ATHLETICS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 68, 21 March 1931, Page 22

ATHLETICS

9Y "SRRINTtm"

BAYNE'S DEFECTION

ROSE SAVES SITUATION

FINE CONTEST WITH KISER

New Zealand's noted distance runner, Randolph Rose, scored one of tho greatest personal triumphs of his career when, at Athletic Park on Saturday afternoon before a crowd which a few minutes earlier had received the surprising and disappointing news that G. Bayne, New Zealand one mile champion, had failed to put in an appearance, he reeled off a dashing last lap in tho one mile invitation scratch race, to run a close second to American Rufus Kiscr iv the fastest time that had ever been registered at tho Park for the distance. It was to Bayno that tho crowd had looked to provide tho fireworks, but in his absence Rose came to light with a fine and gallant performance, and, with Kiser running his best mile to date, tho pair made tho race an excellent contest. Remarkable Runner. It was suggested last week that Rose had lost some of his old-time dasli with which to finish a mile at a fast clip, but his effort on Saturday scattered such a contention to the four winds, and once again it must bo said .that if at one meeting he does not impress that cannot be taken as a guide of his capabilities next time out. Not only is he a great runner, but a remarkable runner. AVhen ho first met Kiser at the Auckland meeting, Eose had had little opportunity of getting into trim, but tho competition he has had lately is just what he required. He raced himself into form, and probably with the advantage of one or two more solid contests a greater. improvement would bave been noticed. Kiser's Success. It was pleasing to see Kiscr run home a winner. His task on the tour has not been an easy one, and his performances sometimes no doubt have boon a disappointment to him, but on Saturday he appeared in a better light.. The American, at Taihape on AVcdnesday night, by defeating Don Evans, New Zealand quarter-mile and half-mile champion, also showed that now at tho end of the tour he is in very much better form. Bayno's Action. The defection of Bayne was- most unfortunate, to say tho least. Although before the meeting "Sprinter" had heard that Bayne might not be a starter, the statement was passed off as an idle rumour. But events proved otherwise. Bayne gave as his reason for not wishing to compote that he was not fit. It is a little difficult to understand such an explanation. The centre was depending upon Bayne, and his nou-appearance at the Park let the centre down badly. He could not be forced to run, of course, but surely he could have shown some consideration for the centre and the public and taken his place as he was expected to in the select field iv the mile. More, possibly, will be heard about his default and also his running at the Motueka meeting on 11th March, which, it is understood, is the subject of complaint. It is alleged that Bayne at the Motueka meeting did not do his best in the mile event in which he and Kiser were the star attractions. If that is so, the matter calls for investigation. The race was won by a competitor with a start of 115 yards in 4min 27sec, and from all accounts Bayne was well back. Commenting on the event, the Nelson "Mail" said: "The mile handicap, with Bayne and Kiser on scratch, promised to be an interesting match. . . However, tho scratch nieu were content to jog along at the rear, leaving the final spurt too late." Kiser finished third, with Bayne out of a place. The Sprint Races. It was clear that the American sprinter Simpson was not at his best in the three special sprint ovents on Saturday, but, nevertheless, he scored three fine wins. C. H. Jenkins was also at a disadvantage, suffering from a cold, but in each race he filled second pla a ce. Pull credit must be given to F. 'H, Stcphenson, who, still in his 'teens, made an excellent showing. He is the best young sprinter Wellington haß had since Jenkins made his debut and gives promise of winning high laurels. G. Valk, the Otago champion, only competed in the 50 yards dash, leg trouble keeping him out of the other two events. C. Pierson, of Invercargill, -the recently reinstated professional finished very fast in the 120 yards race, and was only inches behind Jonkins. Kiwi Club Meeting. A fresh northerly slowed down most of the times at the Kiwi Club's meeting on Monday evening, but. some keen competition resulted in nearly all events. In the special contest for the Heenan Baton the former holders, Wellington, failed to put in an appearance, and only three teams took the field. Kiwi had a. merited win from Olympic after a good tusslo over the early stages of the race, Ball finishing six yards ahead of Glover, with University well back. The 600 yards event was won by D. K. Thorn, of the Athletic Club, in Imm IS 2-ssec. He has been running very well lately, and. tho handicappers will have to consider cutting down his allowance if ho continues in hia winning strain. He times his running well and has a good finish. The one milo open handicap was a slow race, and M'Conchie had everything his own way over the final "quarter" when ho ran away from the field to win by a good 20 yards. Tho shorter events all suffered as a result of the wind, although the 100 yards open was *won by J. Barlow in 10 3-ssec. The ladies' relay provided a good finish over the final 50 yards, and the AVellington A team deserved their win from Miramar. The latter team does not combine as well as Wellington and would do well to pay attention to their changing-over. Meeting Postponed. Owing to the resumption of standard time, the Athletic Club's meeting set down for Monday will not bo held. It is not expected that any further evening meetings will be held this season, as tho finish of a meeting of this type would usually be in pitch darkness at this time of the year. Jottings. G. Sauiulers, a young and prominent member oC Ihc AVungumii Amateur Athletic, and Cycling Club, may be transferred to Wellington. i Guy Broad, prominent, as a. hurdler iv AVangaiiui before lie left for Sydney pome two years ago, is back in the River City. j