LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 11, 15 March 1911, Page 13

LAWN TENNIS.

(By

ROMULUS.)

WELLINGTON.

Results of Saturday's Senior Matches. WELLINGTON, Monday. By defeating Brougham Hill 11. at Day’s Bay, Petone becomes the champion team in the Men’s B grade competition, and undoubtedly the honour has been well deserved, not the slightest element of luck entering into the result. Parkinson, Dunean, and Austin have won their singles with almost unfailing regularity, and the fine record put up by the Petoneites is all the more creditable, because Andrews, though he did his best and was responsible for a couple of good wins, was generally too weak, and in an important match the team always reckoned to start off with two rubbers lost (the fourth single and second double). Exceptions were the winning of Andrews’ single against Hurley the previous week and his double against a fairly strong pair like Veen and Marriner in Saturday’s match. The detailed results are appended:— MEN’S COMPETITION. B Grade. Petone defeated Brougham Hill II by four rubbers to two (eight sets to five) and 64 games to 55. H. Parkinson v. 8. J. Sampson, 6—4, 6—5; A. G. Dunean v. C. A. Lawrence, 6 —4, 6—o; F. O. Austin v. J. R. Veen, 6—2, 6 —3; O. C. Andrews v. E. W. Marriner, 3—6, 5 —6; Parkinson and Dunean v. Sampson and Lawrence, 5—6, 2—6; Austin and Andrews v. Veen and Mariner, 6—4, I—6, 6—3. Brougham Hill retired at 3—4, Petone leading in final set. LADIES’ COMPETITION. C Grade. Khandallah defeated Johnsonville by five rubbers to one and 35 games to 28. Miss M. Clark v. Miss Wilson, o—7;0 —7; Miss N, Batham v. Mrs. Bowler, 7—3; Miss D. Williams v. Miss Cook, 7—4; Miss L. Williams v. Miss k. Blair, 7 —6; Misses Clark and Batham v. Miss Wilson and Mrs. Bowler, 7—5; Misses Willans v. Misses Cook and Blair, 7 —3. This competition promised to end in complications, but Johnsonville’s defeat solved the problem, much to the satisfaction of the association, which had made no provision for the three teams (Khandallah, St. John’s and Johnsonville) again tieing, although it would have been fair enough in the latter case to have dissected the results and decided the tie on rubbers and games. However, Khandallah has now the championship straight out, by no means the first season that this club has been successful in the competitions, -a very strong team having won the cup in the 1905-6 season. Comments on Inter-Club Matches. (March 4.) In the Men’s B grade, Petone just managed to defeat Brougham Hill 11., each side scoring three rubbers, the suburbanites leading on sets, B—7, and games, 73—61. For Petone, Parkinson, Dunean, and Andrews won their singles, the last-named player’s efforts being the best in comparison. A surprise was the defeat of Parkinson and Duncan in the doubles by Brougham Hill’s first string, Townsend and Barton, more especially as in their respective singles against the same two players, the Petone men won easily. Kean’s win for Brougham Hill was also a creditable one, and he was in addition a winner in his double, thus scoring in both rubbers. Austin, who has 'been very consistent since the matches were resumed early in February, ecored only six games against him (2—6, 4—6). For Hutt, who were defeated by Trinity, Brown won both rubbers in which he played, the remaining four going to the town team. Purdy and Heketa each took a set from Gorrell and Swinburne, but the latter players won comfortably at the finish (Correll I—6, 6—4, 6 —l, and Swinburne 6 —2, 3 —6, 6—0.). The feature of the match was Kirk's bad beating by Crewes, the Hutt man quite failing to reproduce his fi>s(-round form •gainst the same player.

In the Ladies’ C Grade St. John’s avenged their previous defeat by Johnsonville, by the same margin of 4 rubbers to 2. The match had an important bearing on the championship in that gMde as Khandallah would be the winners if they also defeated the favourites (Johnsonville) on the letters’ courts on March 11th. In view of the remarkable result produced by the first meeting of St. John’s and Johnsonville the detailed scares of both matches are subjoined by way of comparison :—• February 18th.—Johnsonville defeated fit. John’s by 4 rubbers to 2, games 35— 37. Miss Wilson v. Miss Horrell, I—7; Mrs. Bowler v. Miss Tavendale, 7—6; Miss Cook v. Miss Pullman, 6—7; Miss Blair v. Miss Clyde, 7—6; Miss Wilson and Mrs. Bowler v. Misses Horrell and Tavendale, 7—-6; Misses Cook and Blair v. Misses Pullman and Clyde, 7 —5. March 4th.—St. John’s defeated Johnsonville by 4 rubbers to 2, and games 38 to 26. Miss 'Horrell v. Miss Wilson, 7 —2; Miss Tavendale v. Mrs. Bowler, 5—7; Miss Pullman v. Miss Cooke, 7 —3; Miss Hill v. Miss Blair, 7 —5; 'Misses Horrell and Tavendale v. Miss Wilson and Mrs. Bowler, 7 —2; Misses Pullman and Hill v. Misses Cooke and Blair, 5—7.

Miscellaneous. In the Australian tournaments at which F. M. B. Fisher is to be a competitor, he will be partnered in the Combined Championships by Miss Addison, the crack Victorian player. As Fisher is easily the best combined player in N.Z. when he likes (sometimes he doesn’t —for instance in the second set of final of N.Z. Championship at Blenheim at Christmas, and also in the third set of Marlborough final), this combination should have a good chance of success at Sydney and Adelaide. F. A. Lewis, who has reached the final of the Newtown Club’s handicap singles practically every season since joining the club, was defeated in this year’s final by B. M. Low (14). Lewis (rec. 6) made up most of his points but could not last quite long enough, Low winning 75—73.

Peter Clarke, who was a well-known member of the Brougham Hill, Wellington and Catholic clubs, has returned to the Empire city for a brief spell. He leaves New Zealand for England by the e.s. “Muritai” on Monday, 20th March, and after the Coronation proceeds to Queen’s University, Toronto, Canada, to pursue mining research studies. The final of the Thorndon Club’s championship singles was decided on Saturday, when the holder (R. N. K. Swaneton) defeated E. Salmond (the ex-Dun-edin player), 6—o, 6—2, 3—6, 6—o (21 games to 8). Although Salmond took a set he was outclassed, as the tally of games indicates, but he played under a handicap, inasmuch as he was suffering from rheumatism, and in view of that faet his performance stands as a fair one against such a great player as Swanston proves himself year in and year out.

A great game took place at the Brougham Hill courts last week, when •the semi-final of the combined handicap was played, S. V. Howe and Miss Rothschild (ser) defeating Hawkins and Miss Davis (scr) by the narrowest of margins in an exciting match, 50—48. Hunter and Mrs. Burton (scr) now meet Howe and Miss Rothschild. The latter pair should win.

On Saturday week the men’s C grade matches were noted by the most remarkable result in a season of exceptional happenings as far as the interelub competitions are concerned. The fixture was that of the two suburban teams Khandallah and Petone, rubbers and games panning out exactly similar (3 all and 38 all), so that a dissection of the individual score-sheets had to be marie, giving Khandallah the verdict by 274 aces to 270. The details are (Khandallah names first) i Hutchins v. Kean, 9—5; Heenan v. Hope, 4 —9; Hodgson v. H. Caverhill, 9-—1 ; Dallard V. L. Caverhill, I—9; Hutchings and Dallard v. Kean and H. Caverhill, 6—o; Heenan and Hodgson v. Hope and L- CaverhiU, 9—ft.

AUCKLAND.

Another wet Saturday, with the consequent results—matches postponed a further week. The championship matches nre now only to be played on .Saturdays, as the light in the evenings does not last long enough for the playing of five-set matches on week days. This is the natural conclusion of the day in commencing these matches and the apathy with which they are carried out. When will the Association see to it that the championships are commenced earlier? It looks as though this year will be no exception from paist years, when finals have been played late in the season, with soft courts and competitors losing interest and form.

Friday next, being St. Patrick’s Day, and a holiday for some, should afford an opportunity to players of concluding over-delayed matches. Several games have been arranged for that day. In the morning W. A. Brown plays Hunt in the Eden and Epsom Club’s championship singles, and in the afternoon the same players meet in the Auckland championship. Billing and Miss Carruth commenced their match with Swainson and Mrs. Fee, but after six all was called, the match was abandoned on account of the rain. Miss Gray has won the West End Club’s championship and handicap singles, and, with Fee, plays the final of the handicap combined against Swainson and Miss Spinks. The Rotorua Club has commenced a series of matches, evidently with the idea of getting local players into good form for the Easter tournament. The secretary writes advising that intending visitors should make arrangement for (accommodation early, as Rotorua is very well patronised at l-kister. Inquiries have been received from Wellington and intermediate towns, and from the number of applications for entry forms, there appears to lie a good deal of interest being taken in the tournament. So far, I have heard of Messrs. Goldie, Clark, Shirriffs, Gardner, Quinnell, Brown, Marshall, and E. and H. Snelling as competitors from Auckland. The courts are receiving special attention, and should be in good order by Easter. In the event of rain making play on the grass -impossible, four asphalt courts will be used, and two more private courts arc available if necessary. The cables announce that Wilding is again annexing continental championships. It is noticeable that most of his matches are won in the last sets. Is this due to his physique or his ability to gauge his opponent’s play? The finals of the school championships will be played on Saturday morning next at the Remuera Club’s courts. Play will commence at 9.30 a.m.

In the final of the ladies’ championship at the Auckland Club, Miss Woodroffe defeated (Mrs. Allen 6—4, I—6, 6 —3, after a close game. Mrs. Allen played a good uphill game, and annexed the second set by careful play. Miss- Woodroffe was, however, the stronger player, and won mostly off her forehand drive. The ladies of the West End Club give their annual “At Home” on Wednesday. Invitations have been sent to the various dubs, so that provided the day is fine, a good afternoon’s play should be indulged in. Progressive tennis will be played for prizes given by the club. The West End Clubs bachelors’ day, which was to have been on Saturday last, will now take place next Saturday afternoon.

CAMBRIDGE. The following games were played on the local courts on Wednesday afternoon:— Handicap doubles.—Foster and Richardson, received 15, defeated Nicoll and Roberts (scr) 9—4. This was the final in the men’s doubles. Ladder matches:—Miss Swayne defeated Miss McNeish, 7—4; Roy Roberts defeated L. Isherwood, 9—7.

CAMBRIDGE V. WAIIII. A number of Waihi tennis players visited Cambridge on Saturday last, and engaged in matches with the homo players, the visitors winning by 110 games to 102. Details of the play are as foltow, the Cambridge teams being given first:— Singles.—Simpson 5 v T. Morpeth 9: Richardson 2 v. S. Morpeth 0; Nicoll ts v. Kenrick 9; Roberts 5 v. Cranwell 9: Isherwood V v. Wilson 8; Foster fi v. Wilson 9; Miss Cox 7 v. Miss Metcalfe 7. Men’s Doubles. Simpson and Richardson 5 V. Morpeth Bros. 9; Isherwood ami Foster 0 v. Wilson and Cranwell 5. Ladles' Doubles. —Misses Cox ami Gavey I T. Misses Metcalfe and Murray 6; Misses

F. Cox and Nixon 7 v. Misses Mann and Benge 2. Combined Doubles. Miss Cox and Simpsou 9 v. Miss Metcalfe and T. Morpeth 7: Miss Gavey and Richardson 7 v. Miss Murray and Cranwell 9; Mias F. Cox ami Nicol) 9 v. Miss Mann and N. Morpeth 7; Miss Nixon ami Roberts t) v. Miss Benge and Kenrick S. STRATFORD. hi the first round of the championships:—Miss Black, beat Miss Tussell, —2; Mrs. E. C. Robinson, beat Miss Mackay. In the ladder matches Miss Black, beat Mrs E. C. Robinson, 9—7. BLENHEIM. ST. ANDREW’S V. PICTON. Ihe Picton Club journeyed) to Blenheim on Saturday to try conclusions with the St. Andrew’s Club, and after an interesting afternoon’s play the latter ran out winners by 100 points. The following are the scores, St. Andrew’s players being mentioned first in each instance: —

•Singles.—Collins 40, v. Rutherford 42; J. Horton 40, v. Smith 35; R. Pattie v. Shaw 29; Miss Ross 30, v. Mrs Riddell 19; Miss Harding 27, v. Miss Oxley 30; Mrs Dodson 30, v. Miss Wallace 21. Doubles.—Collins and Horton 38, v. Rutherford and Smith 40; Pattie and Shaw 40, v. Shaw and Smith 23; Wemyss and Armstrong 40, v. Blizzard and Bush 26; Misses Ross and Harding 30, v. Mrs. Riddell and Miss Oxley 17” Mrs Dodson am. Miss Bal) .32, v. Misses Wallace and Fuller 34; Misses Hutcheson and Lucas 30, v. Misses McAllister and Cragg 22. Combined Doubles.—Shaw and Miss Ball 40, V. Smith and Miss Fuller 29; Wemyss and Miss Hutcheson 34, v. Blizzard and) Miss McAllister 40; Armstrong and Miss Lucas 40, v. Bush ami Miss Cragg 24. Totals: St. Andrew’s 531 points: Pieton 4.31. The Anglican and St. Andrews’ clubs met on the St. Andrews’ Club’s courts on Wednesday, the home team winning by 43 points. Following were the scores, the Anglicans being mentioned first in each instance:—

Singles.—Jackson 35 v. H. Horton 40, Stace 21 v. Coßins 40, De Lambert 35 v. J. Horton 40. Miss Eckford 10 v. Miss Ross 30, Miss Girling 16 v. Miss Harding 30, Miss D. Tapp .30 v. Mrs. Dodson 26. Doubles.—Jack and Stace 36 v. H. Horton and Collins 40, De Lambert and J. Bingley 40 v. J. Horton and Pattie 30, F. Bythell and Rogers 40 v. Y. Payne and W. Hay 31. Miss Eckford and Gilding 20 v. Misses Ross anj Harding 30, Misses D. Tapp and Lord IS v. Mrs. Dodson and Miss Heffer 30. Misses Goodman and K. Trapp and Lord 18 v. Mrs. Dodand Lucas 20. Combined Doubles. —J. P.inley and Miss Lord 42 v. Pattie ami Miss Heffer 40, F. Bythell and Miss Goodman 40 v. Payne and Mrs. Dodson 25. Rogers ani Miss K. Tapp 36 v W. Hay and Miss Lucas 40. Totals: Anglicans, 449 points; St. Andrew’s, 492 points. A team representing the Picton Tennis Club journeyed to Blenheim on Thursday last to try eond’msions with the Methodist Club. The weather was perfect for the occasion. The following are the scores, the players of the Picton Club being mentioned first in each case:— Ladies’ Singles.—Mrs. Riddell 30 v. Miss F. Girling 27, Miss Oxley .30 r. Miss Mogridge 20, Miss Beswick 30 v. Miss Davies 17. 'Ladies’ Doubles^ —Mrs. Riddell and Miss Oxley 30 v. Misses Girling and Mogridge 24, Misses Beswiek ami Wallace 30 v. Miss Davies and Mrs. Pike 22, Misses Riley and Fuller 30 v. Mrs. Clarke and Mrs. Harvey 20. Men’s Singles.—Swann 23 v. Hale 40. C. Smith 25 v. Mogridge 40, G. Smith 27 v. Mcllattie 10. Men's Doubles.-Swann ami C. Smith 22 v. Hale and Magridge io. G. Smith and Bush 9 v. Mcllattie and Hadfield 40, T. Couch and Blizzard 23 v. Southgate and Smith 40. Combined Doubles.- -Miss Wallace and Bush 22 v. Slr«. Pike and Hadfield 4«, Miss Riley and Cow h 31 v. Mrs. Clarke and Southgate 40. Miss Fuller and Bliazard 40 v. Mrs. Harvey and Smith 33. Totals: Picton, 402 j ’ Methodtot, 485.