ATHLETICS IN MIDDLE EAST

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23948, 15 May 1943, Page 2

ATHLETICS IN MIDDLE EAST

SOUTH AFRICANS WIN IN CLOSE FINISH (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) CAIRO, May 12. One hundred and five athletes, the pick of British, South African, and New Zealand track and field men serving in the Middle East, paraded for 19 events at the Farouk Stadium. So keen was the competition that the result of the triangular contest for the Chrystall Cup was decided on the final event, the high jump, in which South Africa secured first and second to record a total of 132J points. New Zealand gained 128 points and Great Britain 117J points. New Zealand and South Africa each secured eight wins and Great Britain three. The New Zealand ensign fluttered from the flagpole from the start, with Lieutenant Finlayson winning the 110-me;re hurdles. Private Dickie had an all the way win in the 1500 metres, and followed this up with third place in the 800 metres, in which the New Zealander. Lieutenant Johnston, was second. " It was Dickie's outstanding 300 meye effort that paved the way for New Zealand's 50 yards win in the medley relay. Trooper McHugh and Major Phillips were no match for th(? South African Rugby "flyer." Lieutenant Stockftill, in sprints, filling places in the 100 metres, with Private Elkis second in the 200 metres. The New Zealander. Padre Gourdie. outclassed others in the Marathon, winning the 5000 metres by 100 yards. Lieutenant Opic added to his long list cf polevault successes. The most exciting event was the .tug-of-war and New Zealand beat Great Britain in the first two pulls, but found the burly South Aft Scans hard to shift, losing the first pull. The Now Zealanders, however. won the next two pulls, gaining the victory. The veterans' "soring" was won by Warrant Officer Stuart.