TENNIS IN SYDNEY.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15211, 12 April 1923, Page 5

TENNIS IN SYDNEY.

NEW ZEALAND PLAYERS.

TWO SINGLES MATCHES WON

RAIN STOPS THE PLAY.

United Press Association,

SYDNEY, April 11. The lawn tennis matches between New Zealand and New South Wales were, continued to-day in fine but cloudy weather. The courts were heavy owing to rain having fallen during the night. A downpour during the luncheon necessitated play being postponed till Thursday. Three singles and one doubles were decided, each side winning two making the progress totals: New South Wales, nine rubbers, 22 sets, 194 games; New Zealand,' six rubbers, 17 sets, 175 games.

Sims and France, particularly the former, had Clernenger and Kirkpatrick on the defensive in the first set of the doubles. The local players fought the last game stubbornly in the endeavour to save it ,and deuce was called eight times. The second set "see-sawed" until the fourteenth game, when New South Wales carried off the honours. The New Zealanders went to pieces in the third set under the truly brilliant form of Clernenger.

Wallace, though unable to keep up with Dive in the first set, turned the tables by cool measured placements in the second set, when he maintained excellent length, and succeeded in curbing his persistent opponent. In the following set he secured a fine victory. France was unfortunate in meeting Baker at the top of his form. The latter lately has been very erratic, but to-day was unable to go wrong. He had the energetic New Zeaiander chasing all over the court. Robson's mature experience enabled him to secure a narrow victory over Huthnance, who is making his debut in representative tennis. He is a local player full of promise, but lacking in the polish of the finished expert. He imparts considerable pace in his services and returns, and should develop into a champion. The results of matches played to-day were:— Wallace beat Dive, 2—6, 6—3, G—3.

Baker beat France, 6—l, 6 —3. Robson beat Huthnance, 7^ —5, 7—5. Clernenger and Kirkpatrick beat Sims and France, 2—6, B—6,8 —6, 6 —3.

SYDNEY, April 12

As the result of heavy rain overnight the tennis matches may be further postponed.