ATHLETICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9669, 16 April 1923, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

NOTES AND NEWS

(By “Sprinter.”)

Te Karaka on Easter. Monday ai d the Muriwai sports on tue folio.. . ' .jatuv.ltiy, finished up ohe season i.r amateur track and * cycling events. The Te Karaka sports on Easter Monday were ...a huge success, I-ho gate being the best ever received by this enterprising sports body. Entries were heavy in most events, although the items for horses did not fill up as expected. . However, this later item did not suffer on that account as the performers who took parti wore really high-class. Some splendid chopping and sawing events were held, these events being very popular with the crowd. The running and cycling races were particularly good and favorable comment was passed upon the large number of competitors in the amateur events. In the 100yds amateur handicap there were four heats with 'the first and second in each heat,-starting in 'the final. The final was a great race and resulted in Ft. Malone springing a surprise. This runner has been gradually improving all the season and at present is running in splendid form. He has an exceptionally long stride when running at top speed, which creates an impression that lie is not being properly extended. However, if he shortened his stride a bit he might not do so well. When sprinting ho should not carry his hands so low or his arms so stiff; just let them swing easily backwards and forwards. Malone also won the 220yds amateur handicap in a very easy manner, which further proved that he is a sprinter' of more than average ability.

E. Hayes won the 440yds handicap after a good tussle with Nixon, although at the finish Ernie had a good bit to spare. Up till recently Hayes has not been able to train, but in the last two evening runs he showed a glimpse of liis last season’s form, and his win at Te f Karaka was fully anticipated. Ernie is a good sport and is in the game for its good. He is in splendid condition at present and should make things merry when the cross-country season opens. K. Kirk ran well at Te Karaka, hut was a little unlucky. He has had a splendid season for a beginner and should do much better next year. J. N. .Nixon, a new recruit, got second in the 220 and 440 yards events and on each occasion he put up a good performance. If this boy was a little taller he would be a champion, but even so, he should be capable of winning a lot of races. L. Gray won the mile handicap in good style after stalling off strong challenges from Miller and Roberts. This boy lias tried himself out at all branches of the game and has finally found the events that suit him best. Gray ran a good “half” at the Carnival sports and on that form he was freely tipped to win the mile at Te Karaka. When he learns to run freer he will turn out a high-class middle and long distance irunner. He has tons of heart,' and with more experience will do a great deal better than he has done in the past. The amateur cycling races proved walk-overs for E. Holman, who has improved a great deal lately. This rider rode really splendid races in both the one and two mile events, and at the finish simply few away from his opponents. With more experience he ought to turn out fully as good as his brother “Tod.” J. Douglas rode well each time out, gaining a second and a third, and has proved himself a very consistent rider.

P. Benson got second in the twomile cycle handicap and rode the best race he has ridden this season. Benson is a good rider, but it was too much for him to give Dolman 40yds. However, “Sprinter” was pleased to see Phil get into a place, as it has been largely due to his efforts that amateur cycling has boomed this season.

TheMuriwai spores on the following Saturday were well attended, and the events proved most attractive. Although there were very good fields in the amateur running events the competitors were not so numerous as at Te Karalta. The reason for this was that a lot of the town runners were working and couldn’t get off.

Grant McDonald was the star performer of the afternoon as lie captured both the 220 and 440 yards events. • Grant ran really well, and on this occasion did not try to do the impossible. Over distances from £2O yards to 880 „ yards MacDonald is a first-class performer, and if in good condition is easily the best middle distance runner in the club. His wins at Muriwai were very popular, as of late he has been having rotten luck.

Owen Paltridge won the 100 yards handicap from the virtual scratch mark. His performance was full of merit, as lie ran only 3 yards worse than even time, and considering the track his effort was a particularly pleasing one. He gave away 11 yards to the limit man, but soon gathered the field and won easily. Next season Paltridge should be capable of “evens” which should he good enough for hjm to represent Auckland at the N.Z. championships. Malone, Pile; and Kirk again ran well, proving themselves the club’s most consistent performers. The boys were greatly indebted to Messrs* Chas. Adair, H. E. Forster (president of the club) and A. Zachariah for conveying them to and from the sporte ground. In Mr H. F. Forster the club has a very enthusiastic president who spares no trouble or time to help the game along. Without Mr Forster, Mr A. W. Mason (chairman of committee) and Mr PA. McEadyen (secretary and treasurer) to boost things along the club would still be in the straggling state instead of in its present healthy condition.

The cross-country season opens with a run from the Oval on Thursday 26th inst.. starting at 2.30 p.m. Mr H. F. .Forster as president of the club will address the runners and then officially declare the season open. The forthcoming season should he a bumper one, as a lot of'new runners intend burning out. Those desirous of joining the club for the cross-country season should enrol at once with Mr 0. Brown (club captain), so as not to miss any of the runs. “Sprinter” would like to know whether the N.Z.A.A.A. intends being represented at the Olympic Games next year in Paris. If they do, they should get busy now and raise funds to send as strong a team away as possible. These teams. do a lot of advertising for New Zealand and should receive the support of the public. However, a team must go away, because whether successful or not a great deal can be learnt at the “games,” which knowledge can be passed on when the boys get back. It is rumored that a number of country enthusiasts intend forming another Amateur Athletic Club in the Bay. This is a good idea, as it could cater for the country runners, and races could be held wherein the town competitors could compete against their own performers. Inter-club running as in swimming, football, tennis, rowing, cricket, etc., would make the game and would put amateur athletics on an even stronger footing than they are at’ present. Later on it may be possible to start a third club, and if so application should be made to the N.Z. Centre for permission to form an East Coast Centre or form a Sub-Centre. Should any other clubs be formed they can -rest assured of getting plenty of assistance from the Gisborne Amateur Athletic and Harrier Club, which is\ out for the good of the,, game at all times. Secretaries of clubs intending to form should get in touch with Mr F. A. McFadyen. j