ATHLETICS High Standard For Men’s Track Races

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29766, 8 March 1962, Page 6

ATHLETICS High Standard For Men’s Track Races

(New Zealana Preu Association)

AUCKLAND. March 7.

Auckland's almost complete dominance in all senior track events from 440 yards on has resulted in only token entries from meet other, centres for the men's national

athletics championships at Eden Park on Friday and Saturday. The 20-kilometre road walk will be held late tomorrow afternoon. The overall class in most events must be the highest ever because only outstanding athletes from other centres have gained selection. In the 100 yards sprint, the brilliant young Wellingtonian R. Heeps, who has returned 9.7 sec this season, must be favourite.

Main Opposition His main opposition is likely to come from R. Naish (Wellington), C. Maguire (Otago), B. Wilson (Auckland), and A. Steel (Canterbury).

The title-holder, D Norris (Auckland), will face stiff competition in the 220 yards The field includes the national quarter-mile record holder. B. Robinson (Auckland), Naish. Maguire. B Seymour (West Coast North Island), and L. Jones (Canterbury). Robinson must be ranked first choice for the quartermile. Aucklanders J. Taylor and W. Weaver could fill the

placing®, while Jone* has unknown potential in this new event for him. Snell In Half Although the world recordholder. P. G>. Snell, dominates the half-mile, the reigning champion, G Philpott. N. Wyatt (Waikato), D. Beauchamp (Wellington), M. Earwalker (Southland) and R Hamilton (Auckland), could all record good times. Snell's decision not to run the mile has, if anything, enhanced the prospects of a top-class race. Only inches asperated title-holder. 3. Baillie (Auckland). J. Davies (Waikato) and D. Karl (Wellington) when they trailed Snell home at Western Springs last month. B Cooper (Otago) is the dark horse of the field. M. G. Halberg (Auckland) must be named the likely three-mile winner. Pyne Fancied

Minor placings could develop into a battle. But G Pyne (Canterbury), who ran a superb 14min ssec as a junior, may take this opportunity—his first in senior racing—to show what he can do.

The six miles looks certain for B. Magee (Auckland). Behind him Otago’s A. Potts. E. and J. Fenton may finish in that order.