Y.M.C.A. HARRIERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 193, 17 July 1939, Page 12

Y.M.C.A. HARRIERS

BEATEN BY WELLINGTON. Fifteen members of the Y.M.C.A. Harrier Club journeyed to Wellington on Saturday to participate in the first annual inter-club race with the Wellington Club. In the 7-men team race the Wellington,Club were successful by 36 points to 69. The course of about six miles of a combination of road and Jiilly cross-country running. The hills were numerous and very steep and, owing to the long downward slopes and gorse hushes, the runners found it difficult to obtain a sure foothold. About 35 runners faced the starter, Air. C. Robinson. C. Weller took the lead soon after the start and gradually drew away from the field. The first mile of road was a gradual uphill slope, and the pace was slower than usual. Going into the paddocks, AVeller was 100 yards clear of Owens (AVellington). At this stage N. Hearsey, in fourth position and C. McVicar, in seventh, were the only other Palmerston North runners in the first ten. At the threemile mark AVeller was about 150 yards clear of the next man. hut then lost the trail and had to wait for the second man, AA r . Owens. They kept together for the remainder of the race and deadheated for first place, about 150 yards clear of the next two runners, T. Strong and C. AroAfanus. Hearsey (seventh), D. AlcCardle (ninth, who came up well on the last stretch of road) and McVicar (tenth) were the only other Palmerston North men to finish in the first ten.

'Die following are the plaeings of the first ten: —C. Weller (P.N.). 37min. 49sec., 1 ; AV. Owens (AA’el.), 37min. 49 see., 1; T. Strong (Wei.), 38min. 17 sec., 3; C. AlcAfamis (AA’el.), 38min. 17 sec., 3; R. Wakeline (AA T el.), 38 inin. 37,5ec., 5; A. AtcCallum (AA’el.). 38min. 55sec.), 6; N. Hearsey (P.N.), 39min. 27sec., 7; G. Rontz (Wei.), 39min. 37 sec., 7; D. AlcCardle (P.N.), 39min. COsec., 9: C. AlcA’icar (P.N.), 39min. 56sec., 10.

J. AVoodd (13), A. Carlisle (14) and I. ALiutier (15) completed the Palmerston North team. AVith a few exceptions, the Palmerston North runners did not show their recent form. The 'race was a test of endurance rather than speed, the course being easily the most hazardous Palmerston North runners have experienced since the inception of the club. AA’eller. who excels in any conditions, ran splendidly and would have been an easy winner had he not missed the trail. Hearsey started well, then lost about six places on the hills, hut came again on the road to finish seventh. AlcCardle started slowly, but gradually worked his way up to ninth position. Ale Vicar ran one of his best races. He went well over the rough going, and had he not tired a little over the last mile would have finished in a better position. AVoodd and A r auticr both ran well and evidently are better cross-country men than road runners. S. Ale Vicar, J. Spall, A r . Nix. D. Coinerford, A. Carlisle and K. AA'oodd were not at their best on the rough country, hut the two last-mentioned ran consistently. J. Scott and L. Hawthorne were unable to make the trip and, although they are among the club’s A grade runners, their presence would not have affected the result in the teams race.

The local runners lemained in AA’ollington on Saturday night, and returned home yesterday afternoon.