SKATERS’ FINAL TRIAL

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31670, 4 May 1968, Page 15

SKATERS’ FINAL TRIAL

Canterbury’s three lead- . Ing speed roller skaters—G. Glover, R. Seddon and Miss R. Alexander—will have a final opportunity to force .their inclusion in the New Zealand team for the world championships in Italy in September, when the final trials are held at Nelson on May 11 and 12.

The selectors (Messrs R. Young, convener, I. R. Hughes and F. Britt) require 10 skaters to attend, but others will be permitted to compete and possibly win selection. The team will be announced in Hastings by Mr Young on May 19, and is

likely to comprise six or seven skaters.

The Trafalgar Park track in Nelson is similar to the type to be used at the world championships. New Zealanders generally race on small tracks, but in Europe they are longer and are banked.

The times achieved by the skaters will probably govern the number sent. If a skater has not done sufficient stamina fitness training—this will be fully exposed on the tough Nelson track—then the size of team might be reduced considerably The skaters for the trials I have been divided into two : category's. The first list of | Glover, Seddon, D. Hayes and

V. Hanaray (Hastings) and Misses Alexander, M. MacDonald and J. Williamson (Nelson) might be the final team. But the skaters in the second category—Misses C. Smith ann V. Treloar (Canterbury) and J. MacDonald (Masterton) —will be pressing their claims. Glover and the three women in the top category have all represented New Zealand previously. Hayes and Hanaray came into calculations when they finished .first and second respectively at the second trial at the Riccarton Mall at Easter. Both are only 15 but displayed speed and drive of a high quality. .