OVER THE NET

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 850, 19 December 1929, Page 15

OVER THE NET

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"DEUCE"

Remuera v. Onehunga The Stanley Street courts were in excellent playing order for the first series of the A grade inter-club competitions between Remuera and Onehunga. It is generally acknowledged that this year these courts are the best in Auckland. As was anticipated, Remuera proved too strong for Onehunga, and won by 26 matches to two.

e! Tj. Bartleet did not make many mistakes in his match against M. Robb, the Onehunga champuion. Robb had difficulty in taking Bartleet’s service, and many of his returns were volleyed short across court for winners. On the other hand, Robb’s service was not working well, and enabled Bartleet to take up the offensive the greater part of the game. Robb scored points with fast, good length drives. J. Harrison, Onehunga’s second string, failed to strike form against N. G. Sturt. Sturt played sound tennis, but Harrison is capable of winning more than one game in two sets.

E." W. Griffiths and G. L. Taylor, the veterans of the teams, had some long rallies in their match, but Griffiths was too steady for Taylor, who broke down chiefly on his forehand drives.

H. Brinsden, although erratic at times, carried too many guns for J. L. Carnachan. Brinsden’s serve was kicking very high, and being placed on Carnachan’s backhand forced him to make many weak returns, which were killed at the net. Carnachan made many good drives, and at times had Brinsden working hard.

Miss Macfariane played her usual solid game against Miss Litten, who did well to score three games in the second set. Miss Litten has some very nice shots, but they were of little avail against the New Zealand champion, who seems to be able to drive with equal confidence on both her forehand and backhand.

After a close struggle for the first set, which Mrs. Shroff won 7 —5, Miss Parr became erratic and failed to win another game. Miss V. Mcßae scored Onehunga’s first win by beating Mrs. ScottWatson in a very close match, 7 —5, 7—5. Mrs. Scott-Watson is always hard to beat, and Miss Mcßae’s victory was very meritorious. Miss Marion Macfariane had a threeset match with Miss Chambers. Miss Chambers played brilliantly at times, and scored frequently with good crosscourt drives. Miss Macfarlane’s forehand shows improvement, and it would not be surprising to find her much higher up on the ranking list at the end of the season.

After winning the first set 6 —o. and leading 4—o in the second, Griffiths and Brinsden were hard put to it to beat Robb and Taylor, who eventually won the set 12—10, and lost the third 6—3. Robb played some brilliant volleys and Taylor played very steadily, his backhand being particularly sound. Griffiths and Brinsden are one of the oldest combinations in Auckland, and are always very hard to beat.

Stedman Beats Bartleet By defeating Bartleet 6—3, 3—6, B—6 last week Stedman now takes top place on the ladder, a position which Bartleet has held continuously for the past two seasons. It is a little early in the season to judge whether Stedman has really got Bartleet’s measure. There is a chance that they may meet in the Auckland championship at the end of the month and if they do it will be interesting to see the result, as both players should be in something like their best forrp by that time. Bartleet led 5—3 in the third set and had a match point. He took a ball which was going out. smashed the return and missed by a mere fraction. This error of judgment cost him the match. Stedman served very well throughout the match. His backhand has improved and he is hitting his forehand harder than ever. The results in other ladder matches played last week were as follow: Hubble beat Watkins, 5—7, 6 —3, 6 —3; Turner beat Watkins, 9—7, 6—3; Miss Marion Macfariane beat Miss W. Miller, 6 —2, B—6; Miss Fearnley beat Miss Richardson, 6—l, 6 —4. * 4! * Club Competitions F. W. Lucas did well to take a set off A. C. Stedman. Football keeps Lucas in great condition for tennis and there are few tennis players in Auckland as fit as he is. He is very keen and has eh own, remarkable impreve-

ment since the beginning of last season. He is very fast on the court and volleys crisply. His second service is one of the weakest features of his game at present and he should endeavour to remedy this. Miss L. Roberton beat Mrs. Shroff in the first round of the women’s championship singles, 2—6, 7—5, 7 —5. Miss Roberton has very good shots and there is no reason why she should not become one of the club’s leading players. R. J. Coates put up a great fight against Lamb, the Parnell Club champion, in the first round of the club championships, the scores being 6 —4, 12—10 against him.

Auckland to Challenge for Wilding Shield and Miss Nunnelly Belt Provided Auckland can get a strong team away, it is proposed to challenge for the Wilding Shield and the Nunnelly Belt, at present held by Wellington. The proposed dates are January 24 and 25. It is understood that Bartleet will not be available for the Wilding Shield match and consequently Auckland’s best team will not be available. Wellington will have Bon and Len France, Malfroy and Wilson, a very formidable lot, and on paper it would appear that. Auckland’s chances of wresting the shield are not very bright. The Auckland women should have a good chance of taking the Nunnelly Belt from Wellington, provided Miss Mar far lane, Miss Knight, Miss’ Ramsay and Miss P. Miller arq available. If Mrs. Bykes makes the trip it should be a certain win for Auckland. Auckland Championships It is expected that several visiting players will be competing in the Auckland championships. Lampe, the "Wanganui champion, is almost certain to be competing, also H. Major and Eric Reeves, of Masterton. Br. Gray, of Thames, will most likely partner Bartleet in the doubles, as Br. Laurenson is unable to make the trip. It is very doubtful as to whether Sims will be a competitor. Sturt and Stedman will be playing together and will be very hard to beat. THE VALUE OF ANTICIPATION