TENNIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 March 1941, Page 9

TENNIS

WILDING SHIELD WAIKATO CHALLENGE. WELLINGTON RETAINS TROPHY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Wellington successfully withstood a strong challenge by Waikato for the Wilding Shield at the Miramar courts on Friday and Saturday, gaining a decisive win by nine matches to three. The tennis generally was of a high standard, but the challengers were unable to stand up to the brilliant play of the four Wellington men in the doubles, all of which were won by Wellington. At the end of play on Friday afternoon Wellington was leading by two matches, having won both doubles and halved honours in the singles. Saturday’s results were as follows, the Wellington players being mentioned first: Singles.—N. V. Edwards lost to J. Roach, 5-7, 6-4. 3-6. R. G. McKenzie beat D. Livingstone, 4-6, 6-4. 6-3. D. G. France beat L. Roach. 6-3, 6-4. E. A. Roussell beat J. C. Charters, 6-4, 6-3. Doubles.—Edwards and McKenzie beat J. Roach and Livingstone. 6-3, 7-5. France and Roussell beat L. Roach and Charters. 6-4, 4-6, 6-0. Waikato’s challenge was made by the strongest team that province has had for years. J. Roach, the No. 1 player, won the Auckland singles championship this year and, with Livingstone, the championship doubles. This pair are also the North Island doubles champions. One of the features of the contest was the two defeats of Edwards. New. Zealand singles champion in 1938. in the singles, first by Livingstone, and then by J. Roach. Against Roach he had a 3-love lead in the final set. and then a score of 5-4 in his favour, but the Waikato player overtook him and Avon the match. This was the keenest singles contest of Saturday afternoon. Both players gave a fine exhibition of steady, sound tennis.