LAWN TENNIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22985, 14 September 1936, Page 12

LAWN TENNIS

OTAGO ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT The fiftieth annual report of the Otago Lawn Tennis Association states, inter alia: — During the year the jubilee of the association was celebrated. A jubilee, dinner was held in the Savoy on April 4, and proved a most successful function, there being a good gathering of past and present players, and many happy reminiscences were related during the evening. A jubilee dance was held in the Gardens Kiosk, which was largely attended, and also proved a most successful function. A history of the association, which proved most interesting to past and present players, was published by both the local papers. On December 26 the Australian pair, Messrs M’Grath* and Moon, visited Dunedin, and played matches with local players, and they also played an exhibition match. Though the date was not a good one for the association, there was a satisfactory attendance at the matches, and some excellent tennis was witnessed by those who saw these world-renowned players in action. A very important event was the visit of Messrs Henri Cochet, J. and A. Willand, and L. Baker. These players attracted a large attendance to the Logan Park courts, and patrons witnessed the finest exhibition of tennis ever seen in Dunedin. i The various interclub competitions were closely contested, and the committee congratulated the winners of the various events. The annual match, between Otago and South Canterbury was played at Timaru on February 15, the match resulting in a win for South Canterbury by 29 sets to 28. A visit was received from Southland on March 14, the match resulting in a win for Otago by 14 matches, 33 sets, 295 games to Southland’s 10 matches, 29 sets, 268 games. Owing to the difficulty of arranging a suitable date for both associations. the Otago-Canterbury match was not played last year. On March 21 a match was played against the Vincent Sub-association, which resulted in a win for the Otago team by 21 matches to 3. On March 28 matches were played against the Maniototo and South Otago Sub-as-sociations, the Otago teams winning both their games. On March 7 Otago met North Otago at Oamaru, and won by 14 .matches, 82 sets, 322 games to 9 matches, 26 sets, 291 games. On November 30 a very successful jubilee tournament was held, being dfldded into three grades. An excellent entry was received. While the champion of champions competition created a good deal of interest, there was on the part some clubs in finding their champion, and it is suggested in the com.ing year that a date be fixed for the finding of champions, and only those whose names have been sent in by the proper date will be allowed to take part in the tournament. The committee congratulates Miss R. Barton on being the lady champion for 1935-36 and the holder of the Walker Cup, and Mr K. Bryan on being the men’s champion of champions and holder of the Cleghorn Cup. The South Island championship and Otago jubilee tournament was held at Easter, when an excellent entry was received, and; being favoured with ideal weather, the tournament was one of the most successful held for many years. It was pleasing to welcome so many visiting players at this tournament, and some excellent tennis was witnessed. .' The following are the clubs affiliated with their membership:—Macandrew Bay 33, Nga Maara 30, Anderson’s Bay 44, Balmacewen 63, Caversham 41 (estimated on previous year’s figures), Waimana 28, Kaituna 56, Cosy Dell 59. Moana 50. Otago 66, NorthEast Valley 60, St. Kilda 57, Port Chalmers 18, Taleri 20, University 50, St. Clair 101, St. Andrew’s 45 (estimated on previous year’s figures). Opoho 31, Roslyn 52, St. Peter’s 25, St. Patrick’s 36 (estimated on previous year’s figures). Tainui 52, First Church 30, Knox Church 28 (estimated). i LAWN TENNIS UNION ANNUAL REPORT The annual report of the Dunedin Lawn Tennis Union states, inter alia;— There were 20 clubs affiliated, and 37 teams playing in the competitions, as against 19 clubs and 33 teams for the previous year. The new clubs affiliating were Trinity and Green Island, while the St. Kilda Anglican Club did not enter a team. The competition in all grades was keen, the final winners being in doubt right up to the last match. In the D Grade the Anderson’s Bay and Aotea teams, after defeating each other once, drew in the third match in sets and games. Wet weather during March resulted in the B Grade competition not being finalised, and the Kensingston and St. Kilda Methodist Clubs were declared the joint holders of the cup for the year. The performances of the three teams entered by the Aotea Club, who were each top of their respective grades, are worthy of special commendation. Congratulations are extended to the following grade winners:—A, Aotea; B, Kensington and St. Kilda Methodist; C, Aotea; D, Anderson’s Bay and Aotea. This year a Union Men's Doubles Ladder was formed, and keen interest was evinced, some excellent games being played as challenges. Financially the union is in a sound position, the credit balance being double that of the previous year. The Easter tournament was favoured with excellent weather and proved a great success. Entries showed a considerable increase over last year and a profit of £1 Is 8d was shown.