OVER THE NET

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 955, 24 April 1930, Page 16

OVER THE NET

By I

“DEUCE"

Easter Tournaments | Playing conditions for the tourna- j ments held on grass were far from perfect, and militated against first class tennis. However, the holiday spirit was abroad, and players were out to enjoy themselves in spite of the indifferent playing conditions. For the most part the courts were slow, and the balls soon became very heavy. Steadiness more than brilliancy was the chief feature of form displayed by the winners of the various events. Success of Auckland Students For the fourth year in succession, Auckland University won the shield iin the inter-university tournament. Stedman and Bowden, both of -Auckland, reached the final of the men’s singles, and Misses Whitelaw and Taylor, and Misses Roberton and McIntosh, all of Auckland, have to play off for the women’s doubles. The Auckland pair, McDonald and Miss Whitelaw, won the mixed doubles against Miss Sherris and J. Beatson (Canterbury), 6 —4, 3—6, 6— l, Promising Canterbury Player Miss Sherris won the women’s singles, beating the Aucklanders, Miss L. Roberton, in the semi-final, and Miss Taylor in the final. The winner played very attractive tennis throughout, and is one of the most graceful players ever seen at Stanley Street. She goes for her shots 'and attacks all the time. Her cross-court drive is particularly fine, and she scored frequently with this shot. Miss Taylor did exceptionally well to beat Miss Scott (Otago), who started favourite for the eveiit. The Stedman brothers annexed the doubles championship with comparative ease. A. C. Stedman was in great form, his overhead work being very severe. Te Aroha Tourney Miss Ramsay won the championship singles, beating Mrs. Scott-Watson in the final. She also won the women’s doubles partnered by Mrs. ScottWatson, and the mixed doubles with Morrison. The heavy going suited Miss Ramsay's style of play, and her chop shots were keeping very low. Morrison and Entwistle reached the

final of the men's singles. Morrison and Hayr won the men’s doubles, beating Johns and Entwistle after an exciting struggle, the scores being S —6, 2 — 6, 12—10, 6 — l. Sims Wins Waikato Championship A. W. Sims had another win in the championship singles. Although he has not had a great deal of hard play this season, he produced excellent tennis, and showed that he still retains most of his old cunning. He is the most outstanding player in Hamilton, and won the championship without the loss of a set. Lamb and Chalmers, of the Parnell Club, had an easy victory’ in the final of the men’s doubles championship, beating Brough and James, G—o, 6—l, 6 — 3. Miss Potter had little opposition in the final of the women’s singles, beating Miss Butler, 6—o, 6—2. * * * Mrs. McCracken and Miss Bruce played consistent tennis throughout the tournament and beat Miss Potter and Mrs. Herrick in a very interesting final, the scores being 6 —4, 6 —3. The mixed doubles were won by Mr. and Mrs. McCracken, better combination giving them the advantage in the final against Menzies and Mrs. Isdale. whom they beat 7 —5, G—4. Reflections for Winter Play Kow- that the grass court season is over players who intend to indulge in hard-court practice during the winter months should reflect on their game during the summer season and sort out the weak spots. By concentration and perseverance these weaknesses may be overcome and the winter is a good time to face the position. During the summer players have to compete in so many matches that they dare not experiment with new shots for fear they lose their form and are beaten by an inferior player. It takes courage to alter one's style of play, as it frequently has the effect of temporarily putting a player completely off his game. However, if you know weak spots and are prepared to devote all your spare moments in the winter toward eliminating them, you will reap your reward next season and you will receive added enjoyment as the result of your winter labour.