AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19511, 15 December 1926, Page 18

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

BOOMING FIELD EVENTS. A REVIVAL IN AUCKLAND. NEED FOR EXPERT TUITION. " Give them Iho encouragement and you may find a possible champion-at field events." This was a remark made at a recent meeting of prominent officials, and on Saturday last the Auckland Athletic and Cycle Club placed a series of field events on its weekly programme. Putting tho shot, throwing the discus and throwing the javelin were all included in an interesting programme. The discus is a particularly tricky implement to manipulate, and the competitors, eight in number, had not previously had any experience, but they, were keen, and made a fair showing. It requires strength, as well as knowledge of how to throw the discus, to be successful, and some of the competitors would be well advised to adopt the methods employed by J. W. Shirley, who lias tho correct style. The winner was P. Johnson, whose handicap of 40ft. proved too much for Shirley, who was on scratch. The winner has had little practice in the correct method of throwing the discus, and he could have done even better had he concentrated more attention on length of throw, instead of height. Tho javelin event was won by Shirley with a throw of 123 ft. Here, again, Shirley had a better knowledge of tho style, but he could further improve his length and gain more height by better balance at the point where the javelin is held. One noticeable point in this contest was tho failure of a majority of the competitors to run more than 20yds. when carrying the javelin. Overseas athletes who have visited Auckland have always run at least 40yds., and this is essentia] to ensure greater strength in tho effort to throw the implement. The competition in the shot putting was weak, but the competitors were not the strong men usually successful in this line of athletics. Runners Showing Good Form. For many seasons past very little interest has been taken in field events, and in spite of their inclusion at almost every meeting few, if any, nominations have been received. In many cases, therefore, the events have had to be withdrawn. A class of instruction in field events would greatly assist those keen to compete, and tho Auckland Association would no doubt be pleased to have the assistance of an expert—one who has a knowledge of the control of the implements. The results from careful coaching would greatly benefit athletics in Auckland, and make field events an attraction to any programme. As the season advances more good sprinters have at each meeting made an appearance. The latest rival for local championship honours is A. J. Elliott, whose sensational finish in the 100 yds. final was a feature of Saturday's racing at the Domain. This is Elliott's third consecutive victory. He is just over 20 years of age, and is competing for the first time this season in open company. With more practice at the start —he has all the qualities for the finish— Elliott should be a worthy opponent for L. C. Williams. With Williams, McCoy and Elliott, Auckland has a useful trio of sprinters, who will make their presence felt at the New Zealand championship meeting in February. Although beaten in the 880 yds handicap by N. S. Beauchamp On 45yds., 6. Kells from scratch registered a sterling performance, being clocked to run the distance in 2m. 2 l-55., which is his best performance this season. D. P. Deere, who was the most consistent sprinter at local meetings last season, has resumed training, and he was a competitor on Saturday. When in form Deere is very smart over 100 yds., and one who at his best would be a dangerous rival for Auckland sprint honours. J. Lynch, who ran second to L. C. Williams in the Auckland 100 yds. championship, was noticed doing useful exercise at the Domain on Saturday, and by next month he should be in a position to produce his best form. Sportsman Cup Conditions. At the Domain next Saturday the Sportsman Cup for aggregate points will be competed for. This ■ trophy was donated in 1912 by the directors of a journal which ceased publication in 1914. An inquiry from one of the donors elicited the information that the trophy was to be competed for at the autumn meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club. I'n thoso days the club held two meetings, known as the spring and autumn carnivals. The Victor Ludorum Cup was competed for at the first, Hut until the time of the presentation of tho Sportsman Cup, there was no points trophy for the autumn _ meeting. The gentleman approached is emphatic that the conditions of presentation purposely, excluded field events on the grounds that there was not so much merit attached to a field event as to a track event. It is understood, however, that at Saturday's meeting the whole programme of events, with the exception of cycling, is open for the Sportsman Cup contest. THE CHANGE BOWLER, HUMOUR AT EDEN PARK. There was a rattle of money in the pocket of S. Newdick, the Ponsonby bowler, as he took each run to the wicket in an endeavour to shatter the stumps of the Parnell batsmen in a senior match at Eden Park on Saturday. The jingling of the coins was remarked upon by a spectator, when a wit chimed in with the remark, "He must be their change bowler, then." HOLIDAY CRICKET. AUCKLAND TEAM TO TOUR. For the fifth consecutive year a team of Auckland cricketers will tour Hawke's Bay and the East Coast during the Christmas holidays, playing matches against minor associations and kindred teams. As on former occasions this year's tour is being organised by Mr, E. C. Beale. According to present plans the team will leave Auckland by train next Wednesday evening and will play against Southern Hawke s Bay at Dannevirke on December 24 and 25. Two matches will be played at Napier—against Hawke's Bay on December 27 and 28, and against Hawke's Bay colts. The team will then motor to Gisborne, where Poverty Bay will be played on January 1 and 3. On the following days a match will be played against the Waiapu representatives at Tokomaru Bay. Mr. A. M. Beale's East Coast eleven will be met at Waipiro Bay on January 7, and a Wairoa team at Wairoa on January 8, The team will return to Auckland on January 12. OVERSEAS TOURS. FUNDS FROM ROSE APPEAL. The council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association at present has approximately £IO3O in hand as a result of the appeal for funds for the overseas tour of R. A. Rose, after paying the expenses of the champion and his trainer, which came to about £llOO. In accordance with the resolution passed by the council this sum is being held in reserve as a fund for sending teams overseas in the future.