TENNIS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume X, Issue 11, 18 March 1893, Page 247

TENNIS.

The Ponsonby Tennis Lawn was again a scene of lively interest on Saturday afternoon. The tug of-war this week was West End versus Auckland, and West End had fully determined to overthrow the Champion Club of the town, but alas, at the critical moment, the self-possession and skill of the fair portion of the W.E. representatives seemed to desert them ; their usual cool daring fled before the prospect of such formidable opponents, and Ponsonby suffered defeat both on her own and the Auckland lawn. Mr J. Patterson played with a force and energy born of despair, but his single efforts could not save the team. The following are the scores : —At West End Lawn : Messrs Stevenson and Marriner (A) beat Messrs Cooke and Ballantyne (W.E.), 7 —5 6—17—5. Miss Scherff and Mr Goldie (A) beat Miss F. Billington and Mr Paterson (W.E), 6—l 7—5. Misses Ring and Picken (A) beat Misses Eva Russell and Billington (W.E), 6—l 6—o. At Auckland Lawn : Messrs Scherff and Biss (A) beat Messrs Foster and Gentles (W.E), 6—l 6-2 6—3. Miss Ring and Mr Bagnall (A) beat Miss Bastard and Mr Haven (W.E.), 6—l 4—6 6—3. Miss Nicholson and Mrs Chapman (A) beat Miss Russell and Mrs Gentles (W.E), 6—o 6—o. Tea and refreshments were provided by the Misses Edwards.

The Onehunga Club played Parnell, exchanging teams for the day, on Saturday, and though Onehunga was beaten, it was agreed on all sides that Parnell had to fight for the

victory. Of course it must be remembered that the Onehunga Club is a young one, and they look to have a better record next year. The combatants on Onehunga ground were as follows : Messrs Tempest and Blair (P) beat Messrs L. Noakes and F. Battley (O). Scores : 6—o, 6—o, 6 —l. Mrs Blair and Mr L. Rick beat Miss M. Frost and Mr L. Zinzan after a hard fight. Miss Mowbray and Miss Rookes beat Miss B Banks and Miss A. Singleton. On the Parnell lawn, Messrs Tonks and Robyson beat Messrs Suttie and Frost. Scores: 6—o, 6—o, 6—l. Miss E. Bassett and Mr C. Suttie were beaten by Mr and Mrs Harrison. Scores : 6—l, 6—2. Miss C. Frost and Miss E. Gibbons were beaten by Miss Atkinson and Miss I. George. Scores : (>—l, 6—4.

Tennis tournaments are still in full swing. It is wonderful what a fascination they exercise over players and spectators. Another attraction to the game is the almost inevitable afternoon tea. On the Onehunga lawn last Saturday quite a large number of people appeared. The refreshments weie provided by Miss M. Frost and Miss N. Singleton, and as it was rather cold on the lawn, the hot tea was most grateful to the on-lookers, and refreshing to the players. This club is, as yet, hardly ont of its infancy, and the ground and play are very creditable.