CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 79, 3 April 1928, Page 16

CYCLING.

THE CASH RIDERS. BOTES ON SATURDAY'S SPORTS.

I A SUCCESSFUL FIXTURE. Saturday's professional meeting helc on the Domain was a distinct success the racing in the cycling and running events being most interesting. The draw of the afternoon was undoubtedly Phil O'Shea, the Dominion's premier rider Starting in all the events during the afternoon, he gave a most interesting display, but found the handicaps toe se\ere in the half and one-mile events, In the longer races, the two and three miles, he gave splendid exhibitions ol riding, winning both, and finally after winning the three mile, he, along with S. Hayes, was carried off the ground bv the cheering crowd. The runners were well catered for on Saturday, with three events; a I2ovds Auckland gift, and a 220vds and 440 yds handicap. H. Hudson (9yds) was the popular selection, and he never looked like being beaten, winning decisively from R. McNamara (BJyds), and J. Batty (10yds) in the good time of 11 2-ss. In the 220 yds the limit man, Crook (28vds) went his best race this season, and won The 440 yds was spoilt by the runners bunching on the home turn, causing the back-markers*to get out of their stride in attempting to get through. The winner, R. McXamara, ran a great race finishing very strongly. J. C. Portei (48yds) and G. Allen (oOvds) filled second and third places. The old veteran J. McKean (75yds) was not fast enough and was passed before half-way had beer covered, while the scratch man, F. B Toms, cried enough when three hundred yards had been covered. R. McXamara with a first and second (8 points) to his credit, wins W. Morton's points prize cup. Te Aroha Athletic and Cycling Club's sports on Easter Monday has attracted a fine entry of cyclists. Included in the list are Phil. O'Shea and Jack Hender son, the two Southern cracks, who, aftei their fine riding on Saturday, are sure to be in the money in the longer races The track has been qfecially treated, and although the shape is rather awkward the surface is good. There are no less than four cycle events on the programme carrying with them £67 ir prize money, besides a £5 5/ silver cuj donated by Mr. X. Quirk as a points prize. Phil. O'Shea and Slater Hayes put uj the best performance of the afternoor in the two-mile Auckland wheel race Getting together early, they gave one oi the finest exhibitions of pacing seen or the Domain. Hayes particularly putting in some very fast laps, at times having the redoubtable Phil. O'Shea fully extended hanging on. When the bel rang W. Francis led, with K. Rae, X Healy, Jim Henderson, P. O'Shea, and S. Hayes all in a bunch. The lattei went to get through on the inside of the field, but got blocked, thus letting P O'Shea, who went round on the outside get a lead on the field of three lengths coming round the home turn, and although Hayes gained on him slightly the veteran held his own to the finish The time, 4m 56 2-ss, is exceptionally good for the track. Both riders received a great reception from the large crowd The points prize won by P. O'Shea or Saturday and presented by Mr. P. Faithful now belongs to the Auckland Athletic and Cycling Club, having been donated by the veteran wheelman to the club as a trophy for a future race to be decided on by the committee. This was considered a very fine action on O'Shca's part by the club, and the genial Phil was warmly thanked for his fine trophy. Jack Henderson and Jim Harcourt were the two unlucky visitors. The former was expected to extend O'Shea in all the races, but fell in the first race he competed in, spraining his wrist. He kept faith with the public, however, by riding in all his engagements, though suffering great pain. J. Harcourt (Hamilton) was expected to do great things by those competent to judge, but the first time round he fell, breaking his collarbone, and had to be taken to the hospital to have it dressed. He raced no more during the day, but looked on at the races. H. Pelham also fell, but received only minor scratches. A pleasing feature of the meeting was the friendliness of the amateur riders. They were on the ground not only enjoying themselves, but helping to push off the cash men. M. P. Byrnes, Auckland's crack amateur sprinter, and J. H. Wade, Zealand champion amateur roadman, were amongst those present, the former doing the honours for P. O'Shea, the New Zealand champion. C. G. Galbraith, another crack amateur, was also present, and gave much assistance. The new motor speedway at Mangere was visited by the visiting cyclists on Sunday as the guests of Mr. G. Henning, the president of the club. All were greatly impressed with the possibilities of the ground, P. O'Shea particularly so. The old-timers' race for some reason was minus several well-known local riders. Supposed to be a pre-war event the starter let the field away before the riders could be checked, with the result that the winner's stains is being queried. With the exception of this, the meeting passed off 0.K., the events being got off well up to time and no complaints of any seriousness were before the committee. Starter W. J. Davidson must be congratulated on the way he handled the meeting. He finished a programme of 26 events by five o'clock after a slight hold-up at the start; also his efforts with the gun must be given every praise. In almost every case the field rose as one man. Pat Reardon, of Taumarunui, was the oldest rider on the ground, and came up specially to help the club along. He was unplaced in the different events he competed in, but rode well. He and J. Dean, who were on the same mark—the limit— »re two riders that do much to help the pport along. They always can be lepended on to go their hardest from :he crack of the gun.