AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 137, 12 June 1930, Page 15

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

AUCKLAND CLUB RACES. LAST SATURDAY'S EVENTS. At the Domain last Saturday the Auckland Amateur Athlelic and Cycle Club conducted another of its week-end meetings for the winter season. The track, which has been becoming heavier each week, was the worst it has been this season, and consequently offered a fine steeplechase course. The afternoon itself was very miserable; while the cold wind, as well as occasional showers, added greatly to the discomfort, of the competitors before the events. In spite of the bad weather conditions, large fields lined up in each of the events, which were carried out with the usual keenness.

It was surprising to see the 75 yards dash prove a triumph for the backmarkers, especially on the wet, sloppy turf, which usually slows the fast men up. The heats were won by McNeil and Willey respectively, their times differing

by one-fifth of a second. It is curious to note that first and second men in the final were placed second in their' heats. The six finalists all got a good start, especially Sontogen, the winner. With 15 yards to go, Sontogen appeared to have the race won with ease, but Roper came forward with one of his fast bursts of speed, and was only beaten by inches. Willey, who came' third, was about a vard away, with the other two close up.

The steeplechase, which was held over one mile and a half, was started at the hospital bend and run over two laps and a half of the inner Domain. The winner, B. Hall, was well treated by the handicapper. and had a great deal in reserve when he met Cooper in the final run up the straight. • Cooper ran an exceptionally fine race, and if he had used a little more judgment he might have proved the winner. Cooper seems to want to make up his fields in the first lap, and when it comes to the straight he has no extra pace, which has lost him races in the past. It would be much better if he slackened up in the early stages and put on extra pace in the middle distances. S. Thomas, who also gained a place, ran his usual sterling race, and again proved that he is the

most consistent steeplechase runner this year. He has never actually won a race, but has been placed second or third in each of his starts.

Although the club has had five meetings, many of the harriers are not yet in°training, and when one considers that the big event takes place on the last Saturday in August, it will be easily seen that it is high time the athletes thought of serious training.