TAKAPUNA CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 144, 20 June 1934, Page 15

TAKAPUNA CLUB.

In response to nn invitation, the Beach Haven cyclists competed with tho Takapuna Club here last Saturday. Despite the fact that the former train and race ov.3r a fairly arduous course, they found the lake circuit rather tougher than expected, Being very flat, (lie riders never get a spell, but have to pedal solidly from start to finish. Resnlts in the events were as follows:— Juniors (2 laps, 7J miles). —L. Deuning (2.0), 21.10, 1 and fastest time; It. Bassett (3.0), 22.11, 2; J. Gemmell (5.0), 25.0, 3. Seniors (7 laps. 2G miles). —G. Williams (scr), 70.9, 1 and fastest time; R. Jones (2.0), 72.9 1-5, 2; S. Laurence (2.30), 72.38 2-5, 3. B. Sharp (scr), of Beach Haven, finished fourth in 70.9 4-5. In the juniors, L. Denning, who already has a lot of commendable work to his credit, proved too strong for the other riders, and had no difficulty in forcing li.is way through tho field, and going out to the front on his own, holding his position until safely over the line. R. Bassett, also pedalled easily, and has an effective style which should stand him in good stead with slightly more riding experience. J. Gemmell is a compactly built youngster, whose height belies his strength. A new recruit, Johnny has all the earmarks of a likely pedal-pusher and will be heard more of later on. In the senior division, G. Williams in his outstandingly tine performance broke the seven-lap record, set by B. Sharp here last year, by 0.6, and celebrated his return to Takapuna Club in a very fitting and spectacular manner. Gordon is a very welcome co-marker once more for V. Blonifield and A. Lydford, and keen contesting for time will now he the order. R. Jones, the junior scratch man, always makes a great impression on spectators, The big youngster literally pounds down the straight l and is hard to beat in a sprint. Owing to his ever-increasing ability, Ross is regarded by his club as the coming junior champion. S. Laurence is certainly out of luck. For the second time this pedaller, who is at the peak of form, has just missed getting there. Wonderfully fit, and riding keenly it won't be long now before he leads the field home. B. Sharp and C. French were the most impressive amongst the visitors. The former, giving his characteristic good performance, was defeated in the finish of the sprint, while the latter does some very solid work, and should make himself known at the game. «

A. Lydfortl anil n. Oliver wore other men who gave meritorious performances, and were well up in the sprint, as were N, Evans, A. Grant, Leo Coleman and G. Towart. A. Chaplin, off the limit, did his usual solid work, and after holding his lead all the way in company with A. Elia, was overhauled in the last lap. V. Blomfield, off scratch, rode his race on his own owing to chain trouble, and although sticking out the seven laps was never able to overhaul his co-markers. Next Saturday, the event scheduled will be the sealed handicap and time trial, held over the east coast roads, the distance being 20 miles.