BADMINTON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 150, 27 June 1934, Page 4

BADMINTON

-(By "SHUTTLE.”)-

All clubs in the Wanganui district are now in full swing and players are showing more fomi. The new club recently started by the Baptist Church is playing regularly i a the Y.M.U.A. Last /Saturday four meniucrs of the Gonville Club, Messrs. Latham, Russell Broad and Holroyd, visited this club and played an exhibition aouble, Broad and Holroyd later playing two of tho club members. Doubtless this club will also affiliate to the Western Districts Association. The dates for the New Zealand Championships have been definitely fixed for September 5,6, 7 and 8 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and {Saturday). Al ready tho tournament com- I nuttee, consisting of Messis. Austin, Quillc, Knight, Cullen, Robbie and Russell, have been considering this important event in Wanganui badminton. No doubt clubs will receive early information regarding various matters connected with the tournament. It is to bo hoped that the committee will be able to arrange for additional playing space in addition to thy Drill Hall, otherwise, with the added popularity of the game and a certainty of entries from Auckland and Wellington, difficulty will be experienced in running all events to schedule with only three* courts available. The New Zealand Championship will include, probably, A, B and C grade events, making about eighteen to twenty in all. Backed by a few enthusiasts, a club has been formed in Inglewood and the game has gained immediate popularity. Bo much so that already over forty members are enrolled. The club is fortunate in having the use of a hall which is available for piay every day and evening of the wecK, ana only a nominal rental to pay. Tliey are especially fortunate when it is pointed out that the Wanganui and Gonville Clubs pay a rental of about £9O for four months’ play.

A team from the Wanganui Club journeyed to Palmerston Nortn last week. Although they suffcied defeat, the ladies’ team was- below standard available. Had the city club played its top ladies the result wouia probably have been different. Players would be well advised to study the rules of service. A service must be delivered from the correct court. The placing of a loot on the line constitutes a breach. It was noticeable in the Wisdeu Cup niaccn that Barnott served from the centre or the court and frequently allowed his foot to touch the centre line. Reid, cf Wellington, faulted by standing m the doubles alley when playing a single. A party of New Plymouth players visited the Inglewood Club's opening, and the matches played showed that the new club’s form was little below that of their more experienced visitors. The affiliation of these two clubs to the Western Districts Association would considerably' strengthen tne association’s position. Various handicap and championship matches have been played at the Gonville Club, but so far no surprises have been registered. Considering that Saturday is a night of many ptner attractions the members arc very regular in their attendance. No inter-club matches nave yet been played in Auckland. In trie a grade Central and Parnell seem to be the likely opponents iu the final. Parnell retains most of its old guard and so it may carry off the honours. Age cannot wither the form of the Parnell stalwarts, who have kept tneir club at the top fqr tho last five or six years! Martin, Southon, Griffiths, Plillson and McCrystal may all be considered in the veteran class as badminton players go. Youth is represented by Ivan Eliott, present N.2>. singles title holder, who is still in his early twenties. While Parnell is strong, Central's chances cannot be taken lightly, for this club has both the men’s and women’s singles in its ranks.

G. Martin, strange though it seems, does'not figure among N.Z. title holders at the present time. Martin has, up to this year, been paired with E. J. Rishworth, who, at his best, was a fine aggressive type of player. In the last two years game has gone back a lot and the partnership has been dissolved. It is tu be hoped that many of these Auckland players will visit Wanganui for the N.Z. championships.