Some Mannerisms

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 503, 5 November 1928, Page 7

Some Mannerisms

GREGORY’S READY SMILE AUSTIN FULL OF TRICKS None of the British team is exactly temperamental in demeanour on the court. Their deportment bears the mark of British sportsmanship, whether in victory or defeat. Nevertheless they have their little individual mannerisms, interesting and sometimes amusing. Dr. Gregory, the captain, has a ready and infectious smile. His cheery personality engaged the cordialty of the crowd, especially in the doubles match against Wilson and Bartleet, in which Gregory and Austin, with their fine, free hitting overhead, played tennis that had an air of joyous abandon. Yet it never lost its accuracy. Gregory’s footwork is masterly. Poised on his toes, ready to skip into position for those long, skimming drives of his, off either forehand or backhand (and his backhand is superb), he is a worthy pattern for any aspiring young tennis player to study. His air of whimsical resignation when hopelessly beaten by a good shot from his opponent was amusing. He would give a little skip, and toss his head in di'oll fashion, as if to say: “Well, that is gone, anyway.” H. W. Austin also delighted the crowd. He, too, has his amusing little ways, and is very alert and active on his feet. After his doubles match he sat down and chatted with the ball boys, who felt thereafter that they were highly privileged people. Collins and Higgs are more earnest in manner than their comrades-in-arms. Collins, like a schoolboy bent over an examination paper, usually seems to have his tongue between his lips, giving him an air of intense concentration. Higgs came out on Saturday in a sweater adorned with the English colours, a rose on the breast, and red-white-and-blue border. Peeling off this garment, he showed that he defies convention by playing in a light, close-fitting kind of singlet, with collar and short sleeves. The advantages of such a garment, which gives complete freedom of movement, should commend themselves to local players.