORM. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, December 8. A crowd of 10,000 people witnessed the final day's play in the first lawn tennis test match between Australia and England. Australia won b.v nine rubbers to three. The weather was bright and warm, but the heat was mitigated by a fresh easterly breeze. Yesterday’s scores were: Singles Quist beat Hughes. 6-4. 6-1; Crawford beat Perry, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. Doubles—Crawford and M’Grath bea. Hughes and Dee, 6-S. 5-7, 6-2, .-o, 6-4. Hopman and Quist beat Perry and Wilde, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2. Grand total—Australia, 0 rubbers, 22 sets, IS3 games; Britain, 3 rubbers, 12 sets, 145 games. Crawford was tired and when be took the court against Perry the crowd doubted his ability to win. When he lost the first set this opinion became firmer. Then in the second set he broke through Perry’s service and took the game to 3-1. The onlookers breathed more freely. Perry, however, rallied and with powerful drives on either hand led 4-3. Then Crawford rose to the occasion. His drives deep lo the corners were telling and his net work was strong. His speed caused Perry to make more frequent errors. In the third set Crawford again broke through Perrv’s opening service, but Perry fought back and led 2-1. Crawford was now showing his Wimbledon form and. though Perry fought hard, he could not master the Australian, who unde no error with his own service and ran out Quist had Hughes well in hand most of the time, though Hughes at times was brilliant. The Australian, however, also showed a variety of strokes and bis net work was good. He was daring in attack and went for his shots in the confidence born of experience. Tn the doubles match Hughes and Lee took the first two sets against Crawford and M’Grath, and the result looked doubtful owing to Crawford having found the singles contest a severe test; but M’Grath saved the day with splendid returns and volleying and was the best of the four players. Hopman and Quist’s meeting with Perry and Wilde showed that Australia’s latest doubles pair is worthy of recognition. Hopman was the better of the pair. His overhead work was grand and his volleying was splendid. Peri y was also in great form, but he could not carry all the load when the attack was launched against Wilde. Competitions Open at Wilding Park. ANGAS BRILLIANT. With the re-arrangement v of the teams, the senior competition; which began at Wilding Park on Saturday has La ken a new lease of life, and spectators witnessed some good tennis. With the entry of nine learns, including three irom United, a levelling of the standaid has been reached. Angas was in brilliant form, and it was evident that he has learned many lessons since the close of last season. Angas defeated D. F. Glanville, 6-0, 6-2. United J. scored a decisive win from Cashmere by five matches to one. Results were: Senior Grade. United I. defeated Cashmere by five matches to one: Addington . defeated Cathedral, 4-2; United 111. defeated Linwood. 5-1; Canterbury College defeated Fendalton, 6-0. A Grade. Elmwood 33, .St Albans 3; Eageware 11, Opawa 5; Sumner 11, Waimairi 6; Cathedral 12, Addington 4; Linwood 13. Belfast 3; Woolston 30, Cashmere 6 ; Canterbury College 30, Fendalton C. B Grade. Riccarton beat Wesley by 9 sets to 7. North I.inwood beat Addington Catholic by 3 2 sets to 4. St Mary’s beat Linwood by 10 sets to Beckenham beat South Christchurch by 11 sets to 5. C Grade. Opawa beat Addington by 12 sets to 4. Shirley beat Heathcote by 9 sets to 7. Cathedral beat Redcliffs by 13 sets to North Linwood beat New Brighton by 10 sets to 6. Elmwood beat Woolston by 12 sets to Radley Mills Club. A pleasant afternoon was spent at the Radley Hosiery Mills on Saturday when the new tennis court was declared open. Mr Swainson, president of the club, extended a hearty welcome to members and their friends, and commented on the large amount of work done by the members of the club in preparing the court. A letter of apology was received from the patron, Mr Carey. M. F. Smith, club captain, responded on behalf of the club members and asked Mrs Swainson to serve the first ball. The court was then declared open, after which Mrs Swainson was presented with a bouquet of roses. Mr and Mrs Swainson supplied afternoon tea. which was served by members of the committee in the club pavilion. The pavilion had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. A Yankee tournament was then held.