TENNIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19448, 6 November 1925, Page 4

TENNIS

WANGANUI EAST CLUB Owing to the uncertainty regarding the half holiday this week, the official , opening of the above club has now been definitely fixed for Saturday, 14th inst. Members are getting in a lot of practice since the weather has improved, . the courts being crowded last week-end. As the number of vacancies for new 1 members is rapidly filling, present meni- ! bers are reminded to hand in the names of their friends desirous of joining without delay. WANGANUI ASSOCIATION NOTES AND COMMENTS. Saturday was perfect for tennis, and Wanganui is to be congratulated on ■ picking such a day for their opening. ] The grass courts are looking particularly well just now; no bare patches : on the service lines. There were about ninety players at Wanganui East, and their twelve : courts were kept busy until dusk. These courts are going to be the most picturesque in the district, with their ; fern and summer houses, where afternoon tea is served. Those responsible for the beautifying and. upkeep de,serve great praise. : The semi-final and final of last year’s handicap singles were decided during the afternoon—Hawkins won the semifinal against McFarlane, 9 —7, after a very hard fight, but lost the final to ; Andrews after a three-set match. McFarlane and Andrews played some very fine tennis, both driving hard and good length balls. They showed great improvement over last season. i Good work has been done during the ; week by a men’s working bee. Un- ' fortunately the big pine tree which afford excellent shelter are at the same lime threatening the courts with their I roots. The club’s appreciation of this . work was at least demonstrated by the ; large attendance on Saturday after- ; noon. Keen interest is being taken in ‘•Ladd<*r Matches” this season. i .Members will be interested to know I that the inter-club matches will not 'interfere with their club events this (season. Matches will be in the nature i of a chellcnge to the present holders, subject to rules to be arranged. It is j hoped some of the country clubs will be I in a position to challenge in one of t' e ; grades. The annual tournament is to be held on the Wanganui East courts this year. It has been decided to hold a children’s tournament some time this I month, and the arranging of this has 1 been left in the hands of Messrs | O’Toole and Marshall. Tennis amongst I the younger players must be encouraged (as much as possible. The Association I is trying to arrange matches this season with Manawatu, Taranaki, Hawke’s 1 Bay, Raetihi, Ilunterville, Marton, and Wellington. ( Some amusement was caused at St. John’s courts the other evening, when one well-known doubles player, who is known for his tricky shots, in attempting to smash a lob, managed to stop the ball on a sparsely-covered spot on the top of his head. His effort was worthy of an international Soccer exponent.