THE SPORTING WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 16078, 1 April 1916, Page 10

THE SPORTING WORLD

[From Our London Correspondent.]

February 10.

ATHLETICS

British sportsmen are showing considerable interest in the new suggestions regarding the definition of an amateur athlete in the United States. The principle that ‘‘an amateur is one who engages in sport solely for the pleasure ami physical exercise, and to whom sport is nothing more than an avocation” is quite sound. One cannot say as much for some of the offences which it is proposed shall debar a. man from competing as an amateur. 11 Capitalisation of athletic fame” and “association with professionals” are two of these. The first is hard to define, whilst to tell an amateur he must not associate with his brother or father, who happen to be professionals, is absurd. There is only one proper definition of an amateur—viz., “one who derives no pecuniary gain out of Iris (or her) association with sports, either as a competitor, official, or coach.” Properly enforced, this would meet all requirements, and do away with the absurdity which allows a man to compote against a professional at cricket, soccer, golf, tennis, racquets, and racing, but not at running, swimming, rowing, sculling, or Rugby. Great interest is being taken in the movement to provide sports for tbc men attested under Lord Derby'e recruiting scheme. The Lord Mayor of London lias accepted the presidency of the Metropolitan Athletic Committee, formed for the purpose of promoting runs and races, and the movement is receiving wide support. Many old-timers, who dropped out of athletics some years ago, recognise that they will bo all the more likely to discharge corning military duties with credit if they get fit. Consequently the old spiked running shoes are being hunted out, and veterans aro showing great enthusiasm, even if their limbs are often stiff. Dozens of military events were decided on Saturday, though it is not possible to refer to them all. G. Treby finished first in an event at Golders Green, and proved liimscif a good sportsman by handing the prize to tiro second man, he having won a similar race the previous week. The big field of 489 runners in the Northern Command Race at Sunderland was headed by Lance-corporal J. Hatton, the Sherwood Forester thus adding to the many wins he has secured during the past 12 mouths. Good form was also shown by IV. Hehir, of the Royal Naval Air Service, in a six-milo walking race at Wimbledon. Iris time for the heavy course being 50min 55scc. London was the scone of several important Rugby matches on Saturday, the outstanding game being at Queen's Club.

where an Anzae. fifteen met the Artists' Rifles O.T.C. Tho New Zealanders’ camp at Hornchurch contains many excellent players, and, thanks to tho. New Zealand War Association, the men were able to turn out in the regulation costume for the game under notice, the visitors wearing tho well-known all-black jerseys. Quito early in the game, it became evident that the Artists were in danger of losing their unbeaten record, the Anzacs crossing over with a lead of a try to nil. Continuing to have the better of the game, the visitors finally won by 11 points to nil.

Several South African players of note, including P. Steyn, played for tho Colchester Garrison in the match against the. Public Schools at Queen’s Club. This was really a fine came, the Garrison coming with such an effort towards the close that they made a draw of it, each .scoring 11 points. Tim presence of so many overseas players from Australia. South Africa, and New Zealand has raised tho question of holding an international tournament for the benefit of tho Red Cross Society, and it is more than likely this will be carried through.

Before concluding with Rugby .matters, it may be mentioned that 55 international players have already laid down their lives for Empire iu the war—ls from Scotland. 12 from England, 5 from Ireland, and 5 from Wales—truly an object lesson in patriotism.

THE TL’RF

A visit to a race meeting nowadays brings homo to one that we nro living la fitrango times. After the racing at Windsor was over on Saturday, the two daughters of Sir R. Wilmott came out and schooled two horses belonging to their father over the fences, ami tho joekeyship they displayed aroused much favorable comment.

There are very few men of military ape and nnmarm'd who are associated wii.h racing now. .Several more jockeys recently tried to enlist, among them being Riper, Clark, Collins, Robbins. and .Stern, the Anglo-French rider. Riper was the only one to pass, however, a lack of inches being the big bar to most.

BILLIARDS.

Smith free. 500) and Folkiner free. 1,250) had a great struggle in last week’s heat of the London billiard tournament. Smith commenced tho final session with a lead of 683 points, but T’alkiner came along with ’breaks of 238 and. 261, which, with other good efforts, enabled him to secure the kad and an advantage of 106. Smith soon altered the look of things, however, an unfinished break of 206 enabling him to win by 188 points. The result puts Falkiner, Smith, and Newman all on equal terms, each having won three and lost one game.

Another very close struggle was seen in the match between Stevenson and Inman. They started tho final day’s play with only a difference of 95 points between their scores. Stevenson increased this to 477 by the end of thn afternoon session, and. finally won by 410, though the champion once reduced his advantage to less than a hundred.

Shells were whistling overhead when B Company were playing a match against tho 23rd. The incoming batsman was very deliberately making a block at tho crease. “What are yer doin’?” roared the impatient cover-point. ‘‘Diggin’ yerself in?”

“ All’s fair in love,” They say, and yet How can that be? .There’s tho brunette,