OVER THE NET

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 174, 13 October 1927, Page 12

OVER THE NET

\ BXJI

“DEUCE”

HALF-VOLLEYS

The Auckland Club holds its annual meeting this evening.

Entries for the inter-club competitions close on October 25. There: are now practically five grades, A, two sections of B, C and r>.

Opening dates: Campbell Park, October 15; University, October 22; Remuera, October 29; Parnell, November

Remuera Cltib, with its 12 grass courts, has still a few vacancies for new members, of both sexes.

The largest club in New Zeaand last year was United, Christchurch, the membership being 400. Remuera, with its 230 players was Auckancl’s strongest.

Bombay Club has decided to affiliate with the Franklin Association, and to enter a team in the B grade competition.

The Canterbury Association was the strongest body controlling provincial tennis last year. It had 4.368 players under its control. Auckland’s 41 clubs had a membership of 2,659, but the number was brought up to 3,615 by the inclusion of sub-associations.

Miss Marjorie Macfarlane, finalist in several New Zealand championships, is said to be returning by the Oronsay, which leaves on Saturday. She hopes to play in the New Zealand championships. Two seasons in England have probably improved her game.

The New Zealand championships will be held in Christchurch at Christmas. The bulk of the entries, of course, will come from Canterbury, but it is reported that E. L. Bartleet and A. W. Sims (Auckland), Dr. J. Laurenson. of Matamata, an ex-champion, N. R. C. Wilson, the France brothers, C. E. Malfroy (Wellington), and other leading North Island players will be entrants. Geoff. Cllivier stated on Saturday that he intended to play in the championships. CANADIAN DAVIS CUP PLAYER FOR WELLINGTON (From Our Own Correspondent) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A nev/ player has come to Wellington during the past winter, one who is expected to provide further material for Anthony Wilding contents. He is McGill, a Canadian, who has represented the great Dominion in Davis Cup events. He is a tall man, standing well over mix. feet, who plays a slow, leisurely gam 3 without any appearance of undue toast e, though appearances in this direction are rather deceptive. His drives have excellent length, his placements are made with care and judgment, and his volleying from the net, although not iso unplayable as is the case with some others, has to be carefully handled. His height, of course, gives him a great advantage in a smash, and hia service is full of guile. He exploits the side-lines with great accuracy, and his cross-court drives are made with judgment that seems to indicate that he is going to have considerable say during th«i summer in tennis events in Wellington, if not in the Dominion. His adoption of Wellington as his home town is considered to be some compensation for the loss of E. D. Andrews, who, when he returns to New Zealand from England, will play for the newly-formed Manawatu Association. BIRKENHEAD-NORTHCOTE ANNUAL MEETING HELD Healthy prospects for the coming season were shown at the annual meeting of the Birkenhead and Northcote Lawn Tennis Club, Mr. L. S. Maxwell presiding. The club has 10 chip courts and a flno pavilion erected last year. Thero are a few vacancies for new members. The annual report and balance sheet showed the year’s working to be very satisfactory. Appreciation was expressed to the retiring secretary, Mr. J. F. Potter, for the efficient manner in which he had carried out his duties during the past two years. The following officers were elected: President, Mr. L. S. Maxwell; vicepresidents. Messrs. Skeates, Greenslade, JDeuxberry, Tonnar, A. Maxwell, Smith, Heath, McGill, Jacks, Davey, Weaver, E. Fraser and Drs. Duddln'g and Craven: secretary, Mr. H. W. Tyee- treasurer Mr. E. W. B. Herrick: grounds superintendent, Mr. A. Taylor; committee, Messrs. Cadness, Sealow, Newman, Holmes, Roberts, Stone, Smallfleld; ladies' committee, Mrs. Weaver, Miss Mackay and Miss Robertson; delegates to Lawn Tennis Association, Messrs. E. IV. Herrick and H. W. Tyer; hon. auditor. Mr. A. W. Christmas. It was decided to open the season on Saturday, October 22.

COACHING SCHOOL CHILDREN CANTERBURY ENTHUSIAST SATURDAY INSTRUCTION Tennis might be made a popular game in Auckland schools, primary and secondary, if the city held an enthusiast like: Mr. F. J. Murray, of Christchurch. Having obtained permission to use the courts at Wilding Park on Saturday mornings, Mr. has prepared a comprehensive scheme whereby it will be possible for every boy and girl, who so desires, to receive free coaching and tuition. For the first practice the attendance was- very satisfactory, and after two or three hours on the courts it was apparent that most of the children were benefiting by the:ir instruction.. Mr. Murray explained to his pupils what was expected of them, referring particularly to their conduct on the court, after which he gave a brief lecture. Tennis was played primarily with the mind, he said. The most perfect racket technique in the world would not suffice if the mind were wandering. Therefore, if success were to be attained, it was essential that the children should, concentrate on the game. EYE ON THE BALL He next explained the elementary principles of the game, demonstrating the correct way in which to drive on the forehand and backhand. He pointed

out the more common errors made In the execution of these shots. “Abovg all things watch the ball until the moment it hits your racquet,” was his last piece of advice. The lecture was brief and to the point, and was very easy to follow. The discipline maintained was excellent, and the conduct of the children was beyond reproach. Some played singles and ethers doubles, and to the latter Mr. Murray explained the importance of court position. There was to be no loitering in mid-court, he said. A player must be either at the net or behind the base-line, from which position they should play at present, until their ground strokes were established. Perhaps the most commendable feature of the scheme is that it permits of individual coaching. All the asphalt courts were occupied. Mr. Murray spent a few minutes at each, pointing out faults and correcting them.

“Off the Wood!”

Cochet's Handle Shot

Henri Cochet comes midway between the two of his compatriots, Jean Borotra and Rene Lacoste. The exub-

erance and spontaneity of Jean is as well known as the almost phlegmatic calm of Rene. Henri possesses a fund of humour, albeit of a quieter kind. One of his best evidences of this quality was seen at Forest Hills daring the East-West matches last month, says “American Lawn Tennis.” As an added attraction a “mixed” had been put on, with Miss Wills and Brugnon opposing Miss Bennett and Cochet, and it proved to be an exhilarating as well as a finely played match. Brugnon was forced to take a deep drive under difficult circumstances. In desperation he lobbed. The ball went very high, and in its descent it fell almost straight. Cochet came to the net to deal with the ball, and when it fell cn Brugnon’s side of the net, Henri turned his racket around and hit the ball with the handle, making an excellent smash. The deft stroke was enjoyed by the players as well as the gallery.