AMATEUR ATHLETICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21577, 23 August 1933, Page 15

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

TECHNICAL CLUB'S EVENTS NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIPS PROSPECTS OF COMPETITORS The Technical Club's harrier championships were the main athletic events in Auckland on Saturday, and in both races over a hard course at Mission Bay some good running was seen. J. Nicholson was the popular choice for the Benior race, but in the finish had to give way to W. Bradley, who, for the first time this season, showed something like his true form. Nicholson went to the front after about half a mile, and then led for most of the distance, but over the last mile Bradley came up strongly and drew away to win by about 40 yards. The hard nature of the course suited Bradley more than Nicholson, and over the long undulating course at Wanganui next Saturday the latter will undoubtedly run much better. A. G. Harding, who has improved throughout the season from a novice to twelfth man in the province, came in a good third, and gave further indication of his improvement. The junior championship saw another promising young runner in D. Ohms win in a convincing manner from V. Knight and N. Brierley, who, however, were both within 100 yards of him.

The University Club had a good muster for a most strenuous run over a course around the Orakei basin that will probably be used next week for the club championships. Hooper, J. Graham, Jellie and Holmes all showed excellent form, and these four will be the hardest opponents for Carter when the club event is decided. Auckland Team's Trial The members of the Auckland provincial team had a good run across country at Mission Bay, and all shaped well under the advice of J. W. Savidan, who will attempt to win the Now Zealand title for the fifth time next Saturday. The New Zealand cross-country championship will be decided over the 10,000 metres Wentworth course at Wanganui next Saturday. The last national race over this course was in 1928, and it is remembered as the first meeting across country of J. W.' Savidan and Randolph Rose, who was then in his prime. The Aucklander decisively proved his superiority in this type of racing by going right away from the field to win by nearly a-quarter of a mile from Rose, who beat Silver, the Wellington Btar, by inches for second place in a great finish.

This year the field does not appear to be quite as strong as it has been in recent years, and for the individual honours there should be only two in the running. These are Savidan and J. Barnes, the Otago star, and present holder of the title, and they should be well clear of the field at the finish. The Aucklander should win, but be cannot afford to take any liberties with the Southerner, as the latter is a brilliant runner on his day, and capable of standing any pace. Surprises, however are always likely in national races, and there are several men who may rise to the occasion and upset all calculations.'

A. L. Stevens, the Wellington cham- i pion for the last few years, has always been well up in the New Zealand race, ! but has not yet secured a place. J. J. j Morris, of Otago, was second to Savi- J dan in 1929, and showed exceptional promise, but since then has failed in big races until this year, when he ran a close second to Barnes in a gruelling Otago championship. Much is expected of 0. Weller, the Wanganui youth, who has made a rapid rise in athletics during the past three seasons. Browne in (Jood Form Next to Savidan, A. Browne should be the best of the Auckland team, which is much stronger than it first appeared., The latter is running better than at any stage of his career, and he is expected to finish in the first six. He has had a lot of experience in national cross-country races, having raced in Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington. J. Nicholson was running before two of the member's of the team were born, and although he is now losing some of his old dash he can bo relied on to run a fino, steady race. R. McKenzie is a solid and consistent, rather than a brilliant, runner, and is of the type ideally suited to big events. G. Hill's chances are very open. He has had the experience of one New Zealand championship, having run in the event at Ellerslie in 1931, when he put up a very creditable performance, but his ~general running has been erratic. The teSm is perfectly blended with youth and experience, and must have good prospects of success in the teams' championship. Otago, the holders, with Barnes, Morris, E. C. Brown and Pullan, are again very strong. The Wanganui team has been third for the past two years, and on its own couvae must b<} hard to defeat. Weller and the Johnstone brothers will again be the loaders. Wellington has no now blood and its first four men, Stevens, Wilson, Pederson and Barclay are all veterans. Canterbury is at about the same strength as that for the last two years, and is hardly strong enough for a placing. A. Park and G. Watson are both fine runners, but are not yet in the very top class.