ATHLETICS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 21 March 1936, Page 8

ATHLETICS

NELSON AMATEUR CLUB NOTES AND COMMENTS HESTER SHIELD CONTEST REVIEWED Recent meetings conducted by the Nelson Amateur Athletic anil Cycling Club have been favoured by fine weather conditions, though rather cool in the evenings. Public support bus been lacking, particularly for tlie Hester Shield Contest which was quite the best meeting staged by tlie club from tlie point of view of performances and finishes. Organisation was excellent and tlie committee and groundsman are to be congratulated on their work.

The Marlborough competitors swept tlie board in tlie senior events. Coleman registered two wins in tlie sprints in 10 2-5 and 22 3-osecs, his latter ell'ovt especially being full of merit. Chapman, Nelson, did well to run second in the furlong in such good company. Eaton, who laid just annexed the Wellington half mile championship title had a busy day and a successful one. He scored wins in tlie quarter, half and mile events. Tiller, a local junior, showed the makings of a good middle distance performer by forcing Eaton to a close finish in the quarter mile.

Holyoake and Cox ran good races, filling minor places in the half, mile and mile. The experience -will benefit them considerably and they should make their presence felt in future contests.

The ladies’ events found very little difference between Misses O’Callaghan and Howard of Nelson and Miss Deily of Blenheim. The first two deadheated in the short sprint but Miss Deily squeezed home in the hundred in the very good time of 11 3-osecs. The Nelson juniors did not have things their own way as at Blenheim. Townsend forced Tiller to run the hundred in 10 3-osees to win, and reversed tlie order in the furlong in 23 4-osecs, both good times for juniors. Wood, of Nelson, ran into third each time. Moore and McMorland gave Nelson » good measure of tlie points in the jumps, scoring a first and a third each The cyclists started the day well, Jarvis and Lummis finishing first and second in the half mile sprint. In tiltmile and three miles, however, they missed the leadership of Tom Langley who could not compete. On the day the Marlborough team was definitely superior and is to be congratulated* on its win. The Nelson competitors were by no means disgraced, -and another year’s seasoning will do them a lot of good. Both clubs are already looking forward to the next contest in December. EVENING MEETING . The club staged its usual evening meeting at the Park on Thursday. Owing to the shorter evenings it was necessary to start at (i o’clock. An interesting programme of well contested events was presented. Tlie most noticeable and pleasing feature was the field of fourteen which • contested the mile, the club’s membership being on the increase. Cox ran a good race to win from Mellett and Holyoake, although he lias a habit of passing his man on the bends, thus lengthening his journey. It was good to see J. Walker, on the track again. He stayed the distance, well, and may spring a surprise at Easter. Tlie mile medley race between football clubs showed a reversal of earlier form. Nelson scoring an easy win. Tiller gave them a good start in the quarter, and McLean ran a magnificent half mile to finish comfortably in front. Blue and Smith notched wins in the handicap sprints, both showing improved form. The ladies’ sprint was another duel between the hack markers, Miss Howard winning narrowly from Miss O’Callaglian, with Misses Campbell and Anderson dead-heating for third. The cycle races showed better tactics on tlie part of the long handicap riders In the mile E. Robson went away from the start and just managed to last tlie distance for a good win. Tom Langley and Jarvis took the other points. In the three mile event, R. Robson, Cotton and Delaney worked as a team out in front, and were not caught till half a lap from home. Delaney had sufficient in reserve to beat Tom Langley in a thrilling finish with Jarvis again third. Tile time, 7min 3sees is the bust recorded for some time. The Hester Shield three miles was won in 7min Usees. Now that tlie limit men have begun to make their own pace, some thrilling races are anticipated.

WAKEFIELD MEETING, 4th APRIL

Tentative arrangements are in hand for this meeting .which will be similar; to last year’s function. Athletes are asked to watch for further definite, announcements. If such obstacles as ground and transport- can be satisfactorily overcome the committee will stage a meeting with separate points trophies and a road race for cyclists. CYCLING POINTS TROHFTES j Prior to the Maliar Cup contest, the committee asked, for selection purposes certain riders to compete in scratch races on the grass track, These events and also those provided on the cycle track for the other riders, will not; count for the clui) points trophy, as they were not open handicaps. EASTER SATURDAY MEETING, 11th APRIL Arrangements are now in hand for this important fixture. A strong team., is promised from Wellington at present, including Miss T. Kencli, N.Z. Olympic representative; A. R. Wilson, who defeated V. P. Boot, the present mile champion, in a return match at Wellington recently; Peter Wilson, who filled third place in that event, and later was third in the three miles; A. Wei ply, who competed in the sprints here last Easter.; and Sowerby, leading tni ek cyclist. Tlie Blenheim club is also keenly interested in the meeting and should be well represented. It is possible that Motucka will also field a strong teamin spite of a late start. Entries for the Nelson meeting close with Hie liaiidieapper, Mr- O. >S. .Dunford, e/0 Hannah’s, oil Saturday, 4th April. MOTUEEA EASTER MEETING 13th APRIL Most of tlie visitors to the Nelson dub’s meeting, together with a strong team from tlie local club will be visiting Motucka on Easter Monday for tlie Motucka club’s animal fixture. These two meetings are proving an attraction to athletes in other districts as they provide a splendid "finale to the track season at a time when it is convenient to travel.