Lawn Tennis.

Manawatu Herald, 15 December 1896, Page 3

Lawn Tennis.

PALMERSTON v. FOXTON. The first match between the above Clubs took place on the Palmerston North courts last Saturday afternoon, the first game being started a little after 2 o'clock. The result of the games played was in favour of Palmerston by one only, but their majority of points was 69. The local Club left without the services of two of their best player?, who were not able to get away. However, the visitors were hospitably entertained, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some of the games played were particularly interesting, the Foxton ladies showing up well in all their games, with but one exception. Much excitement was evinced in the two ladies' singles, as the prowess of the two lady members of the Palmerston Club was well known. That the winners were playing on strange ground is all the more in their favour. The men were not so fortunate, being beaten in each game. An .interesting combined double was played, the Palmerston players only winning by one point, after a very closely-contested game of 60 points. The Palmerston Club has a large membership, beautiful grounds in which four courts are placed, so that the members possess every advantage of becoming good players. A caretaker is employed, and water from pipes if supplied. A nice shed ii also on the ground, where every requisite is kept. A bath-room was just about completed besides some other additions on Saturday. The visitors were met at the lUtion and escorted to the Cafe, de "Paris, and thence to the grounds, a ihort distance away. A little pr,actioe was indulged in, but the players Were not at home for some considerable time on the grass, and mistakes were many. However, one and all thought better results could be rx« peoted after lunch, which was indeed proved by the ladies. In the afternon refreshments were handed round by the ladies to the great number present, and was also much appreciated by the visitors, several of the Palmerston ladies being particularly assiduous in their attentions. It was decided to play by points, ladies 40, men 60, and doubles 60. The following are the results :— Foxton. Palmerston N. Ladies' Singles. Mrs Stewart 40 Miss Stanford 88 This game was very evenly-con* lilted throughout, but Mrs Stewart's placing was very good, and helped in ft great degree to win her the game. Mill Stanford, though beaten, •howed some capital points in her pl»y generally, some returns being sharp and decisive. Miss Purcell 40 Miss Rutherford 88 This proved to be the game of the day, as both ladies held high repu tations in the tennis field, and all interest was centred in this battle royal. The players on the other courts ceased playing, and came over to watch the progress of the game. £" The ladies showed much similarity in their play, but Miss Purcell's service was more effective than her opponent's. Miss Rutherford has good style, but seamed too anxious to keep the ball rolling, and attempted to take a number of balls that were inevitably going out. At the start Miss Puroell obtained a fair lead, but towards the end her opponent gradually drew near, and the excitement was intense at each point which decreased the lead Miss Purcell, however, maintained her lead, and came off victorious with two points to spare, much enthusiasm being shown. Miss Symons 40 , Mrs Leary 81 Again another of the Foxton con<» tingent proved herself superior, the winner obtaining a substantial lead and winning easily. -Robin son 28 Miss Knapp 40 This proved to be the only reverse the ladies received in connection with their own games, and Mrs Robinson made up for her los 3in vanquishing her opponent in the Doubles.

Ladies' Doubles; Mrs C. Robinson Miss Stanford Miss Symons 40 Miss Knapp 36 Mrs Stewart and Miss Rutherford Miss Turcell 25 Mrs Leary 18 Both these games were well contested, but unfortunately the lattei game was left unfinished, but as will be seen all in favour of the Foxfcon ladies. The net play of the visitors was a revelation to their opponents, as they did not play it in Palnaerston. Combined Doubles. Mr Little and Mr Price Miss Mis 3 Puroell 48 Stanford 60 Mr Cook and Mr Connell Miss Mrs btewart 59 Rutherford 60 The latter game was very close, and the pairs were well matched. Some doubt w*j expressed as to a ball taken by the winners, which of course altered thi game considerably. MtN's Doubles. " Messrs Cook and Messrs Barnicoat Little 88 and Black 60 Men's Singles. Mr Copk 88 Mr Foy 60 Mr Little 41 Mr Griffiths 60 The Foxton players returned by the evening train from Pahners ton with pleasant itcollectious, having thoroughly enjoyed them?elves.