AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 139, 14 June 1934, Page 20

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

SUB-CENTRE'S RACE. A SUCCESSFUL OPENING. The pride of place in last week-end's programme of events must be given to the Harrier Sub-centre's three-mile interclub handicap, at Alexandra I'ark. The centre controlling cross-country matters is a very efficient and live little, body, and il« membeiw arc very willing and earnest workers. Practically nil the leading runners took part, with the notable exception of J. W. Savidan, who was racing at the Domain. The course was very heavy, and was a severe test to all, but must have been very gruelling to newcomers to the sport. Littler, of Papatoetoe, whose form lias been commented upon favourably in these eolimius of late, proved that he was worthy of the high regard of hi,s club mates. He ran splendidly, and got to the post in good condition, just ahead of Norman Cooper. The nice, of course, was a great credit to the handicapper, when one considers that the scratch and a near limit man, filled the first two places. Cooper was right on top, and mowed down the big field like an inspired man. Running freely and striding very well, it looks as if the people in Wellington made a huge mistake when they did not allow him to travel with the Empire (.lames team. If Cooper in available for the trip to Dunedin the province will field one of its beet teams for many, years. . Practically all the first ten places were filled with Reasoned or well-known runners. MacKenzio, the Papatootoe provincial star, was in third position, and Mac is a good bet for the team again. Harding, of Technical, was next to his comarker, and fulfill the promise shown last season. He has a fine long stride, and is stronger this year.. Crawford, the solid Presbyterian runner, upheld his club well in open company, to take fifth place, and will benefit by the, experience, as he possesses the ability. Jack Nicholson, of Technical, can always bo relied on to gain a good position, and off 455. he ran steadily to gain sixth place. His experience will be valuable when the main events are competed for. Billy Briggs, off the short mark of 30s, came up well to finish just behind Nicholson. He has been up to his old form this year; and it will be interesting to note how he farce during the provincial championships. Les Barker, who had 15a handicap off the Lynndale champion, wne next in order". Barker has always been one of the leading runners in Auckland, and is making a great effort this year to regain old representative honours. I'owlds, another Lynndale man, who runs well each Saturday, again was consistent. His showing was really good. The tenth man was the Technical man Parsons, who had his first open run in this country. Considering his lack of hard racing, his form was excellent. C. Francis led the Papatoetoe Club in a run. W. Bent, Herb Thompson and F. Brooks moved smoothly. Alf Martin, a new runner, shaped very well. It is unfortunate that S. Haddock has had to retire owing to a leg injury, as he was shaping well at the sport. The Rev. and Mrs. J. A. Thomson entertained the Presbyterian Club at St. Luke's Manse, Remuera. Boyd and Potter led the packs over a trying course. J. Main was first in the fast pack, which is excellent for a first-year man. Holden, .Kitchener, Taft and Elder are very fit. McPliers-on and Gladding showed up well in the other pack, and will make good intermediate men. During the Technical run from the Mount Albert Baptist Church, Mortimer shone out for his steady, fast running. His track experience has improved him, and ho is a valuable club man. L. R. MacDonrtld and E. Tyler are very steady performers. Setting a solid pace those men are very consistent in their platings, and enjoy the sport perhaps more than th n champions. Don Knifrht and Eric Laird are full of running, and will be in club teams this season again. Calliope is journeying to Hamilton on the 23rd, when it will defend the Patterson Cup from Hamilton's challenge. The Waikato Club will be hard to defeat, as they havesdiseovered several now men. .T. Gardner is a distinct asset, and will assist the Ready brothers to field a aoa<\ team. University ran 11 miles, which is nuito a marathon, and .Tock Graham and Harry MeElroy, the two pack leaders, must have boon in an energetic mood. It will do runners "f> harm now that they are fit. F,. C. Waller again won at the Domain in the discus, and gained a second in the shot. He is a steady placc-gctter.