Canterbury cross-country title

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32975, 22 July 1972, Page 42

Canterbury cross-country title

The clash between E. M. Gray (Greymouth) — intent on winning his sixth cross-country title — the rapidly improving P. Watson (Methodist), and the runner-up last year, J. Sheddan (Olympic), seems certain to produce fierce competition for major placings in the Canterbury championships at Lansdowne Valley this afternoon.

Gray, the favourite, is reported to be doing his regular 18-mile training runs on the West Coast as fast as last year when he' gained third placing in the world championships in Spain.

But Watson, who on form should beat the New Zealand international, Sheddan, for second place, is not likely to let Gray win by the margin of last year of about 150 yards. The race has attracted a record of 201 entries from 18 clubs—and the exceptional strength in depth of the field is such that at least 20 runners are capable of filling the next nine placings. Other contenders The main battle for supremacy (after Gray, Watson, and Sheddan), seems likely to be between K. O’Sullivan (University), third last year; M. Cauldwell (Presbyterian); H. Neeson (United), if he has recovered sufficiently from recent influenza; F. Brookes (Technical), if his leg injury does not let him down; and

A. Ellis (New Brighton), who is very fit and may have the advantage on his teem-mate, R. Sharpe, recently recovered from influenza. There is also strong support amongst experienced followers of the -sport for J. K. Macdonald (Olympic), aged 38, a former Canterbury champion and second man home for Canterbury in the Skellerup steeples, and his twin brother. J. D. Macdonald, whose mature strength may help them against younger runners over the hard 7|-mile slog. The latter will not be available for the national championships. The severe, undulating course might also favour the former English international, R. Robinson (University), and his team-mate, S. Macdonald, in preference to younger faster men such as B. Rollo

(New Brighton), and B. Crocker (Christchurch). Nor can the claims be overlooked of University’s R. Hight who is developing well after a promising junior career on the track. C. Hicks (Toe H) who is running very well at present and S. McLean (St Martins) and R. Yardley (Olympic) who came eleventh last year, must be considered also. as candidates among the first 12 placings although they may find themselves at a disadvantage if the going is heavy. Over 40s The race has attracted 22 entries among men over 40, the strongest of whom* are W. Hobbs (Olympic). J. Hamilton and J. Stuart (West Coast), R. Davies (Christchurch), W. J. Spencer (United), and C. Baxter (Methodist). _

The teams race promises to be an exciting tussle between last year’s first and second placegetters, University and Olympic, and a strong young New Brighton club team.

A. Gempton (Olympic) and T, Good (Presbyterian) should make a high' grade match race of the junior event with J. Argue and J. Havem (Olympic) and I. Milne (St Martins) close up for the minor placings.

' W, Sheddan and D. Gempton (Olympic) and A. Gavigan (United) should provide some exciting competition for the top placings in a record field of 73 entered in the under-17 colt race.

J. Beale (New Brighton) is favourite to win the senior women championship.