Auckland's Absence Robbed N.Z. Harrier Titles Of Interest

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30529, 26 August 1964, Page 15

Auckland's Absence Robbed N.Z. Harrier Titles Of Interest

PERFORMANCES at the A recent New Zealand cross-country running championships at Ashley, near Rangiora, will probably have little bearing on the team finally chosen to represent New Zealand at the international championships at Belgium in March.

The championships had been announced as one of two trials, oh which the national selectors (Messrs A. L. Stevens and L. Bradshaw) would base their selections for the national team.

The value of the championships as a selection trial was largely nullified by the Auckland Olympic representatives taking advantage of the blanket dispensation given them to go forward to the final trial in December without contesting the championships. J. L. Julian was the only one of the eight Auckland Olympic representatives, who indicated he wished to compete and subsequently he had to scratch because of injury.

Although the Aucklanders were granted this dispensation to concentrate on their Olympic preparation, some critics have queried just how much bearing this had on their decision not to contest the harrier championship.

Two of those granted this dispensation have not been prominent in cross-country events as distinct from harrier races conducted on road. As one of the national selectors has already stated, the Aucklanders have in effect been given the right to send a second team to the “nationals" with the prospect of doubling that province's representation in the final trial.

The Aucklanders’ decision was in sharp contrast to the attitude of the Waikato Olympic 1500 metres representative, J. L. Davies, who took fourth place at the national harrier championship. Several experienced officials commented very favourably on the appearance of Davies, who competed to boost the chances of the

Waikato centre in the teams* event and because the way to gain selection for a “cross-country team is to run cross-country events."

The suggestion has been made that the Aucklanders’ decision was reached as a result of the inspection of the course shortly before the championship by Mr A. L. Lydiard, who acts as athletics adviser to several of the Auckland Olympic representatives.

Whatever the reason, there is a possibility that the final trial in December will now become little more than a glorified seven miles and a half track race. Although no formal decision has been reached yet, Palmerston North has been mentioned as the possible venue for the trial. No matter what the location, the conditions should be hard and fast at that stage of the year—a far cty from those likely to be encountered in Belgium, three months later, towards the end of the European winter.

The selectors are expected to hand a list of final trialists to the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association by August 31 for ratification early in September.

Because the Aucklanders have been given the right to go in to the final trial without contesting thO championships and others may have been done an injustice by having to be judged solely on the championships, it is possible that the December trial may not be restricted to those named by the selectors.

This aspect has already been given some thought by one of the selectors and it is to be hoped his attitude will have official approval. Such. a step would present no complications for the final trial as unlike a track race, the additional numbers would be no embarrassment A limiting factor would still apply, as those taking part in the trial will have to pay their own way, unless clubs or centres wish to help their members.