AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 26, 25 December 1912, Page 7

AUCKLAND.

Davis Cup Holders v. New Zealand. On Saturday last the first series of matches between the winners of the Davis Cup and the New Zealand representatives were played on the Eden and Epsom Clubs’ lawns. The weather was excellent,’ save for a rather stronger cross-wind than was desirable. The seating accommodation provided by the two stands was fully taxed, and a large crowd could only obtain standing room; in all there must have been fully a thousand spectators. The Auckland Association are to be congratulated on the manner in which the arrangements were carried out, and the secretary, Mr. 11. G. I’alethorpe, upon whose shoulders rested much of the responsibility of the undertaking, deserves much praise, his duties having taken up a considerable amount of bis time. The first match, Towe v. Peacock, was started punctually at one o'clock, and 4—3 was called in favour of Lowe, who secured the next game, The Wellington man secured Hie

following game, making 5—4 against him. but lost the set at 6—4. Peacock opened well in the second set, getting -the first game to love, but lx>we walked away with the next four games, making 4—l against Peacock; the latter scored the following game only, Lowe winning at 6—2. The match was an interesting one to watch. Peacock playing as well as his opponent would allow him. The next match was between Parke and Swanston, the latter being beaten, 6—o, 6—3. Swanston appeared somewhat nervous, and certainly did not do himself credit, but Parke’s play was delightful to watch, his cross court drives being perfect. He played entirely from the base line, and had his opponent running from side to side. The doubles match was next put on, in which Ollivier and Fisher faced Dixon and Parke. It was expected that the home team would put up their best fight in this match, and whilst they only succeeded in getting one game in the two sets, still many of the games were closely contested, and a most interesting match resulted. Fisher was un< doubtedly the weaker of the four, which was only to be expected, as he has had practically no practice. This was evidenced in.his failure in scoring his favourite short cross court shots, but his service was up to standard. Dixon took the service winning game to 30, and Fisher followed, but lost the game after deuce was called three times. Parke won his service from deuce, and Ollivier won his serve to 15, the games being 3 —l against the home pair. The next three games went to the Cup pair, making the first set at 6 —l. Ollivier opened the second set, but lost his serve, and Parke winning his serve to love gave a lead of two love. Fisher again lost his service after three deuces, and Dixon won a love game off his serve, making four love. Ollivier’s service reached deuce, but the game went against the New Zealanders, as did the set after Parkes service, six games to love. Undoubtedly the match of the day was the single between Dixon and Ollivier (who won the last New Zealand championship). Whilst, hoping for a good fight, it was hardly expected that he could do so well as he did against Dixon. Ollivier’s service was exceptionally good all through the match. The service was taken by Dixon, who won after a deuce game, Ollivier winning his serve to 15. The- next two services went to the servers at 15, making the scoie two all. Both men won their serves after deuce, making three all. Dixon won his next serve to 30, and Ollivier lost his service to love, giving Dixon the lead of 5 —3. This appeared to finish the matter, but-as often happens after one player loses his serve his opponent does likewise, and such was the present case, Dixon losing his service after three deuces, and Ollivier brought the game to five all, amid much enthusiasm from the spectators. Dixon won his next serve after deuce, and Ollivier was unlucky in losing his serve after two deuces, giving Dixon the first set at 7 —5. In the second set each player took his service up to 4—3, Dixon leading, when Ollivier once more lost his serve after a severe struggle, deuce being called no less than nine times, giving Dixbn the lead of 5 —3, and on this occasion Dixon did not allow a repetition of the previous set, but won his service to 15 and the set at 6—3. The final single was between Beamish and Fisher, in which the latter showed better form than in his earlier appearance. Beamish won the first sot at 6—4, after Fisher had the lead at 4—3. In the second set Fisher took the first game off his serve, and the next two games, thus leading three to love, but Beamish pulled himself together, and Annexing the next six games won the set and match, 6—4, 6—3. The report of Monday's matches is held over until next week.