ON THE TRACK

Horowhenua Chronicle, 16 March 1923, Page 3

ON THE TRACK

ATHLETICS IN LEVIN

The Levin Athletic Club must have offended the Clerk of the Weather, tor that functionary invariably sends along his worst brand of climate whenever hire club announces that it intends to foregather. It was surely the essence of perversity to strike such a day as Wednesday alter the fine weather we have been getting, and especially as the club has been unlucky on two previous occasions. The club certainly deserves better treatment, for it is showing enterprise and resource in its operations, and, above all, is encouraging a love of athletics amongst the youth of the district that augurs well for its future prosperity. However, the group of enthusiasts responsible for the management meet the adversity of toe moment cheerfully and look forward with optimism to a brighter day next time.

But for I lie weather, there would have been a record aTTendance mi Wednesday. As it way only lie grandstand made things possible, and the foresight of those responsible lor its predion has been amply justified. The recently-formed cycle.track mel with the warm approbation of the, visiting cyclists, and but for the tain making the track heavy, some good times should have been recorded. On the whole, the visitors had the best of it in the cycling events, but they had to ride all out for their victories. Bateman, of Palmerston, is a fine performer, the ease with which he accounted for the five-laps race, which was off scratch, giving an indication of his quality. • In the five-mile handicap, he rode a splendid race, hut made the mistake of going to the front too soon. Had he been content to ride with the. leaders, and kept a bit in hand for 1 tie final struggle, it is probable that the result would have been different.

Dunn, who won the hall-mile cycle

handicap, is a new rider who has made great improvement in (he short lime he has been in the saddle, and •he is looked upon as one ul the club’s coming men.

Kilsby made a great run at the finish of'the five-mile cycle event, when lie succeeded in getting a well-de-served place. Di-ysiiale, who accounted for the half-mile junior cycle, is the making of a good performer. Capper’s performance in winning tlie one mile junior cycle from snatch was a good one, especially for a new performer. In the running events, Dulresn'e showed up particularly well in the one mile. Although a new man, Ihe club is looking forward to him representing Levin as a member of Ihe team taking part in (he Country Club's Championships at Hawera during Easter. Hunter's linisli in the 410 yd;, was good. Although having Ihe outside going, he cut down the opposition in fine style, and gained it well-deserved victory. Stevens, who accounted foilin' 220 and HOyds junior handicaps, is a man it is worth the club’s while* to keep an eye on. Among the ladies, Miss Clll and Mi-s Cooper were Hie star performers. Mis- Gill won both her races comfortably, and, as 'her time shows, is a really creditable performer. Miss Cooper, in the ladies’ cycle race, rode well, ami deserved her victory, which Miss Booth challenged in great style right through. A ladies’ team will probably go to Palmerston North on the 24th to compete at the sports there.

The final selection of the team for Hawera will be made on Monday next.