N.S.W. Athletics.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 307, 28 December 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

N.S.W. Athletics.

Metcalfe Sets a New Figure

For the Hop-Step,

Jack Metcalfe conqueror of the best hop, step and jump athletes of the British Empire, went one better in the Xew South Wales championships at the Sports Ground on December 14, when he set fresh world's record figures by leaping 51ft 9|Sin.

It was a magnificent leap that toppled all existing records, including the Japanese C. Nambu's brilliant 51ft Tin effort, set at the Los Angeles Olympiad in 1932.

The University star was in his most brilliant mood, but without the exceptionally keen opposition which Basil Dickenson offered, with his first leap of •")lft 2Jin, Metcalfe might not have accomplished so sparkling a feat.

Dickenson, indeed, must be accounted as distinctly unfortunate. To him fell the honour of breaking Metcalfe's national and State records, and he was only a bare eighth of an inch behind his great rival's Empire record.

Then Metcalfe took a turn, and with the crispest of efforts delighted a keenly appreciative crowd by surpassing Dickenson's splendid performance. This jump was 51ft 3Jin, but Metcalfe, relishing the contest and his evident jumping form, was not to be denied and he added almost six inches to an already enviable new national record. Unfortunately for the star, there are already two applications in for world recognition—from the Japanese pair, Shiva and Harada. The former has a wonderful leap of 52ft Gin to go before the International Federation, and Harada's is only five inches less. Still Metcalfe's feat will be sent on for consideration.

Even for a State championship meeting, the thrills were plentiful. The duel between Roddan and Sheaves for the three miles title was stimulating fare. Sheaves made all the pace, witli Roddan at his. heels.

In the last lap the pair had the title between them. First Sheaves spurted, then Roddan. Momentarily it seemed as though Sheaves might triumph, but the illusion was soon dispelled, for Roddan swept past his gallant adversary in an irresistible burst which he sustained right to the tape. The time was 14.48.1-,)*;

The quarter-mile hurdles final was another spirited affair. Magee (University) dashed to the front, with O'Brien and Stenner in hot pursuit. Four flights from home the 'Varsity Champion was still clear, but the outside track was recording its own tale. Here, O'Brien and Stenner drew level and the three stylists sped swiftly for the coveted State championship.

At the last flight there was practically nothing between them, first Magee and then O'Brien capitulating to a remarkably stout final rally by Stenner, the holder. That the pace was on is indicated by the "clocking" of 55 1-5 —just two seconds faster than last year's performance. The half-mile produced the unexpected. With Roddan out of the race, Aspinall and Goff shared favouritism. Yet on their display they did not merit it, for neither ran witli judgment nor speed. Watching each other was a blundering tactic, which gave Chappcl (University) his opportunity to outstrip them in'the last 200 yards.

Chappel's judgment was excellent, and the manner in which lie out-generalled the opposition, which was palpably stronger, was a fitting tribute to a wellplanned attack.

Cartwright, the holder, was extended both by E. J. Winter and L. Fletcher in the pole vault. The trio topped 12ft in almost faultless stvle, Cartwright doing best at 12.3 J.