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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 2. March 16, 1938

Sport

page 4

Sport

Quist on Tennis

Of Norman E. Brookes, the greatest lawn tennis player Australia has produced, it was said that, when learning the game, he hit the back fence more than anything else. But gradually he gained control over his wild hitting, and with control came accuracy. Then followed appreciation of the art of placing, and in course of time there was developed the tennis technique and brain that were the envy of the tennis world.

But Adrian K. Quist. Captain of Australia's Davis Cap team maintains that the average club player should strive for accuracy first and then speed.

Interviewed by "Salient" immediately after playing exhibition games at Miramar with New Zealand's best players, quist was only too willing to answer questions. A powerfully-built, bronzed Australian, he more than atones for lack of inches by extraordinary agility and anticipation. He should have years of first-class tennis ahead of him, for he is only 24, and some authorities hold that a tennis player does not reach his best until he is 27 or 28.

Doubles Tactics.

In the doubles game, Quist practices what he preaches. Reputed to be the finest doubles player in the world, he advocates the attacking doubles formation.

"One man should always be up at the net, even when the opposition is serving," he asserted. One of the striking features of his play was the rapidity with which he himself reached the net after serving, although to the close observer it appeared that he came close to foot-faulting in his eagerness to follow in on this powerful weapon or his. And at the net the terrific power with which he punched his volleys and smashes was a revelation: seldom was there an effective reply.

The desired position at the net being attained, the player should stand at a distance from it commensurate with his height—a short man should stand further away than a tall man. The player receiving service should always stand well in on the service and endeavour to hit the ball on the rise, thus gaining time. In singles however, the receiver may stand further back, for the time element is less important than in doubles, where a weak return of service Is welcomed by the opposing net man.

"Should the ball be hit before it [unclear: ches] the top of its bound, at the top, of when it is falling?" the Davis Cup player was asked.

Quist's opinion was unequivocal.

"Before it, reaches the top of its bound, that is, on the rise." be replied. "Salient" called to mind the name of Fred Perry, most famous of the players of the rising ball.

Quist does not approve of the playing of sets as a means of practice. Club players should content themselves with, in the main, trying to perfect their strokes on the courts and not allow the element of competition for points to enter when they are practising.

Grips.

The South Australian uses the "Eastern" grip of the racquet. Incidentally, be took five racquets out to Miramar with him. A peculiarity of his back hand had interested "Salient" during the exhibition. Questioned. Quist said that it was merely for the sake of added steadiness that he kept his left hand in support on the racquet handle until just before the moment of impact. V. B. McGrath, of course, does not withdraw the left hand at all, but firmly grasps the racquet handle with it when executing his now welllknown doublehanded backhand.

Quist obligingly posed for a quick photo, the five racquets under his arm; then, a friendly handshake and his attractive smile, and he was wending his sturdy way to the dressing shed.

"Salient" wishes Quist and his companions good luck and good health in their quest for the Davis Cup. In the absence of an entry from New Zealand, we hope it may go to Australia, although it will be hard to make it budge.

Matchless Mona

Her Views on Swimming and Mr. Coira's Wart

Those who were fastidious enough to attend a recent swimming club weekly meeting were given a unique treat. The committee had arranged for Miss Mona Leydon, New Zealand's 440 and 220 yards woman champion to be present. Miss Leydon swam in a 220 scratch invitation race and a 100 yards backstroke race, winning both in face of stiff opposition from picked men from the University and Hut; Clubs. "Salient" interviewed Miss Ley don and her interim chaperon, Mr. P. Coira.

"I suppose you want to know my age and place of birth?" smiled Mr. Coira.

"And any birthmarks." suggested "Salient."

"Well." said Mr. Coira. "I do possess a most unusual birthmark. Look!" Mr. Coirs poked out his tongue.

"Salient" gazed goggle-eyed.

"Yes," said Mr. Coira: "wart on the tongue. There's only one other person in New Zealand's got that."

"What is your relation to Miss Leydon?" asked "Salient"

"Don't be lewd!" replied Mr. Coira. "As a matter of fact. I'm the North Island representative of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. Part of my job is to meet all these damn swimmers and look after them while they're in the village."

"Miss Leydon's success is due to consistent training and consistent endeavour. One of her legs is, as you know, paralysed, and after taking up swimming as a curative measure, she managed, despite this grave disability, to become New Zealand's premier lady swimmer."

Miss Leydon.

Miss Leydon, a charming and sincerely pleasant lass, was rather bashful when "Salient" interviewed her.

"Oh, I don't know anything about swimming," she said.

"Well, what do you know about Mr. Coira's wart?" asked "Salient."

"Oh, I thought when I saw it first this morning that it was something he'd had for breakfast!"

When "Salient had recovered from this, we asked. "What is the main characteristic of modern crawl swimming?"

"Bilateral breathing." answered Miss Leydon. "You breathe every third stroke, so that a breath is taken on the left and right sides alternately. This method increases stamina greatly."

"How do you tike these baths?"

"Fit for a king. You must have a terrible lot of fun at these club nights—there's such a nice crowd here. It's much better than Auckland."

"What was the most thrilling thing in your recent trip to the Empire Games?"

"Getting the Silver Fern on my blazer, I suppose it means as much as a 'Varsity Blue does to you. I say, who's that boy standing over by the board. Isn't he nice looking?"

"What is your method of training?"

"In training for the quarter mile, I swim 600 yards night and morning, the first 440 as fast as I can go, and the remaining distance at a more leisurely pace."

Take note, Salamanca swimmers!

Tramping Club

1937 with its tramping days and memories has come and gone.

During the past year the activities of the Tramping Club have been maintained to a high degree: successful fixtures have been held to all regions of the Tararuas and Orongorongas. Mere distant localities such as Tongariro National Park and the Arthur's Pass region have been visited by large and enthusiastic parties of supporters.

Trips Accomplished.

The Tararuas themselves have been a scene of noteworthy activity. Under perfect conditions the Club made its seventh consecutive winter crossing of the Southern Tararuas; a record which no other Wellington club has approached. Previous to Christmas a party of V.U.C.T.C. and T.T.C. trampers made the crrossing from Kaitoke to Walkanae, this being the first occasion on which a club party has crossed by this route. Since Christ mas the Club ushered in its New Year activities with a traverse of the Northern Tararuas from [unclear: Leving] to Masterton under good condition.

New Members.

Each year the ranks of the Club are seriously depleted by the transfer and graduation of older members.

This year it is the purpose of the Club Executive to enrol a strength of new members and freshers greater than ever in the past. It is the desire to encourage all those who are interested in tramping, mountaineering, and skiing, to take an active interest in this sport—this, interest can best he fulfilled by joining the V.U.C. Tramping Club without delay. Look for the Tramping Club column in every issue of "Salient." Don't forget—you are welcome on all trips—so make your weekend motto: "See you on the hills."

Rowing Club

This year there would appear to be on paper fair prospects in this event. Five of last year's crew are available, namely. Hansen, Broad, Bullock, Burge and Rose. These men are all keeping fairly fit with regatta racing and are resting for a few days to recuperate from valiant though unsuccessful efforts at the Wellington Regatta. Last year's emergency—Hull—is also keeping in trim, though he is spending more time in the air than on the water. There are a fine lot of husky newcomers also eager for a place in the eight: of these. Ellingham, Ryan, Mahood. Hermans, Saunders, Jack and Fitzgerald seem to be all in the running for a 3-mile jaunt on the Wha Estuary.

Rifle Club

Last Saturday, 5th, saw the commencement of Haslam Shield practices. This practice in itself did not amount to much, since much of the time was spent zeroing the sights of service rides loaned to the club by the Defence Department. Scores, particularly in snap and rapid firing. Indicated that members need some practice yet before reaching the standard required to retain the Shield. With still four practices to go before Tournament, the club is confident of being able to produce a team every bit as good as that which captured the Shield last year.

Cricket

Against Old Boys, the Seniors made 228. P. Wilson contributing a fine century. A typically patient innings by Wiren took much of the sting out of the bowling, and Harding and Harpur also batted well. If the latter would eliminate the propensity to recklessness in his batting, he would score more heavily.

Hutt with 170 for 5, are leading the Seconds, who were dismissed for 133. Whiting, a promising batsman, batted well for 41. He had good defence and is patient without being stodgy. Fitzgerald bit vigorously, if luckily, for 25. Parkin and McPhall, our slow bowlers, have taken two wickets each.

Bray's 7 for 38 for the Junior B team was an excellent performance; and for the Thirds good bowling was done by Murphy, although his team suffered defeat.

The respectable people only insist so much on their honesty because they have nothing else in their favour; it is like the chastity or the plain woman—making a virtue of necessity.—Ethel Mannin.