LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 85, 10 March 1892, Page 2

LAWN TENNIS.

(By

Bisque.)

ladies’ championship singles.

The last tie has now been played off, and the Championship for 1892 has been decided, but pressure of space last week compelled me to hold over the reports of the final matches. Miss Spiers having beaten Mrs. Chapman, the only remaining match in the third round was that between Miss Gorrie and Miss Nicholson, which was played on the Auckland lawn on Monday, 22nd inst. Some good play was shown on both sides, but Miss Nicholson did not seem to play with so much freedom as usual, and the game was not so close as had been expected. Miss Gorrie, who seemed in fine form, secured the first two sets and the match, 6— 2, 6 —3. This left Miss Gorrie (Auckland), and Miss Spiers (Eden) to play off, and the winner would, in ordinary circumstances, have had to meet Miss Mowbray as holder of the championship. Unfortunately, Miss Mowbray was still suffering from the effects of her accident, and although the Association was willing that she should not be called on to play for another month, she declined to avail herself of this privilege, and resigned her title to the winner of the present year’s tournament. Deep interest was therefore felt in this match, as one or other of them was thus bound to be the lady champion for the year, and a large and enthusiastic crowd assembled on the neutral ground of Parnell on Tuesday, the 2nd inst., to witness the event. Play began shortly after 4 o’clock. The first six games were won alternately by each player, Miss Spiers leading off. Then Miss Spiers managed to secure the next three/ and the set at 6—3. Miss Gorrie was

evicfently a little nervous at the start, but she soon warmed up and played with great freedom, especially on the back-hand stroke. Miss Spiers, on the other hand, was very sure and fast in her returns, and occasionally made the ball travel down the side lines in a very deadly way. In the second set Miss Gorrie put more dash into her play, and got and kept the lead until 5—3 was called in her favour. . Then came a very hard game, but Miss Gorrie still fought well, and won the set —6—3. This brought the game to “set all,” and while the players adjourned for a few moments rest the energies of the spectators were directed to discussing, not only the issue of the game, but also the tea and other refreshments which were at this stage bountifully provided by the ladies of the Parnell Club.

The third and final set was then tegan. It soon became evident that Miss Spiers was settling down to steady returns and fast placing, and was clearly out-playing her opponent. At the end of the third game the score was in Miss Spiers’ favour by two games to one, and Miss Gorrie did not succeed in getting any other games placed to her credit the set fell to Miss Spiers at 6—l. Miss Spiers thus won the championship after a really fast and exciting contest, and was congratulated on all hands on her win. It must be regretted that Miss Mowbray could not play her, but may be looked forward to next year. By the way, I quite agree with what the writers in the daily papers have said as to the shameful injustice of allowing the lady championship of Auckland to be in name only. A handsome trophy should be provided for next year, and I should think there would be no difficulty in raising funds for so laudable and necessary a purpose.