Junior Wrestlers Show Promise

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31785, 16 September 1968, Page 17

Junior Wrestlers Show Promise

The success of the junior section of the South Island wrestling team at the Australasian championships in Sydney last week was the highlight of a highly successful trip, the team manager, Mr W. H. Straw, said at Christchurch Airport after the team arrived yesterday afternoon.

It was the first such tournament and teams from all the Australian States and two from New Zealand competed. Points awarded internationally gave New Zealand a 57-49 win over Australia.

It is hoped that the championships will be held every two years but because of the Commonwealth Games being held in 1970 it was decided that the next tournament would be held In Christchurch in September, 1969. The International competition experience for younger wrestlers would improve New Zealand’s standard, it was hoped that in a few years these youngsters would be able to hold their own in Olympic competition, Mi Straw said.

The juniors’ successes were so encouraging because most of the opponents they met in Australia had fought in senior bouts. This was brought about by differences in the age

limits—in Australia a wrestler ceases to be a junior when he turns 18, a year earlier than in New Zealand.

Fitness and determination were the deciding differences between wrestlers from the two countries, Mr Straw said. Asked about the championships next year, Mr Straw said that Christchurch had adequate facilities but that there would have to be at least three months extra work in preparation by the Canterbury association.

In the junior section where P. Ragg, K. McLoughlan and R. Williams, of Christchurch, were all unbeaten, the New Zealand team won 31-27; the seniors won 26-22.

Trials in Gulf.—The frigate H.M.N.Z.S. Blackpool is on trials in the Hauraki Gulf in preparation for another term on the Far East station, starting later this year. She will replace H.M.N.Z.S. Otago.— (PA.)