HARRIERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 234, 1 September 1938, Page 2

HARRIERS.

WEST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS. Although conditions were far from ideal for the harrier championships, the times recorded were very fast. As was expected. C. Weller had little difficulty in retaining his West Coast title for the sixth time. Coming through the paddocks near the end of the first lap he lost one of his shoes in a bog and had. to travel over 3$ miles in his stockinged feet. Although suffering from a cold, Weller returned his best time for the course, beating the previous best by about 25sec. This indicates he is running as well as last season and with the New Zealand championships nearer home this season he should start a firm favourite. However, W. Savidan (Auckland) may think otherwise. F. Hill (Marton) was runner up for the fourth time. He should bo well up in the New Zealand championships, as should K. Johnston (Wanganui) who has a good record on both the track and cross-country'. There was little between the first three A grade teams. Wanganui were a little fortunate to beat Marton by a single point. G. Bromley (Marton) third for the last two seasons, was unable to accompany his team and thus Marton were severely handicapped - by his absence. 1

N. Hearsey (Palmerston North) was expected by local followers to fill ono of the first four' positions. However, a recent bout of influenza took its toll and he was not in the best condition for a gruelling six-mile race. As he is only a young runner, his time will come in the next few years. It. Lamberton (Palmerstoff'Nortli) was similarly affected'and had to pull out just after the first lap had been completed. A very determined runner, Lamberton has not had the best of luck this season. K. Galloway was also suffering from h severe cold and he did well to finish twelfth. After his fine run the

previous week, J. Scott was expected to finish among the top placings, and he 'did not disappoint. Scott is a runner of long experience and has great stamina and always finishes well over the last mile. S. Oxenham, tho fourth A grade local man to finish, ran his usual solid race. Oxenham is a reliable runner and seldom fails to finish well.

As was expected, the B grade team gave a very good account of themselves. D. McCardlc (16tli), L. Hawthorn (17th), C. McVicar (23rd), H. McDonald (24tli), with J. Spall (25th) and S. McVicar (32nd) as reserves, comprised the team. L. Hawthorne and C. McVicar are much better road runners, and made up much ground on the roads. H. McDonald and J. Spall ran very well over the paddocks in the second lap. D. McCardle,. who was the youngest runner competing, was the first junior to finish. Possessing a good stride, plenty of stamina, and a good finish, he is the most promising runner in the West Coast and providing he does not overdo it he should be in big company in the near future.

The Marton-Wanganui relay race of 25 miles will be held on October 1. A. and B teams of five men eacli will bo entered from the local club and it will be interesting to see how they fare on tho roads.