Tennis Match.

Manawatu Herald, 22 March 1898, Page 2

Tennis Match.

* FOXTON TENNIS CLUB v. OTAKI TENNIS CLUB. An interesting match was played at Foxton between the above Clubs on . Saturday last, resulting in the ioaaW, Club coming off victorious by a very small majority ot only 16 points. It had been arranged at the social to the visitors the evening previous to the match that a start should be made at 9 a.m. the next morning, so as to get in as many games as possible and thus get the match concluded in good time. The heavy rain which fell during the night and early the next morning knocked all these good intentions on . the head. However, as the morning wore on, a start was made to get the asphalt court cleared of the large quantity of water upon it and in other ways make it fit for play. The clay court was also in the same condition, and quite unfit for playing on, and it . was not until the afternoon that this court was playable. A ladies' double was hastily arranged between members of the opposing sides, as the sky had \a threatening aspect, '**» and it would be some satisfaction to '" say they had played a game. The rain kept off, and it ,was decided to start the match proper, the first game being a gentleman's single, the time being two hours after that originally agreed upon. With the Otaki players were several other visitors and well-wishers, who came to witness the match. By the inclusion of Messrs Fred Purnell and F. Anderson, of Sanson, the local Club was strengthened considerably, and which had been done owing to the Foxton Club not having sufficient men to play, the Otaki Club being notified previously as to their inclusion in the team, and had received a favorable reply. These players hold an unbeaten record for this season, and in their play together against Messrs Foss and Clark, of Otaki, much combination was shown, their play all through being much admired. The net play and rallies in this double became very exciting, as the players for the local Club were being pushed by their opponents. As will be seen from the totals subjoined a majority of 16 points only out of 912 shows that the match was interesting and close throughout, and the Foxton Club did well in reversing the defeat received at their opponent's j hands at Otaki last month. The Club entertained the players and visitors at Host Stansell's Hotel, where a first-class dinner was partaken ot, and much enjoyed. A large nuitf ber of members of the local Club accompanied the visitors to dinner. During the afternoon tea and other dainties were dispensed by the ladies to the great number of onlookers and also to the players, which was much appreciated. Just before the conclusion of the match the, secretary of the Otaki Tennis Club, Mr D. M. Yeats, on behalf of hisClub thanked the members of the local Club for the kind and lavish hospitality which had been bestowed to them during their short stay, and expressed a , hope that next season another match would be arranged, and that the Fox-' ton players would be able to stay a night at Otaki, when they would try to return the kindness that had been extended to them. All the members of the local Tennis Club and friends assembled at Whyte's Hotel to see the visitqrs leave on their return journey, and as the drag moved off three hearty cheers were given, which were lustily responded to until out of sight. Although experiencing not by any means the best weather, the Otaki players seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed their trip. During the day some capital games were played, and good rallies and some times brilliant play was noticed. It was unfortunate that the match was not started at the time fixed upon, as a lot of games were omitted. Only one combined double was got off instead of four, and also other games which would have been interesting, had to be left out owing to shortness of time. Following are the scores :— Man's Snrauu. Foxton. _ Otaki. Mr W. Hamer 40 Mr Foss 37 Mr F. Purnell 30 Mr M. Simcox 18 IMr G. Lamb 24 Mr Clark - SO Mr F. Anderson 22 Mr D'Ath SO Ladie»' Singles. Mrs Stewart 30 Miss M. Simoox 19 Miss H. Collins 23 Miss E. Simoox 30 MissSymons 25 MissEWhitehornSO Miss Young 25 Miss D'Ath 30 Miss Purcell 30 Misaß Whitehom26 Ladeks' Doublbs. Miss H. Collins a* MisaEWhitehonig. Miss Symona Misa B. Simcox ' Miss Young An Miss MoWilliam 0 - Miss O'Brien w Miss D'Ath m Mrs Stewart <* Missß Whitehorn, 0 MisaParcell m Miss M: Simoox M Mart Doublss. Mr P. Purnell An Mr Fobs ' 9A Mr F. Anderson w Mr Clark ** Mr Wi Cook OQ Mr M. Sircoox AA Mr C.Austin w Mr D'Ath m Combines Double. I Miss Purcell „« Mil s B Whifchorn Jm Mr Purnell 8B Ui Clark *° T0tft1."454 T0ta1,~448 Majority for Foxtott, 16 points.