Two long-standing east Auckland tennis clubs are set to compete for a historic trophy.
The Howick and Pakuranga Tennis Clubs have each celebrated their respective 100th anniversaries. The former in 2002 and the latter in 2022.
Now another 100-year occasion is due to be celebrated by both clubs on Saturday, August 2, at the Howick Tennis Club.
It’s the Hughes Cup, which is a sporting competition dating back a century.
The event has an interesting history, reflecting the early struggles of both clubs through hard times following World War II, the Great Depression and a polio epidemic.
And it’s one of the oldest competitions in New Zealand tennis.
The Hughes Cup was presented in 1925 by local baker and Pakuranga Tennis Club members Bill and Lucy Hughes.
Competition was held annually until the Cup was lost, but then found again in 2000 by Lovest Reynolds.
Lucy Hughes, who at the time was known as the ‘Queen of Howick’, was also commemorated for her war efforts, and when Sir William Stevenson presented a new ambulance to the Howick District it was christened the ‘Lucy Hughes Ambulance’.
Lovest Reynolds, Jim and Dulcie Dickson, and Charles Roberts, who were all members from that era, re-united again at an occasion at the Pakuranga Tennis Club in 1999.
Hotly contested ever since, both clubs are keen to highlight the 100 years since the Hughes Cup was inaugurated, and plans are under way to mount an appropriate celebration.
It’ll include a display of old racquets, this year’s competition as well as a demonstration tennis match involving top junior and senior players from each club, followed by a late afternoon presentation of the Hughes Cup and a reception.
“We would love to welcome all members past and present to join us and celebrate this milestone event,” Howick Tennis Club representative Peter Lehrke says.
“If anyone has photographs taken over the competition’s time, to donate or simply to view, these would also be most welcome and be well cared for.”
For more information, email Paul Tibbutt at paultibbutt@gmail.com.
