AUCKLAND AMATEURS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 228, 26 September 1934, Page 15

AUCKLAND AMATEURS.

FIXTURES. September 30.—20-Mile Senior Handicap , oJ-Jlilu Junior Handicap. October 0. —100-Mile Provincial Championship. With only three road races left on the programme, the 1934 season is rapidly drawing to a close. The last time trial of the year was very evenly contested, and the winners of fastest times had some very close competition. As expected, Patrick was the best ipan, although only lis faster than Gamble. In fact, four men came within 19s of Patrick's time. Patrick is riding at the top of his form at present, having secured fastest time in his last four starts, as well as winning a 7-mile race. On present form he stands a good chance of retaining the 100-mile championship. The next best men, Gamble, King and Webster, all lode well to come so close, and any one of them would bo a worthy champion in a smaller club .than the A.A.A and C.C.

A mucli-improved rider, Jack Speight scored a popular win in the handicap section. Jack is finding the benefit of a little extra training, and at present is fitter than he has ever been. On handicapped times Johnnie Garrod was just 27a behind Speight. This rider has yet to take the major placing, although he has been very close on some few occasions. Fred O'Gorman, riding in his second race as a senior, claimed third place. This lad, although small, i 6 good, and provided that he does not try to do too much, should be a good rider next season. Sid Windsor rode hard for fourth place, and on present form should not be far out of a place next week. The juniors have proved themselves this season to be an indispensable part of the club, and they set an example to many others by setting the sport above the prize. The way those lads race each week for very small trophies is a tribute to their keenness.

Bob Cullen rode a well-judged race to finish ahead of C. Vague, who won last week. Cullen is a very popular rider, while Vague has shown that he has the makings ■of a tough rider. Keith Clark, off los, was lucky when Ernie Tucker punctured, thereby taking fastest time as well as third place. G. Ralph has had a third and a fourth place in two starts, and next week should just about get home first, for the race is one of the shortest. Both Tucker and Steere were unlucky in puncturing. The annual meeting of the club will be hold at the Domain next week-end, when the track officials will be elected.