Rose To Lead N.Z. Harriers In Wales

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31234, 5 December 1966, Page 3

Rose To Lead N.Z. Harriers In Wales

(New Zealand Press Association* WELLINGTON. The New Plymouth harrier, B. Rose, will lead the New Zealand team to compete in the international championships to be run at Barry, Wales, next March.

Rose won the trial event, held to select the team, at Cannon’s Creek, Porirua, on Saturday. He covered the seven and a half-mile course in 41min 44sec. The team also includes G. R. Wheeler (Wellington), second in the trial in 44min 19 sec; J. L. Julian (Auckland) third in 44min 23sec; N Wyatt (Waikato) fourth in 44min 34sec; M. Ryan (Waikato) who won a recent marathon race in Japan; R. Maddaford (Auckland), sixth in the trial in 44inin 45sec; B. J. Everitt (Wellington) tenth in 45min 43sec; and R. P. Welsh (Otago). Maddaford. aged 20. the New Zealand champion, is in his first year of senior running and shows outstanding promise. He is coached by P G. Snell. Welsh did not compete yesterday. but gained selection on the basis of his win in the Commonwealth Games 3000 metres steeplechase. L. Walker (Auckland) could be considered unlucky. He won the Auckland title from Maddaford. came third in the nationals and ran gallantly for seventh yesterday. He has probably been edged out by Everitt, who however, has been handicapped by an eye injury and missed much vital training last month. His experience at the last world championships and his second place at the nationals must have counter-balanced Walker’s claims.

A feature of the trial was its exciting finish. With a lap to go, Rose snatched the lead from Wheeler, who appeared distressed. Julian was not far behind.

Rose increased the pace. Julian caught Wheeler and passed him with a mile to run, but Wheeler determinedly stayed close and swept past Julian with a surprising burst. Rose, aged 23, said his win was the best of his career. “After my poor showing in the nationals (he came ninth) I knew 1 would have to run really well,” he said. “After I took the lead 1 felt great and I felt good for the rest of the race, but before that I felt terrible. “I have been doing special training for this race and it seemed to pay off.”