TENNIS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4955, 24 March 1926, Page 2

TENNIS.

AUCKLAND PLAYERS AT NGATEA. AN EXHIBITION MATCH. During the vi'Sjit of an Auckland tennis team to Ngatea on Saturday last an exhibition match was played between E. W. Griffiths and N. Stuit, two of the.visitors. There wlae little, between the two; and although Griffiths, won by 6—o in the, first set he went down 2 —6 in the second. The play was an object-lesson from which Plains players, should derive benefit, as, it showed the value of clean hititing, placements, and keeping the eye on, the ball. Sturt ,looks to have the makings of a champion, and appeals to ha,ve a natural aptitude fpr tennis. The way he. produced hits' stjrokes w*as, wonderful, and his footwork alone was worth watching. Both players were 1 splendid at overhead placing to their opponent’s weakness oi; to any openings made. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a dance in (he Ngatea hall. There were about 100' dancers present.

At the supper interval, Mr E. % W. Griffiths was asked to' speak and to criticise the play of the Plains' team. He stated that he was agreeably surprised at the high standard of the play,, which was much better than had been anticipated. One of the faults, he had noticed was that in driving the players faced the net; they should always turn the shoulder towards tKe net. He thought- the Plains players weaker ’in doubles than in singles, and, that a great improvement would be noticed if* partners worked more in uniison. On behalf of the visitors ’he wished to thank 'the association for the pleasant match and the splendid reception accorded the players. He extended an invitation to the association to send a .team, to his club.

Mr' B. Frecklington, president of the Plains Association, returned thanks and expressed the hope that a team could be tsent to play the Titirangi club. He- ajso thanked the Ngatea club for the way the courts had been made ready in time, and the ladies, of the club for. the way they had undertaken the catering. Thanks was also due to Mr A. R 1 Vowles for the work he had done on behalf of the association.