WITH THE HARRIERS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 284, 27 August 1930, Page 17

WITH THE HARRIERS

Big Cross-country Test FINDING THE CHAMPIONS

By

“WHIPPER-IN.”

The stage is now set for the New Zealand cross-country championships which will be held this Saturday, at the Hutt Park.

Many supporters of the sport from Auckland to Dunedin are expected to be present, and all the Dominion’s best runners will be seen in action.

The bright star of the firmament (J. W. Savidan) will be missing, but the individual event, nevertheless, should be a stirring one. The standard has undoubtedly risen in New Zealand, the Christchurch Centre being notable in this respect. Teams’ Prospects.

There is a good deal of speculation as to the issue of the teams’ event. Ou paper, Wellington, Otago, and perhaps Canterbury seem to have an equal chance. Wellington is at its strongest, Otago has a formidable team, but. I am inclined to think that Canterbury will miss the mark.

The Wellington team, as does that of Otago, possesses plenty of “old blood,” and it is pleasing to see that the Wellington selector (Mr. A. A. Nattrass) has included two young runners, who are almost certain to justify their inclusions. The task of selection was difficult, but if a dependable team is to be found, Mr. Nattrass will find it. The Otago team, which possesses such redoubtables as J. G. Barnes, “Johnny” Topp and J. J. Morris, will take some beating. J. Lovelock (University) for some unknown reason, has been excluded. Although the Wanganui-Taranaki team is a comparatively young one, they should team well. The following is a record of the individual and teams events of the New Zealand championships since their inauguration in 1903: — Individual. 1903—J. Mathias (Canterbury). 1909— -W. F, Simpson (Canterbury). 1910 — S. McKnight (Otago). 1911— G. L. Hill (Auckland). 1912— J. Beatson (Otago). 1913 — J. Beatson (Otago). 1920— C. W. Frye (Otago). 1921— 11. E. Moore (Wellington). 1922— D. Todd (Wellington). 1923— J. H. Nalder (Canterbury), 1921—J, Tapp (Otago). 1925—E. L. Brown (Otago). 1920—G. Kells (Auckland). 1927— J. W. Savidan (Auckland). 1928— J. W. Savidan (Auckland). 1929— J. W. Savidan (Auckland),

Teams Race. 1903—Canterbury (at 1909— Otago (at Timaru). 1910 — Otago (at Invercargill). 1911— Otago (at Auckland). 1912— Otago (at Wellington). 1913— Otago (at Dunedin). 1920 — Wellington (at Christchurch). 1921 — Wellington (at Wellington). 1922— Wellington (at Dunedin). 1923— Wellington (at Christchurch). 1924 — Otago (at Wellington). 192" —Otago (at Dunedin). 192G —Auckland (at Auckland). 1927—Otago (at Christchurch). 1925— Wellington (at Wanganui). 1929 —Wellington (at Dunedin). ‘ Individual Champion? As in all big races there is much speculation as to the winner of the individual title. - , ’ Otago certainly has strong claims in J. G. Barnes and J. J. Morris. A. L. Stevens, the Wellington champion. is better than ever, and not once this season has he been forced along. Can Stevens win the title nnd bring it back to Wellington after a lapse of seven years? This is yet to be answered. R. A. Rose, who invariably gives a sterling display, may again reproduce his international form and conquer the field. Who knows? C. Barrer, of Christchurch, is not to be ignored, although I do not think he can win. Then, ngain, there is the quiet, unpretentious A. Barclay, who occupied third position last year. Barclay remains almost concealed throughout most races, and yet he creeps up unostentatiously at the finish. “Johnny” Tapp, of Dunedin, must also be considered. Surprises may or may not happen, but there is one tiling the spectators can be assured of, a close race.