TENNIS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 19 November 1927, Page 8

TENNIS

| (By “Back-Hand”) | HINTS WORTH NOTING. DOINGS ON ALL COURTS. The foot-fault is very noticeable on the various courts round about Hastings again this season. This practice is all too prevalent, and is one of the worst breaches of the game. There is probably some excuse for the beginner who does not understand the rules of the game but there is absolutely none for the first-grade player. 1 have repeatedly seen players foot-faulting continually throughout their matches, and this is taking a very unfair advantage of their opponent. The offenders themselves will find it very disconcerting to be foot-faulted in tournament matches. Umpires should have no compunction in stamping this out. Personally I think that all club championship matches should be umpired in the same way as the tournament matches. Why should a player be asked to play and umpire his own match? It seems absurd. It is quite obvious that the player who adopts unfair tactics has a great advantage over the scrupulously fair player, and the sooner this is realised the better it will be for the good of tennis in general.

The rule as to foot-faulting is as follows :—The server shall, before commencing to serve, stand with both let at rest on the ground behind (i.e., further from the net than) the base-line and within the limits of the imaginary continuation of the halfcourt and side-lines, and thereafter the server shall not run, walk, hop or jump before the service has been delivered, but the server mav raise one foot from( and, if desired, replace it on) the ground, provided that both feet are kept behind the base-line until the service has been delivered. It is a “fault” if the server commit any breach of this law.

It is very gratifying, in view of the forthcoming match on December 3. for the Christie Cup. at present held by Wanganui, to see such goon form shown so early in the season by the top-notchers. Elliott, who has been playing on the hard courts during the winter months, la a wonderfully improved player, the most pleasing features of his tennis this season being the improvement m his net play, and the tremendous speed and accuracy in his cross-court drives. This latter shot is a beauty. On his present form he ahould ho a certainty for the trip.

I have not had the pleasure of «eeing J. Lowry in action so far this season, but, judging from his form of last season, he should bo just about equal to beating Wanganui's best.

W. Glenny is also plaving superlative tennis. He is one of the finest players I have had the pleasure of seeing in action in Hawke's Bay. He is a master of all strokes; at least I have not discovered any weakness in his outfit. A thorough stylist he is. every stroke being executed with effortless ease and grace.

Green and Drummond, of Dannevirke, are both doing good work on the local courts. Hobin. of Wai&awa and Brown, of Hastings, are oth in excellent form, and with the return of Milburn, the province should stand a good chance of lifting the trophy from Wanganui.

T'.s province will be considerably weakened by the absence of such stars as Mrs South, Miss Fannin, and Miss M. Lowrv. whose places will be hard to fill. Miss Snow Clark is playing in quite her best form, and sTiould hold ner end up. Miss Bennett, Mrs Hetley. and Mrs Gardiner should be in the running if available. Mrs Green, Mrs Cowper, and Miss Morrison, of Dannevirke. are all in the first flight, and should all give a good account of themselves.

The Hawke’s Bay Club courts are in good order, but it is problematical as to what condition they will be in for the championship meeting at Easter time. The extra hour a day will surelv leave its trail by the end of the season. The club is rather unfortunate in only having eight courts for such a big membership, as it does not give the committee much chance to close any of the courts for short periods of rest.

It is very pleasing to see some of the more experienced players taking some of the juniors as partners. This is the right sporting spirit, and should be fostered in al! clubs.

The Park Tennis Club have a big number of recruits this season, and judging by the displays given by some of them it looks as though the club will have some good material to choose from later in the season. This is a very healthy sign, and the officials would do well to encourage the young plavers. I noticed one or two who were shaping splendidly, who only need a little tuition. I would like to give a word of warning to the beginners who stav between the service and the base-line. This is the most fatal position on the court. Take up a position at the back of the base-line or else close into the net. , If drawn in close, it is probably just as well to go to the net.

Elliott and Brown are contemplating a trip to Rotorua at Christmas, for the tennis championship meeting to be held there. These two plavers have a fine understanding of doubles play. Probably one of their finest achievements was the winning of r.he handicap doubles of the Hastings Club championship last season off the scratch mark. Both are playing great tennis, and should make it very interesting for the opposing pair over the net.