HARRIER RACES

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31677, 13 May 1968, Page 7

HARRIER RACES

Although the strong Greymouth club is not competing, record entries are expected for the crosscountry races at the South Brighton Domain next Saturday. Olympic, which won the first inter-club event of the season—the Hagley Memorial Relay—is certain to field a strong team in the open section. But, because the teams are limited to four runners as against six in the Hagley event, the result is likely to be much closer.

Some of the leading clubs are able to field four runners of a reasonable standard, but when asked to produce six’ are often struggling. Christchurch, St Martins, Timaru, University and Methodist are all capable of putting in powerful challenges. The likely inclusion, of B. Dyer and A. Buckley, tn the Christchurch team, will give it added strength. Both were unable to run in the Hagley event.

The most improved team this season has been St Martins. With its recently acquired depth, the club is capable of upsetting Olympic should the conditions favour it. J. Power, who took fastest time in difficult conditions in the Hagley relay, will be the backbone of the Timaru challenge. He would appear to have ar excellent chance of again taking fastest time. Runners in the open section will each cover three miles over the slightly rolling course. Tbe senior colts and women will each run two miles and, the junior colts and women will run a mile.