LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 12, 22 March 1911, Page 10

LAWN TENNIS.

(By

ROMULUS.)

WELLINGTON. THE SEASON’S CHAMPIONS. MEN’S COMPETITION. 'A grade, Thorndon. B grade, Petone. C grade, Brougham Hill I. D grade, Johnsonville. L LADIES’ COMPETITION. A grade, Thorndon. B grade, Petone. C grade, Khandallah. COMMENTS ON INTER CLUB MATCHES. (11th MARCH). MEN’S COMPETITION. By defeating Brougham Hill I. for the Second time, Petone is the undisputed, champion team in the Men’s B grade, having negotiated the season without losing a match. The match was a very important one as Brougham Hill had a very strong team engaged (though Dart would undoubtedly have strengthened it), and in the event of Petone suffering a reverse, a play-off would have been necessary. However, Parkinson, Austin, and Dunean soon put Petone in a happy position by winning their singles against Sampson, Veen and Lawrence in straight sets, scoring 3G games to 18, which meant that to win the match Brougham Hill must secure the fourth single and both doubles in straight sets, and at the same time score more than two games to one. The task was practically an impossible one, and the best Brougham Hill could do was to win two of the three rubbers by 37 games to 28. Marriner was the only member of the losing team to make any headway, in the singles, and after Andrews failed.to accept an opportunity of taking the second set, Marriner ran out a winner at o—3; e—s.

Each side won a double apiece; Petone being credited with the second when their opponents-retired at. 4—3 (Petone leads) in the deciding set, in order to catch the 6 o’clock steamer to town (the match being played at Day’s Bay). Sampson and Lawrence were responsible for one of the best exhibitions in the match when they defeated Parkinson and Dunean in their double, and as proof of their fine combination it has only to be remembered that, the Petoneites defeated them in the singles by straight sets. The following synopsis of the match was supplied by a member of one of the teams:—■

By again defeating Brougham Hill.l. at Day’s Bay on Saturday, Petone has won the junior championship, having come right through the tournament without a loss. Its win on Saturday was well deserved, the team being right at the top of its form, though Andrews was suffering slightly from a cold. Each of the other three won his single in two straight seta. Sampson should have won the second set from Parkinson, losing an easy ace, which would have given him the set when five all and 40-30 in his favour. He kept a good length throughout, and it was only through some marvellous recoveries of Parkinson’s that the match did not extend to three sets in any case. Duncan had no trouble in disposing of Lawrence. Austin fairly excelled himself in his match with Vean. giving the finest exhibition of driving that had been seen in the second grade matches this season. He lost his first three games in the second Bet chiefly through over-confidence, but took the next six games and the rubber in dashing style. Occasionally he sent back short lobs, but Vean, playing rather too warily, refused to attempt smashing even at the easiest chances. Tt remained for Marriner to retrieve his club's honour to some extent by defeating 'Andrews in two straight sets, though at bne time the latter was leading him five games to two in the second set. Sampson and Lawrence, too, had the consolation of easily outclassing Parkinson and Duncan In the first double. Brougham Hill retired in the second double in order to catch the 6 o’clock boat, but even if they had won this rubber Petone would still have won on sets.

The courts were good except at the back lines, where the grass has beeii worn off, making treacherous footing. Brougham Hill 41. emerged victorious against Victoria College I. after a keenly contested match, 4 rubbers to 2, 9 sets to 6, and 71 games to 65. Each team won two singles apiece, Townsend and Hurley for the winners, and Duncan and Taylor for the losers, but Brougham Hill were too trong in the double. Parker had rather bad luck to lose to Townsend, 6—5, 6—5, after winning the first set, 6—l, and it is not often that a player wins 16 games to 13 and then loses the rubber.

Trinity, as only betaine the soundest ■team in the competition after Petone and Brougham Hill 11, imadeColege 11. appear very weak opposition, and had it not been for Loughnan, who won his single (defeating Correll 6—3, 2—6, G—■ 3) and also took a set along with Daniels in the second double, the College light would have been right under the bushel. IA DIES’ COMPETITION. C. Grade. After many ups and downs, surprises etc., the ladies C. grade has eventually reached finality, Khandallah’s easy win against Johnsonville earning for them the championship, though in the event of Johnsonville proving successful, three teams (including St. John’s) would have tied again for first place, and in all •probability the Association would have had to bracket the three teams as joint champions. However history repeated itself, and Khandallah repeated their first round victory of 5 rubbers to 1, against the neighbouring village, Miss Wilson being the only Johnsonville player to win a-rubber. Miss Batham and the Misses-Willans (2) won their singles for Khandallah ’and were also successful in their doubles. These three players thus winning, both rubbers in which they competed. Though a couple of the ■matches ■ were . closely contested, Khandallah always held the advantage, excepting in the. foiuth single, when Miss Blair led at .6—4 from Miss Willans, but tlie Johnsonville player, was unable to win one of the . three remaining games constituting the. set, Miss Willans defeating her .9—6..

Miscellaneous. Of the teams which have won the various grade. competitions, all with the exception of Petone in the Ladies’ B. grade and Khandallah in the Ladies’ C. grade, negotiated the season without losing a match. Both of the above-mention-ed teams lost one match apiece, Petone being defeated by Brougham Hill L, and Khandallah by St. John’s. A. G. Duncas (Petone) established a splendid record in the Men’s B. grade competition, playing in every ma-tch ,in which his club was engaged, and winning his single on every occasion. Other instances of unbeaten records are D. 8. Smith (Victoria College, A. grade), G. A. Dawson (Brougham Hill, C. grade) and Miss D. Willans (Khandallah, C. grade.) The final 'Of the Handicap continued at ihe Brougham Hill Club, was won by Harry Howe and Miss. Rothschild (scr.), who defeated J. Hunter and Mrs (Burton (scr.)' by the narrow margin of two points,- 40 —38, but at ’ stage the latter pair led 1-s—-5. In the ■ Men’s Championship Singles, Dart is out to the semi-final, where he will meet either -Laishley or Hawkins, while on the bottom half, (Lawrence awaits H. V. Howe, provided the latter disposes of his brother. The Ladies’ Singles is well forward, and the final will probably have, been played by the time these notes appear in print. The contestants are Misses Morgan and Davis, the latter having defeated Mrs Sampson 9—3 in the semifinal.

AUCKLAND. ■; Several very interesting games were played last Saturday at the Eden and Epsom courts. Fortunately the afternoon was a perfect one. The light was good, the ground was hard and fast but in parts rather bumpy, and there was no wind to affqct the play.

CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES. Moat interest centred in the match botween Grigson and Alan Brown, in the semi-final of the singles championship. Grigson annexed the first two sets: 6—4, 6 —3. Here Brown, who was volleying well -throughout, but with not enough sting behind his shots, took command, and obtained the set, 6—4. Grigson, however, took the deciding set comfortably at 6—3. The winner played his characteristic game, passing his opponent cleanly down the side lines. There were many long volleys from the base lines, and Grigson seems to get more power behind his drive at each return, and on Saturday generally wound up with a very hot one. Brown played well, and if he could play off his forehand as well as he does off his backhand, and with his volleying power, he would be a player more seriously to be reckoned with.

Morpeth beat Goldsmith, 6—l, 7—5, 6—4. The former’s left hand play kept Goldsmith on the defensive most of the time, and did not allow of him using that fine crosscut forehand drive of his. W. A. Brown beat P. Hunt, 3—6, 6—l, 6—2, 6—4. This match was played on Friday afternoon last, and was quite the reverse of the result of the meeting of these players in the Eden and Epsom Chib’s championship. Brown maintained a very strong attack, and profited by his morning’s match. Hunt appeared tired, and was not as accurate as he was in the morning. Morpeth and Brown met in the semifinal, and the winner plays Grigson in the final. CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES. Hunt and Henderson beat Mowbray and Hanna, 6—3, o—6,0 —6, 6—3, 7 —5. A very closely-contested game, in which Henderson was tricky at times, anl lobbing and nice smashing on both sides. Henderson wastricky at times, and lobbed well. Hunt and Hanna smashed (well, and Mowbray was consistently good. The winners are now in the final. Quinnell and Swainson beat Hickson and Grossmann. The former players combined well, and lost few opportunities of killing weak returns. Swainson was very severe overhead, but was not so good off the ground. Quinnell was very accurate, but took several balls which were quite out. The losers were not at their best. Grossmann was not playing up to his best form, and this seemed to affect his partner. They lost control of the game, and were mostly on the defensive throughout. Quinnell and Swainson play Hunt and Henderson in the final.

COMBINED CHAMPIONSHIP. Mrs Cooper and Ranger defeated Miss Gorrie and Henderson 3—6, 6—3, 6—4. Rainger’s style of play is peculiar. It affected his opponent considerably. Mrs Cooper volleyed at times but played on the base line mostly. This was a wise step and proved the correct one. Henderson was not so versatile as usual and was not able to anticipate his opponent’s shots. Miss Gorrie was very steady, but could not pass Rainger enough. Miss Carruth and Billing beat Mrs Fee and Swainson, 5 —7. 6—2, 6—3. This match was commenced the previous Saturday but was stopped at 6—6 on the first set. Mrs Fee was hardly strong enough to make opportunities, and this seemed to be the turning point in this match. Swainson repeatedly interupted Miss Carruth’s shots until Billing changed the game. Miss Carruth then lobbed more keeping Swainson back, and gave Billing letter opportunities at the net. Mrs Cooper and Rainger now meet Miss Carruth and Billing in the final.

Hunt defeated Brown in the semi-final of the Eden and Epsom Club’s Championship, 6—3, 3 —6, 6—4, 6—3. The winner was very watchful and careful, but Brown took more liberties and was hitting hard. Hunt kept a good length and volleyed well at times. The final will be played between Hunt and Morpeth. WEST END CLUB. The West End ladies gave their At Home last Wednesday. The weather was perfect, the arrangements complete, and the attendance of visitors was large. 'A most enjoyable afternoon was spent, which took the shape of progressive tennis. The prizes were won by Miss Gorrie and Miss Cooper. Bachelor’s Day was celebrated at the West End Club on Saturday last. There was a very large attendance of players and the whole afternoon was taken up, with progressive,tennis. Misses Baghall, Nelson and Gray all secured an equal number of points and drew for the three prize*.

HAWERA- ' The match between the Waverley and Hawera Clubs resulted in a win for Waverley by 16 matches to 2. Following are the scores, Hawera players being mentioned first:— Ladies’ Singles.—Miss Caplen v. Mrs Wallace, 2—9; Miss Nolan v. Miss Dickie, 2—9; Mrs Bell v. Miss Brewer, 9 —5; Mrs Kimbell v. Miss Blennerhassett, 6—9; Miss Drake v. Mrs Metcalfe, 4—9; Miss Young v. Miss Bourke, 4—9. Men’s .Singles.—N. H. Caplen v. A. Wallace, 8—12; M. G. Bell v. C. Dickie, 3—12; H. D. Caplen v. 8. Powdrell, 7— 12; P. Dingle, v. R. Wybourne, 5—12; H. Chalmers v. M. 8. Wybourne, 4—12; F. S. Treweek. v. P. J. Wybourne, 12—11. L'adies’’ Doubles.—Misses Caplen and Nolan v. Mrs Wallace and Miss Dickie, 2—9; Mrs Bell and Mrs Kimbell v. Misses Brewer and Blennerhassett, B—9;8 —9; Misses Drake and Young v. Mrs Metcalfe and Miss Bourke, 7 —9. Men’s Doubles.—Messrs Caplen Bros, v. Messrs Dickie and Wallace, 12—3; Messrs Bell and Dingle v. Messrs Wybourne Bros., 3—12; Messrs Chalmers and Treweek v. Messrs Powdrell and Wybourne, 2—13.

FEILDING. On Saturday week the Palmerston Tennis Club played the Feilding Club. Feilding was victorious, Palmerston winning three out of nineteen sets. The scores were as •follows:’ Feilding players being mentioned first in each case: — Men’s Singles: —Lawson 9 v. Collins 5; Spain 9 v. Drew 7; Smith 9 v. Winton 4; Harding 7 v. Ray 9. Ladies’ Singles—Mrs. Evans 7 v. Miss Wilson 6; Mrs. Montgomerie 7 v. Miss Porter 4; Miss Shannon 7 v. Miss Forsaith 4; Mrs. Kingdon 6 v.,Miss Watson 4. Men’s Doubles:—Davey and Montgomrie 9 v. Oollins and Clere 6; Spain and Barron 9 v. Drew and Smith 7; Lawson and Graham 9 v. Winton and Ray 2. Ladies’ Doubles:—Mrs. Montgomerie and Mrs. Evans 7 v. Misses Wilson and Porter 4; Miss Shannon and Mrs. Kingdon 5 v. Miss Forsyth and Miss Watson 7. .. . Combined Doubles:—Lawson and' Mrs. Montgomerie 9 v. Collins and Miss Wilson 8; Davey and Mrs. Evans 9 v. :(Here -and Miss Porter 5; Barron and Mrs.! Kitigdon 4 v. Drew and Miss Forsaith 9( Graham and Miss Shannon 9 v. Smith' and Miss Watson 1.

GISBORNE. Although the courts were by no means in the best order on Saturday week; the final in the championship singles competition was held, and was witnessed by a large crowd of spectators. The contestants were the old rivals, Barlow and Margoliouth, and victory rested, with the latter in three straight sets. The scores •were 6—o, 6—4, 7—5. STRATFORD. A ihiateh between Eltham and Stratford was played on the Stratford courts on Thursday, which resulted in a win for the home team by 62 games. ROTORUA. A tournament has been arranged for local players, and the following games have been played during the week: — Men’s Handicap Singles.—Hulton (scr.) beat Bryant ’(20), 71—69. Tuck (20) beat Bayfield (15), 70—59. Melville (scr.) beat Williamson (10), 70—42. French (30) beat Redwood (35), 70—60. Empson (scr.) beat IJawley (20), 70—55. G. French (25) beat Potter (32), 70—63. Men’s Handicap Doubles.—Tuck and French (30) beat Hawkins and Algie (10), 70—68. Melville and Empson (owe 5) beat Hawley and Red ward (30), 70 —63. Tuck and French (30) beat Tango and Williamson (10), 70—63. Tango and Williamson (10) beat Bennett and Harper.(2s), 70—57. G. French and Rosser (20) beat Hutton and Paratta (scr.), 71 —69. Men’s Championship Singles.—Melville beat Tango, 6—5, 6—3. G. Empson beat Hawkins, 6—4, 4—6, 6—2. Algie beat Hampson, 6—2, 4—6, 7—5. Hutton beat Bertram, 6 —2, 6—3. •> ■ Ladies* Handicap Singles.—Miss 8. Empson (owe 10) beat Miss Uawluwortk (10), 60—48.