TENNIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2432, 22 February 1909, Page 3

TENNIS.

GISBORNE CLUB’S CHAMPIONSHIP. WON BY MAIIGOLIOUTH. Beautiful weather prevailed on Saturday afternoon for the final in the Hawley Championship Cup between C. L. Margoliouth (present holder) and W. T. Coleman. The lawn Avas in lair order, and there was a medium attendance of club members, of whom a number were ladies. In view of the splendid showing Coleman had made when he defeated Bartow in the semi-finals, a fortnight ago, there were not wanting some who were anticipating the defeat of the champion. Their expectations were, however, not fulfilled, and Margoliouth ran out a winner after four sets had been played. His play all round was very fine, and his claim to the title of champion, could not lie disputed. His driving down, the side lines was swift and crisp, his returns well timed, liis placing precise and accurate, his volleying sure and his smashing deadly. His services were not particularly difficult as a whole, but they were accurate, and occasionally he got in one that beat his opponent all the way. His general form was high-class and his work at the net was particularly good. The loser played a plucky, up-hill game, but lie was plainly outclassed, and it was only on rare occasions he looked like winning. His driving was excellent bill liis back-liaud strokes wore on the weak side, and his smashes often found the net. His services were not strong, but were accurate, and lie served only two double-faults during the hour and forty minutes occupied in playing the four sets. Margoliouth, it may be added, only served one double fault. Coleman commenced the first- set particularly well, and won the first two .games in excellent fashion. Margoliouth then asserted himself and by cool generalship and sound play he won six games running, taking the set 6—2. In the second set, Coleman fell away sadly, and only won one game (the fifth), the'winner proving liis superiority at every point, being victorious by 6—l. This set was the least interesting of the four, and tiie play was not up to the standard of the others.

The third set was hotly contested and was won by Coleman after an arduous struggle. He won the first game after a long fight and Margoliouth took the next four. Coleman won the fifth, and the sixth fell to his opponent. This was a very hardfought game, deuce being called no less than five times. Coleman then won the next five games straight, and took the set 7 —5.

In the fourth, and final, set both men were evidently feeling the strain of their previous efforts, and the keenness of the struggle- was somewhat- relaxed during the first five games, but thereafter, the issue was fought out in a desperate manner. Margoliouth won tire first three games and Coleman the next two. The sixth fell to Margoliouth, the seventh to Coleman. The eighth and ninth were won by Margoliouth, who thus Avon the set by 6—3, and the championship for 1909, retaining, the Hawley Cup for the season. During the afternoon delicious tea w-as dispensed by Misses Day and Adams.