TENNIS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 312, 18 December 1936, Page 2

TENNIS.

(By “Ground Shot.”) • The showing of the Methodist Tennis Club team against Ratapiko last Saturday was disappointing, though admittedly they.met a good team, particularly on the men’s side. Vivian and Hailwood were not able ■to play, their places being taken by Sugden and Harknesg, and Miss Pople’s place by Miss O. Aagaard. This weakened the team, but even so, the men players at the top did not. hold their own. They played fairly good tennis except that it lacked aggressiveness and punch. They need to develop overhead work. In this department they' were outshone by the visiting players. However,' the match was a useful try-out of strength before the Petrie Shield competition commences next Saturday, and demonstrated the need for more practice. The men would be well advised to practise together. Surprisingly enough, the ladies had a better record than the men. Miss Ward took a love set in her singles, and won all three matches, Mrs Rowfc | had a splejndid singles win also. The final match score was Ratapiiko 18 sets to Methodist five—a decisive defeat.

Dick challenged Boyd for third position on the ladder this week, but failed to get home, Boyd winning by 9 games to 6. Dick loses too many points on his own service, having a habit of double-faulting frequently. This was especially marked in the match on. Saturday, sometimes three double-faults being served in a game. It would be far better to sacrifice some speed for the sake of accuracy. To double-fault is to present one’s opponent, with a point. Despite this, Dick is one of the most impressive players in the club. • • • Miss B. Leonard in defeating Miss E. Harris 'now stands at No. 8 on

the ladder, and has qualified for the B team. Much interest is centred in. the, Petrie Shield matches commencing on Saturday. The A team comprises;—Ladies: Miss M. Ward, Mrs O. Rowe, Misses D. Pople .and J. Faine. • • » Men: R. Butcher, S. Ward, R. Boyd and A. Vivian. This team plays Stratford A on Stratford courts. The B team to meet Radnor Road at the Methodist courts consists of:—Ladies: Z. Aagaard, M. Gatton, O. Aagaard, B. Leonard. Men: W. Dick, C. O. Hailwood, J. Sugden and D. Harkness. • • • Full advantage of the past week of fine weather has been taken by the Stratford Tennis Club players and with the Petrie Shield competition due to commence to-morrow the season is now in full swing. Ladder competition is exceptionally keen this season and a number of matches have already been played. It was somewhat unfortunate that the first inter-club match, a friendly encounter with Kaponga, was marred by a misunderstanding. Under the impression that they would be meeting Kaponga's best, Stratford sent, out a strong team which annihilated the home side, which was practically the club’s B team. Kaponga, however, took the beating very sportingly and the day was an enjoyable one for the visitors. The match demon strated one very decided advantage of the eight player team. Plqy wah finished comfortably in little more than two hours. * * * Miss G. Brown is in good form at the net this year and her ground shots on both backhand and forehand are very sound. The only weakness in her game at present is her service which is slow and without guile. If she could improve this stroke she would be one of the most formidable players in Stratford. • * • Mrs Jenkins is also a good net

player but she is inclined to overdo this and’ leave the way open for angled volleys. She would be well advised to remain on the base lino when her partner is returning service unless she is confident that her partner can pass the opposing net player. Miss E. Wilmshurst has provided some good displays but is too erratic to be a. reliable match winner. * * * W. McCullough has a good forehand and service but. is unable, to rely on his backhand. If he concentrates on this stroke for a while his game should be immensely improved. The Ngaerei junior, Taylor, is a particularly promising boy but at present seems to suffer from lack of confidence. “T?EAVER” Worcester Sauce added to soups improves the flavour, Appetising and really saisfying. New iealand-made.