BADMINTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1939, Page 11

BADMINTON

FINE PLAY BY WAIRARAPA TEAM. FORTHCOMING CHAMPIONSHIP CONTESTS. The victory of Wairarapa over Wellington in an “A” grade Badminton match by 17 matches to 7. was an achievement of which Wairarapa is rightly proud. Although Wellington was not up to full complement, Wairarapa won by a convincing margin. Phil Hawksworth showed that his place as New Zealand champion is one that should be secure for some time to come, as he defeated Pattinson, considered to be his future successor, 15/8. 15/5, in a game which was one-sided. With a bullet smash (considered by competent judges as the most powerful overhead smash in New Zealand) and his clever footwork and angle shots. Hawksworth, had the game at his command throughout. J. J. Payton, North Island champion, played badminton of an excellent standard. His fine achievement in defeating G. A. Pearce in a thrilling threeset match, and his exhibition in his men’s doubles match were worthy of a champion. J. Lulham played fine badminton to beat E. Ridyard, 15/9, 15/10, and his performance in the match throughout was magnificent. The Wairarapa championship tournament should see Payton and Lulham fighting out a good finish. P. Martin, of Martinborough, played an excellent game against to win an exciting three set duel, 15/10, 10/15, 18/14. A. Stubbings was not outstanding in his matches, but played good badminton. Dr H. M. O’Connor was well on his form to win all his matches, his singles exhibition being of a high standard. O’Connor has plenty of sting in his game, and should do well in the Wairarapa tournament. Mrs P. Hawksworth justified her inclusion in the Australian team by playing the shuttle how it should be played—clean cut and hard. Mrs Hawksworth can always be depended on to turn on her best. Miss Betty Payton played splendid badminton to win her singles 11/6, 11/7 against a redoubtable player like Miss F. Fernie (a hot candidate for the Australian tour). With Mrs Hawksworth away in Australia, this player is expected to do well in -the Wairarapa tournament. Mrs David Young, and Miss D. Allen, although losing their singles, played a good game. Louis Hosking and Nan Rishworth played excellent badminton, and although Miss Hosking was a trifle off fern, a bright future may be expected from such a trier. To beat Misses Denby and, Lubranski, 11/3, 11/7, the combination of these two girls was good. With such opposition as Mr and Mrs Phil Hawksworth, across the Tasamn, all the above players will have their opportunity of showing their worth in the Wairarapa championships.