Fastest Time by Weller

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 172, 24 July 1939, Page 3

Fastest Time by Weller

INVITATION HANDICAP KACE C. Weller, national champion, returned the fastest time in the 6}-mile invitation handicap race from Hr. S. A. Oxenham’a place, Te Matai Boad, conducted by the Y.M.C.A. Harrier Club on Saturday. The race was over a two-lap course, including three miles of road running. The paddocks were in good conditio a and fast times were recorded. The limit men were C. Grundy aud C. Holmes (lOmins.), followed by C. Verry and C. Corlett (Smin.), \Y. Lewis and T. Williams (7mins. 30sec.), K. Wilby (6min. 30sec.), K. Woodd, I. \ an tier, A. Cozens and V. Nix (4min. oOsec.), HMcDonald and J. Woodd (4iniu.), S. MeVicar (Smin. 53sec.), A. Newlands (Smin. 45sec.), A. Carlisle (Smin. oOsec.) aud J. Spall (3min. losec.). Then cauie the back markers, C. McVicar (2min. 40sec.), J. Scott and L. Hawthorne (lmin. 55sec.), D. McCardlo (lmin. lOsec.), N. Hcarsey (lmin.) aud C. Weller (scr.). At the end of the first lap the seven leaders were C. Grundy, C. Corlett, C. Verry, T. Williams, C. Holmes, K. Wilby and W. Lewis. N Close behind came a bunch of eight middle markers with the back markers still a good distance back. C. Wellfer was going woll and had overtaken D. McCardle (lmin. lOsec.). Going into the paddock two miles from home, Grundy. Corlett and Williams were the first three. Their positions remained the same for practically the rest of the race but Corlett overtook Grundy near the finish to win with a few yards to spare. Nix headed the bunch of middle markers and some close finishes were contested for tho minor placings. J. Scott headed the back markers and although Weller and Hearsev ran splendidly throughout they found the handicaps too great. The following are the times aud placings of the first 14 runners to finish (there were 24 Starters): — 1 J. Corlett (Smin.), 40inin. 52sec.; 2 C. Grundy (lOmin.) 42min. oosec. ; 3T. Williams (Tmiu. 30sec.), 40min. 30sec.; 4 V. Nix (4min. 30sec.) 3Smin. 17sec.; 5 K. Woodd (4min. 30sec.), 3 Smin. 20sec.; 6 I. Vautier (4min. 30sec.) 3Smin. 42sec.; 7 J. Woodd (4min.) 3Sniiu. losec.; 8 H. McDonald (4min.) 3Smin. GOsec.; 9 J. Scott (lmin. 55sec.), 36min. 3osec.; 10 S. McVicar < 3min. oosec.), 3Smin. 39sec.; 31 C. McVicar (2min. 40sec.), 37min. 2Ssec.; 12 L. Hawthorne (lmin. • 55sec.), 36min. 50sec.; 13 Spall (3min. losec.), 3Smin. losec.; 14 K. Wilby (Gmin. 30sec.), 41min. 34sec. Fastest times: C. Weller Comin. lOsec., N. Hearsey 36min. 15secs., J. Scott 36min. 3osec., L. Hawthorne 36min. oOsec. Once again the middle markers proved themselves iu the flat running. The conrse was a marked contrast to the one at Wellington last week, and most of the runners produced their best form. V. Nix, K. Woodd, I. Vautier, J. Woodd, H. McDonald and S. McVicar all ran well in handicap races and Saturday was no exception. C. McVicar, J. Spall and L. Hawthorne are also in good form while J. Scott may again make the West Coast team this season. He is running as well as last reason and generally rises to the occasion when wanted. C. Weller and N. liearsey ran excellently and the former should retain his West Coast title at Wanganui next Saturday. D. McCardle is suffering a lapse of form at present but as he is only 17 years of age and has many years of running before him, he will undoubtedly come again later. Two new runners, C. Corlett and C. Grundy, acquitted themselves very well in their first race aud it is to be hoped that they continue their interest in the sport. T. Williams ran his best race this season, while K. Wilby and C. Verry lasted the distance well. A. Carlisle and A. Newlands were not in the pink of condition and wisely withdrew after the first lap. After the run, members of the club were entertained at afternoon tea by Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Oxenham, and at a suitable juncture J. Scott, club captain, thanked them for their hospitality.