Middle-distance double within Stark’s grasp

Press, 18 February 1983, Page 19

Middle-distance double within Stark’s grasp

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ROD DEW

The splendid win by Andrew Stark (Christchurch; in the Canterbury 1500 m championship last Saturday was worthy of loud applause. Not only was it thoroughly earned with a bold tactical run. but it was also a triumph over a persistent injury which might have ended the career of an athlete of lesser determination.

A troublesome groin injury kept Stark out of the limelight for two seasons when he should have been at his physical peak. His previous win in the 1500 m championship was three years ago and he has been able to accomplish very little else of substance since — until now. On Sunday, he will, attempt to complete the classic 1500-800 m middle-dis-tance double. His experiences over recent seasons have made him wary of making predictions but it is obvious that it will take a run of unusual quality to beat him in the two-lap final.

"I think it will be a close race." Stark said. "And it will be the runner who uses the best tactics who will win."

On this score. Stark is at least the equal of any others he might meet. His tactical approach in the 1500 m was flawless, leaving some experienced runners behind him wondering just where they went wrong. The 800 m is now a secondary event for him and his sights are fixed firmly on the national 1500 m championship in Hamilton next month.

However, unless his basic speed has deserted him in the last two years, he should be capable of running under Imin 50s on Sundav.

The post entries now being accepted for the championships cast considerable doubt over the composition of the fields and make predictions difficult. However, it seems very likely that the 800 m field will be strong. Mike Molloy (University), who used the 400 m last week-end to help him with his speed, will be a big threat to Stark's hopes of claiming the double. Clay Penrose. (New Brighton). who has run the distance in Imin 50s in recent weeks, is another with strong claims. And then there is the New Zealand junior 1500 m champion Colin McDonald (Technical) who finished second to Stark in the 1500 m final. He has' plenty of speed and determination and will be out to atone for the tactical mistake he appeared to make in the longer race. Michael Gilchrist (Technical). if he chooses to run. is another capable of a fast time, even though he has only just returned to racing after a long period nursing injuries.

Wayne Paul (Papanui Redwood). who has the fastest 800 m time in Canterbury to his credit, must be a good title chance if he starts. His main target will be the 400 m hurdles championship, an

event in which he is topranked in New Zealand, but he could easily double up. There are two hours between the two finals on Sunday. The women's'Boom championship was won last year by Rebecca Allison (Technical). aged 18. and it seems likely that she will repeat this performance on Sunday. Her win over Sue Bruce (New Brighton) in the 1500 m final last Sunday was an excellent one. She is clearly close to top form. There will be strong interest in the outcome of the women's 5000 m final, won last year by the New Zealand cross-country representative. Mary O'Connor (University). Miss O'Connor, winner of the recent national crosscountry trial, must start as the favourite, but she will expect strong competition from Miss Bruce, who was second-equal in the crosscountry trial. Miss Bruce, one of New Zealand's finest young prospects, has the greater basic speed. Miss O'Connor, a sound tactician, will be out to set a fast pace in the hope of taking advantage of her greater strength.

The men's 5000 m championship should go to the defending champion. Tom Birnie (New Brighton), who is building up well for the defence of his national crown in Hamilton. His main rival might well prove to be the Commonwealth Games steeplechase representative.

Peter Renner (New Brighton) who is also a very capable performer over this distance.

Some of the keenest competition in the field events can be expected in the senior high jump. Roger Te Puni (Toe H), who has alreadycleared 2.14 m this summer, will be aiming for his first Canterbury title since moving south from Wellington.

However, he cannot take the title for granted. TerryLomax (Old Boys) the national record-holder, seems to be over his injuryproblems and hopefully will be a starter. He is certainly capable of matching Te Puni and there are also others with solid performances behind them this season.

Grant Landery (Old Boys). Andrew Wells (Toe H) and Bill Boyd (Papanui Redwood) are all capable of soaring above 2.05 m and snatching the title if Lomax and Te Puni, the two Commonwealth Games jumpers, are not at their best.

Jan Bishop (Technical), for so long in the shadow of her illustious team-mate. Vai Young, looks set to win her third title in the shot on Sunday. Miss Bishop won both the javelin and the discus in fine style last weekend and recent form suggests that she will prove too strong for Mrs Young. Nevertheless, nothing can be taken for granted. Mrs Young has the ability to rise to the occasion and her vast experience and technical skill make her a formidable opponent, even when her training is limited.