BIG TENNIS

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17972, 18 March 1930, Page 8

BIG TENNIS

AUSTRALIANS’ VISIT. BATCHES IN HAMILTON. TEAGUE DEFEATS DR. GRAY. Tennis enthusiasts congregated in large numbers at the Rosstrevor Street courts to-day, when the visiting Australian team met the cream of Waikato’s tennis talentUntil recently there had been some doubt whether Hamilton would he privileged to Witness the Australians in action. Fortunately, a visit has been arranged and an opportunity given the local exponents to test their steel againt doughty opponents. Conditions to-day were ideal for tennis, and the courts had been well prepared.

Play had to he delayed owing lo the non-arrival of €. Sproule and C. J. Donohue, Iwo members of the visiting team. W. Teague and V. E. Kalms, the other players, arrived on time, and stated that their companions, who had motored through from Auckland that morning, were last seen in the second car at Bombay. This car contained the clothing and racquets of the team.

The cause of the delay was an accident to the car in which Donohue and Sproule were travelling from Auckland to Hamilton. The hindrance occurred near Rangiriri, and a breakdown car had to be requisitioned to drag their vehicle to I-luntly. Once there, they chartered another car to bring them speedily to Hamilton. After waiting until after midday, borrowed gear was obtained for Teague, who started a singles match (best of three sets) with Dr. Gray, of Thames. Prior to this Dr. Gray and G. Brough (Hamilton) defeated Dr. ,T. T. Laurenson (Malamata) and A. WSims (Hamilton), 6—4, in an exhibition set.

Teague proved superior to Gray in a gruelling contest, which concluded G——3, G —l. Though the Australian’s service was not outstanding and he double faulted frequently, he had Gray flustered with magnificent forehand drives and accurate placements. The match was hardly spectacular, but in the second set some close overhead work aroused the enthusiasm ol’ the gallery. Gray failed chiefly with his backhand strokes, especially in returning his adversary’s service. In the last set he rose to the occasion at times, but was unable to cope with the calculating and smashing drives of the Australian. The Play, Gray obtained an early advantage on Teague’s errors, and led on the first game from deuce. Teague played better tennis in the next two games, using his strong forehand drive to good effect. Gray profited from his opponent’s over-drives, and made good use of the half-volley, although he was fully extended. Teague overtook Gray, and carried the score to 3 —2 with a couple of aces, and won the next by causing him to drive into the net. Teague maintained his lead with some beautiful cross-court shots, which bad Gray beaten. On his own service Teague with careful placements, notched the set. 6—3.

Gray showed signs of fatigue in the next set, and found difficulty in returning Teague’s smashing drives to the corners. Teague forced Gray beyond the base line, but the latter got the next game after 4 —o on Teague's errors. The Australian attacked ‘strongly on the next, and killed Gray’s lobs. The crowd applauded warmly when Gray had the best of Teague with two successive shots after a hot rally at the net. Teague forced Gray in the last game, and annexed the set 6—l. Before 2 p.m., Sproule and Donohue put in an appearance and explained they had been delayed through a break-down. First Set to Waikato. In the doubles match between Kalms and Teague and Sims and I.aurenson, the Australians gained points on their service, Kalms using a deadly top-spin which proved disooncerting. The Waikato players stood up well to fierce cross-court volleying, and Laurenson made the most of the lob shots. Gaining from Kalms’ service I.aurenson and Sims drew' level at the sixth game. Excitement grew intense when Kalms lost the next game by smashing out. ICalms, playing net, covered everything scrupulously and caught up with the eighth game. Handicapped by early faults, Kalms was unable In even up with hard volleying and Waikato drew a couple of games ahead and took the set. (G —4). * Lively Exchanges.

In the second set some lively exchanges ensued, Laurenson’s interceptions at the net gaining several points.

The Australians’ powerful driving fully extended Laurenson and Sims, who, however, maintained the lead in the third game by combining well with volley shots. Waikato lost the lead when Kalms varied lobs with hard driving successfully.

At two all, Laurenson pressed an early advantage gained by his service and had Teague out of position, winning the fifth game. There wore some exciting rallies in the next game, high standard tennis of a spectacular type keeping the crowd on tenterehooks- With Hie games 4—2, Waikato in the lead, the Australians took no chances and watched every opening. They caught up on the seventh game through Sims’ faults of service and in the next drew’ level, Kalms’ terrific smashes to the sideline proving invulnerable- Australia led again, Sims being "beaten on the last point by a beautiful corner placement. Hard driving won the lasl game and the set for the Australians, 6—i. Local Men Tire.

The next set saw Teague gaining by taking* impossible shots with ease. Waikalo were ITc-quenl !y forced lo the n<’l bill Sims was found capable in Hie close work, a scries of difficult volleys causing ilie crowd lo cheer. Australia secured the first two games by clever court, crnfl but

their task was not easy. Sims’ left hand cross-court drives al net often found the opposition wanting. Kalms was caught napping by Laurenson Iwice in Hie third game, but the Waikato men were firing, their placements getting less accurate- Follow•iitr a fast rally in which Teague defended well from the base line, Sims bent the Australian with a beautiful chop across the net. Lauren--oii, and Sims, on their opponents’ errors combined with brisker ’P lay. and secured the fifth game. At deuce in the sixth game Kalms gained the advantage and game by forcing Sims past the base-line. At love 40 in the last game Waikato drew to deuce on the Australians’ faults and won the game by hard driving. Waikato had the next game when Kalms was obliged lo lake a high kb which Laurenson killed. The set went to (he Australians with the next game on Sims’ service, Laurenson overdriving. (6—3). The’ match resulted: Kalms and Teague heat Sims and Laurenson, i—6, 6—4, G —3. In another doubles match C. Sproule and C- J. Donohoe (Australia) beat Dr. Gray and G. Brough (Waikalo) 6—l, G—3.

A CIVIC RECEPTION. AUSTRALIA’S PROWESS IN SPORT The visitors were accorded the civic reception by the Mayor, Mr. J. R. Fow, at the courts, shortly before play commenced this afternoon, The sun was very hot and the courts open, and His Worship made his remarks brief. His Worship said he was present to welcome the distinguished visito. from Australia. There had been a persistent rumour for years that the Australians could play cricket, and it was suggested they were now gaining some prowess as tennis players. (Laughter.) Hamilton, he said, had provided a fine day and the crowd that had assembled wanted not merely to see how well the Auctralians could play, but how far they would extend the local players. Mr. Fow added humorously that tennis was a game he knew very little about, but he would he pleased to applaud if somebody would tell him when anything particularly meritorious took place. (Laughter.) It was possible, after witnessing that afternoon’s exhibition that he might become as keen an enthusiast as anyone present. He knew the assemblage was anxious lo see the players in action and that any lengthy remarks from him would not be welcome. He would, therefore, conclude by extending the visitors a hearty welcome and hoping they would spend an enjoyable lime in Hamilton.