TENNIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2134, 7 March 1908, Page 2 (Supplement)

TENNIS.

(Notes bv “Volley.”) The chief topic in the local tennis circles is the prospect cf the match between Barlow and Margoliouth for the Hawley Cup. It will probably take place next Saturday. In regard to the match which was abandoned at two sets all, some very unpleasant rumors have been circulated by some who presumably had hoped to see Barlow defeated. To put the position baldly, those “know-alls” state that Barlow’s leg was not injured and that his statement that it was was merely the pretence of a player who did not wish to continue an arduous contest. I would not mention the rumor but for the fact that it has been circulated so industriously that in some quarters it has been taken seriously. On the face of It, such a rumor seems too ridiculous to warrant contradiction, hut for the benefit of those who may have been thoughtless enough to accept the statement of a few discontents I would point ont: — 1. That Barlow has shown himself in the past to have been a courageous player by putting up in handicap events some of the greatest fights seen on local courts; 2. that with the score 2 sets to love in his favor, and 4 games to 3in the third set,he was surely choosing a curious time to capitulate ; 3. that up to the moment of his leg failing he appeared to be the fresher of the two’contostants, and certainly was not unduly distressed; 4. that he has for years been subject to cramp which periodically occux's at times of exceptional exertion. However the suggestion is too absurd to pursue further, and it is to be trusted that a sterling player and fine sportsman such as Barlow is, will not again be subjected to the miserable innuendos and petty jealousies that have recently been in evidence. Margoliouth, I am sure, who is himself a true sports-. man. must have the heartiest —ediiV tempt for those of his supporters who have proclaimed their meanness in the manner indicated. To-day the annual inter-provincial match between Canterbury and Wellington will be placed in Christchurch. “Dick” Harman, the well-known Christchurch player who lias been amongst the best in Canterbury for more than a score of vears still retains remarkable form for a man nearly fifty years of age. In a recent match against G. Olliver. one of the best of the younger plavers, in tiie south, the veteran won by 3 sets to 2. “Volley” writes, of the event in the Christchurch “Times” thus:—Harman’s tennis has improved and rejuvenated until now one eoujd be almost accused of a want of respect by pointing out how long ago it is since he forced his way into first-class tennis. In the match under notice lie played with a vigor and a dash that completely nonplussed his younger opponent, who for the greater part of the match was keot strictly on the defensive. Harman hit well on both hands, and', as a base-line game, it was a fine display of driving. His most serviceable shot was a sweeping forehand across court after he had worked his opponent out of position on the left. His condition was surprising, and at the end of five sets he looked ready to take on anyone, young or old; who had the slightest doubt that he is not now as good as he ever was. In any case, there is now no- getting away from the fact that there are precious few in Canterbury who can show his tennis scalp among their proud possessions, and, judging by present appearances, he can still claim to he one of the first three in the province.