Magnificent Tennis In N.S.W.-N.Z. Match

Chronicle (Levin), 26 February 1949, Page 6

Magnificent Tennis In N.S.W.-N.Z. Match

Press Assoclatlon)

(Per

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 25.. A magnificent matcli between O. W. Sidwell, the Australian Davis Cup representative, and R. S. McKenzie was the highlight of the first day's play in the tennis ihatch between New South Wales and New Zealand. McKenzie took Sidwell to 8 — 6 in the third set, but that was the nearest New- Zealand came to winning the singles. In the doubles, however, it seemed that New Zealand 's second pair, O. M. Hol'd and J. A. Barry, were well on the way to a surprise win over the top N.S.W. pair, Sidwell and R. McCarthy, when rain interrupted the play at 4 — 0 in the third set. N.S.W. will begin today's series of matches with a lead of five rubbers to none, with one unfinished. ^ • It may be do'ubted whether McKenzie has ever played better than he did against Sidwell. He matched the Australian in the speed and scoring power of his first service, in his driving and in his overhead play, but well as he "volleyed at times he was well beaten in this department. That was to be eicpected for Sidwell is one of the best volleyers in the world today. J. E. Robson (New Zealand champion) started well, but faded badly against the second New South Wales player, McCarthy. The match was played at a much slower pace than the other, bot'h relying on placement, angle and change of pace or length to win points outright or to pave the way for a volleying coup. In J. Matthews (N.S.W.) the short O. M. Bold was matched against one of the tallest jdayers yet seen at Wilding Park, and his own steady tenacious game was not quite good enough to counter the powerful aggressive play of the visitor. Matthews and Eocavert attacked relentlessly throughout the doubles match in which they overwhelmed Robson and McKenzie. Bold and Barry- played like new men, taking the first five games from Sidwell and McCarthy, and winning the first set at 6 — 3, and establishing their control in the third set after the AustraJians had tightened up their play to save the second. The retrieving of the New Zealanders was brilliant, $rolonging and winning many rallies which seemed lost, but they also volleyed deftly.