SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 152, 24 December 1926, Page 20

SWIMMING

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SECOND CARNIVAL

A GREAT SUCCESS

COMMENTS ON' THK HAiCINGL

The second carnival staged by the local centre on Saturday afternoon last was a distinct succem in every way, and the results should be pleading to all concerned. Financially the centre will be on the right aide—a not too frequent occurrence. The debit of the first carnival has been -wiped off, and a small profit ig now shown. The excellence of the weather contributed largely to the pleasantness of the gathering, and the attendance of the public was such as to confirm the opinion that the interest in the sport is being revived. The general entries were very encouraging, and the form displayed by several of the competitors was good enough to suggest that keen competition at further carnivals can be expected. In commenting on the previous carnival the writer referred to a "drag" in the proceedings, but it is now pleasing to record that last Saturday's affair was admirably managed, and, if all future gatherings are conducted with the same smoothness, there can be no cause for complaint. Some spirited racing was seen during the afternoon, and many of the finishes were extremely close. So much so that in one or two cases the spectators differed from the judpes. However, the latter are the ones that know, but while not doubting their ability or integrity, the suggestion is offered that all ths judging should be done from the sides and not the top. The star event of the programme was the newly instituted SO yards centre championship, and, although it was all over in a few seconds, it was a great race,-*iK one that has come to stay. Speculation was rife prior to the event as to whom the ultimate winner would be, and it was only the close observers who favoured C. Claridge, and he scored meritoriously. The 220 yards interclub race was also the object of much interest, and here again it was pnly the observant ones who were prepared to see J. Rix-Trott win so brilliantly. Those who were inclined to doubt his ability-—they were numerous— got something to think over. The interclub racing throughout was of good class, and actually there waa not a dull moment throughout. The burlesque beauties staged a humorous interlude which caused much merriment, although a great deal of sympathy was felt for the "poor old man who was pushed in with all his clothes on.* Honours of the Afternoon. The honours' of the afternoon were with J. Rix-Trott, whose exceptionally fine swim in the 220 yardt from the scratch mark, places him in the front rank of the swimmers of to-day. Previous comment in these columns predicted that he wag a prospective champion, and his meteoric rise in the sport v not yet by any means finished. His racing experience is practically nil, and this counts when pitted against old handß at the game, but with his undoubted ability and courage a few more races will give him the necessary confidence for championship swimming. In the actual race he started off at a great pace, and, displaying great staying powers, he headed the others with three-parts of the journey covered. Once in front he did not over-exert himself, but even at that his winning margin was 12 yards, and the tune classy enough to win a national title. With plenty of practise at turning, this young swimmer will set the field-a merry dance at Auckland over the furlong, and whoever beats him will have to break the existing record to do it. On his form, he would have won the 50 yards championship if he had started in that event. Championship Sprint. There were eight starters in the 50 yards championship. M'Hardy got the best of the start, and Watson was last away. As they rose from the water and straightened up, Claridge immediately gained a slight lead, and at the half-way he still retained it, with all the others practically in a straight line. M'Hardy and Watson made desperate efforts to reach the leader, but to no avail, and Claridge touched first after an exciting race. There was not much in it between Watson and M'Hardy for second place, but the judges said the .former. 0. Claridge won on his merits, and swam a particularly good race. He finished very strongly, and was going as well as any of the others at the end. He cannot be in proper racing trim yet, but even so can always be depended upon to show pace over this distance. Did not he prove this at Chriatchurch two years ago in the scratch invitation race when he beat all the champions? H. Wiitson's appearance was closely watched, and he left no doubt as to his speed. He had only had three or four swims prior to the race, and this makes his effort a splendid one. An improvement from Mm can be looked for when he can get the necessary time to train. I. M'Hardy also swam a fine race, but appeared to move better in the relay race. A bit of a pipe-opener may have suited him better, and the same applies to J. Cameron, who appeared stiff in the water, and was not swimming with his usual dash. W. Cameron was a little disappointing, while Murrell found the journey too short to get in his finishing effort. Leask and Turner went well, and were not disgraced. The time recorded — 26min—will be bettered before the season is over. N. Batchelor, who started from scratch in the 220 yards race, swam a good race while his condition lasted, but had no chance with the winner. Another month of training will make him a hard man to beat when the centre championships come up for decision in January. The placegetters in the 220, C. Eversleigh and_ F. Ryan,, owe their positions to great finishing sprints. Both appear to be in good racing condition, and will shine in the longer distance events. Outside of Rix-Trott, the finish was very close. | Lady Competitors Increasing. It is gratifying to notice the increased number of lady competitors coming forward, and good fields started in the two events. The winner of the SO yards, Miss Davies, had a very easy win, and her time—36 2-ssec!—is good enough to place her near tho scratch mark in future events. She swims a nice easy style, and should again be prominent during the season. She is a member of the newly formed St. Appollonia Ladies' Swimming Club. Miss N. Brodie, winner of the 100 yards, finished more strongly than her opponents, and scored a good win from Miss Lambert^ who was also runner-up in the 50 yards. Miss A. Itnandt made her reappearance as a competitor, and, although unsuccessful, swam well, as also did Mrs. Scale, Misses Butcher and Cunningham. Miss M'Crea is a promising young swimmer with a nice style. The 100 yards ladies' championship in January should draw a good entry, with several swimmers of almost equal merit available. Albert Claridge has not forgotten how to swim in breaststroke events, and from scratch he cut down his opponents in rare style to register a comfortable win from Dr. Riddell and R. Humphrey. A national championship title is not beyond him if he would make a serious attempt for it. Polo Competition. When is the polo competition going to iStart? Nominations from clubs were called for some time ago, but it is understood that a poor response has been received. There must be something wrong somewhere, as several swimmers have expressed a desire to take up the game. The i3elector is anxious to get a team together for tho championshipij, and any player who is making the trip should get in touch with him. It is believed that if the centre is successful financially in their next two carnivals, a portion of the team's expenses will be defrayed, but no guarantee can be given. It is pleasing to know that there is every possibility of sufficient number of onthusiaste going North at their owa expense to complete a team. bjnwfeJ^toa.rtelAwwft... •"— ~*~- |