TOURNEY TENNIS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 868, 11 January 1930, Page 7

TOURNEY TENNIS

PROGRESS OF PLAY AT NEW PLYMOUTH FINALS TODAY Special to THE SIS NEW PLYMOUTH, Frida> . The New Plymouth lawn tennis tournament was continued today in changeable weather. Rain during the night had deadened the courts and further heavy rain at midday made them very slow. The wind was less troublesome than yesterday, and affected play little. The postponement of games in progress at midday considerably retarded the , events in all sections. One of the most exciting and spec - tacular games in the tournament was the mixed doubles between Lampe and Miss Myers and S ted man and Miss Andrew, the latter winning 4 —6, 6 —2, 6—4. The match commenced in the morning, but rain interrupted it. When play was recommenced Lamp© lost the first game but won the set on the next. Both Stedman and Miss Andrew were placing well, and won the second set 6—2, though it was hard fought. In the third set Stedman played a great backline game, driving and smushing all over the court. Miss Andrew supported him equally well at. the net. LAMPE POACHES At this stage Lampe began to poach badly, and it appeared that Stedman encouraged it. With the games 5—4 in Stedman’s favour, it was uncertain whether Lampe would even the score or be beaten. Twice Miss Andrew missed easy winning shots through over-eagerness. Miss Potter (Auckland) was outplayed by Mrs. Melody. The dead courts aided Mrs. Melody’s chop and the spinning ball would not rise. Miss Potter played soundly, but her slow stroke bounced as high as a ball could bounce on the wet turf. She was inclined to overhit. MRS. MELODY’S WIN Mrs. Melody had played six leading Auckland women players this year, and in seven matches, every one of which she has -won in two straight sets, she has lost only 16 games. Only one player has scored games against her. Miss Myers beat Miss FYankham 6—2, 6—o. Miss Frankham was driving hard, but wet balls defeated her in the end. Rhodes-Williams beat Stedman in the men’s singles 6—3, 6—4. Williams was driving with a heavy slice, attacking Stedman’s backhand. In the second set Stedman adapted himself to this style and led 6—2, but after his previous strenuous game he was a tired man when he commenced to serve in the tenth game. Three things spoiled the game. Rhodes-Williams was slightly indisposed; Stedman was tired, and the courts were sodden. Nicholson and Charters played an interesting game. Nicholson attacked his opponent’s backhand and rushed to the net, but was forced back and resorted to lobbing. Charters took to this like a baby to milk and won 6—4. 6 — l. BOYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP The boys’ championship was won by Dickie, son of Clil'f Dickie, and nephew of Alex "Wallace, both well-known figures wherever tennis is played. He beat Ralphe, of Bulls, 6—2, 6—o. Both boys played in the national hard-court tournament last May. Tomorrow’s games are:—Final, men’s championship singles, Charters plays Rhodes Williams; final women’s singles, Mrs. Melody plays Miss Myers; in quarter-finals of the men's doubles, Charters and Stedman play Wallace and Wills, Rhodes-Williams and Dymond play Nicholson and Hubble, who on their present form stand a great chance of winningright through.