MATAMATA SPORTS

Matamata Record, Volume XX, Issue 2021, 30 March 1939, Page 5

MATAMATA SPORTS

NOTES AND COMMENTS Sixty-five Events Run Off It was somewhat disappointing to the organisers of the recent athletic and cycling sports at Bedford Park that the several counter-attractions should have had such an effect on the gate receipts, for the fare provided was varied and high-class.

It may be that the meeting was too close to the fixture attended by Miss Decima Norman at Morrinsville. Whatever the cause, the fact remains that the gate was nearly £25 down on last year. 3ound Organisation.

No less than 65 events were de•cided during the afternoon and these followed one another in quick succession. The meeting was wellplanned in that results were announced promptly, and the organisation was per fee', and greatly appreciated. Great credit is due to Messrs H. Lewis (president), H. Skidmore (secretary) and their efficient committee for the very smooth manner in which the programme was carried out. Athletic Side. A pleasing feature was the growth of the club on the athletic side, members of which section shone out in the running and field events. Vincent all but won the points trophy for the latter section, and with Childs performed well. It may be noted that Childs won the putting the shot competition at the first time of asking, as lie had never entered for this before. His throw of 42ft lOin was a very fine one in the circumstances. Potter’s Exhibition. The crowd received a thrill when it realised that Potter, the local distance runner, was good enough to plough his way through a big field from the back-mark to win the mile in 4.23 3-ss. Potter had much leeway to make up, which he set about reducing from the start. Then when that extra bit was called for, he proved he had great heart and judgment to win convincingly from 20 opponents.

Trick Cyclist. A much-appreciated item was that of Guy Roberts, trick cyclist. Roberts performed several astonishing feats of balance with his cycle and well-merited the hearty applause which greeted his efforts. Cyclists’ Dress. A point' worthy of attention is the need for strict enforcement of the ruling relating to competitors’ colours and the wearing of crash helmets by cyclists. Competitors should not need to be reminded of such items; their- pride of club sfiou Id be • such that not only should they see to it. that they are dressed In correct uniform, but their general appearance also should be a credit to their fellow members. Too many also. rely on the'lr comrades for the use of crash helmets. This is not .only, unfair, but leads to complications .at times which should not occur. It is stated that through change of helmets one rider was penalised who should not have been. The, Programme.

There is yery little wrong with the . programme as it stands, although the enormous number pf entries in the cycling events necessitated so many heats that an over-balance occurred in this direction, i However, It is the scratch men that the crowd particularly like to see, and the introduction of a cycle race with a time limit for competitors, lap prizes, or a pursuit event, would get the best men in action in a small 'field and provide the spectators with an extra thrill. Matamata Popular.

• The popularity of Matamata as an athletic centre.;was evidenced by the fact that competitors from' the Ellerslie, Lynndale and Northern Clubs, Auckland, all stayed over the week-end. The first-named club members were accmmodated by the Maitamata Club in a tent, while the members of the other clubs camped. •*at the springs. As usual Mrs. C. N, Swinbourn entertained a party at iher home. Races. .Mr. “Bill” Hindman proved a go’Pd manager at the microphone, and his advice to competitors and even to the crowd had much to do with the success of the meeting. On an.other occasion, however, Mr. Hind-1 man might he requested to desci ibe | the main events for the benefit of -spectators. Practically all of the .competitors are known to “Bill,” who should excel at such announcements. Banking Essential. Although the grass track became very fast after the first few events, the lack of banking at the curves militated against the back-markers showing their best form, in that top

speed could not be worked up with safety without the protecting angle. Back-markers are naturally speed merchants and when these spectacular riders are penalised, to this extent on a flat track with sharp curves, it detracts from the exhiliration of the cycling events. It is to be hoped that the effort to build a banked track on the Domain will not be delayed much longer, as the sport of cycling is one that is fast growing in popularity and has many able local exponents. 4jr*33ing the TracK.

in touching on this subject it is interesting to note that Mr. H. Lewis, the experienced president of the Matamata Athletic and Cycling Ciuo, when in Auckland recently made inquiries as to suitable' grasses; for theproposed new track. One investigated was a South African grass, which produces a mass of roots tour to six reet deep. Unfortunately this grass does not stand frost, but - when established forms an ideal surface. It may be tried in Matamata. Moon’s Disqualification.

It was a keen disappointment to Matamata supporters when A. Moon, a local rider, was disqualified after winning the big Matamata Wheel Race. Moon showed great form and fine judgment in the leading event on the programme and went away brilliantly at the right time to win in convincing ' fashion from a very strong field. The referee stated that Moon looked round. Even if he did, the penalty of debarring him from receiving the £lO worth of trophies he won was out of all proportion to the offence. Moon had no connection with any of the falls that took place, and experienced observers who followed the race closely became aghast when the referee’s decision was announced. Competitors have, to be made to observe the rules, and penalties must be inflicted at times, but. extreme care should be taken to see that these always meet the facts of the case. Though naturally disappointed, Moon took the penalty with splendid sportsmanship, realising that no matter how palpable an error might be there is no appeal from a referee’s decision on a question of fact.