Tennis at Tournament

Victoria came a good fourth in this year's tennis tournament. The general standard of play was too high indeed far our girls who, although playing well, lacked the finish and speed that marked the play of their opponents, especially the Canterbury girls. The high standard was well within the reach of our men whose tennis, at times, brilliant, was spoilt at other times through inconsistency.

Our girls. A. Wellwood. V. Henderson. J. Lee and R. Baird, were unable to win a match in the women's singles and doubles, but J. Lee reached the semi-finals of the combined doubles with T. Eichelbaum The men, on the other hand, reached the finals of the singles and doubles. All played well, but in several instances the luck of the draw was against them. A. Robinson and L. O'Neil drew the winners of the doubles in the first round, whilst Robinson and Miss Baird drew the winners of the combined doubles also in the firs! round. O'Neil started well in his singles, taking the first set from Montgomery of Auckland 6-0 but then lost the next two sets 6-4. 6-1

The two most exciting games in the tournament were played by Barry Boon The first was against Ellis, the 1953 champion, on the Saturday, morning, when Boon [unclear: won] 5-7. 6-4. 6-4. Ellis maintained a [unclear: terrific] pace throughout the game, but Boon's smashing and excellent passing shots down the line finally won him the match. The second was the final against Nicholson, who is Otago's No. I player. Nicholson won 6-3, 9-7. His great height, coupled with his enormous reach, made it very difficult for Boon to lob over him or pass him. However, Boon'? overhead and strong backhand won him numerous points and his vigorous court coverage enabled him to return what would normally be winners. Boon and Eichelbaum were beaten by Nicholson and Ellis in the doubles final 6-1, 6-2. In this match the Victoria pair had no answer for their opponents' extremely fast not attack.