HARRIER CONTEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22191, 19 August 1935, Page 9

HARRIER CONTEST

NEW ZEALAND BEATEN!' PULLAFt IN SECOND PLACE J. W. SAVIDAN DISAPPOINTS By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received August 18, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. Aug. 18 Australia beat the New Zealand woss-country team in the 10,000 metres test race yesterday by 14 points to 22 on the Parramatta course. New Zealanders filled second, fifth, seventh and eighth places with Pullar, Cooper, Savidan and Riddington. Australia was first, third, fourth and sixth with Sheaves and Patterson (New South Wales) and Cooper and Weightman (Victoria). It was necessary for New Zealand to count against the first four Australians finishing. J. W. Savidan disappointed. Sheaves won the individual title in the record time of 32m. 205., making the pace practically throughout. At the end of a mile, covered in 5m 305., the field bunched with Savidan and Sheaves together. At the end of three miles Savidan and Colman, winner in 1931, were together, the time being 15m. 10s. From this stage Sheaves forged ahead, leading Pullar by 34 . second# when the five miles was covered in 25m. 41s. Savidan Distressed , Savidan finished seventh and was distressed. ..... New South Wales won the Aus-» i tralian teams' individual title with 19 points; Victoria scored 22, Queensland. 41 and Tasmania 54. The course was virtually a 10,000 metres track and road run, there being practically no hill, no heavy soil and no obstacle. The day was sunny and conditions were more sultry than since thd New Zealanders arrived. Pullar was always within striking distance. He finished brilliantly, outpacing Patterson by five yards to gain second place. Fine Performance The manager, Mr. C. R- White, said: "Sheaves ran us off our legs. We have no excuses. Sheaves would be a champion in any company. We have no regrets at participating and are pleased with our reception and the knowledge . that we are cementing the goodwill of athletes as well as the public. Conditions made for fast time 3 and the course was very different from New Zealand crosscountry courses." The official placings and times are: — 1 Sheaves (New South ales),32m. 20s, Pullar (New Zealand), 32m. 465. Patterson (New South Wales) j 32m. 495. Colman (Victoria), 32m. 555. Cooper (New Zealand), 32m. 58s. All times are under Hillhouse'a record of 33m. 225. made in 1929.. Although New Zealanders will be disappointed at the showing of the if representatives, it is evident that J* Sheaves is an outstanding performer,, For Savidan and Colman to be up with him at three miles and then to be lefb far behind by sheer pace, speaks volumes for Sheaves' ability. He has been twice runner-up for the Australian title and four times State champion.! Two weeks ago, in winning the New; South Wales championship, he struck form and left the' rest of the field behind. A big factor in Australia's favour would be the racing oyer practically even, flat country, which 1 makes ifc j almost a track event. New Zealanders are accustomed to steep kills and boggy ground and would therefore he used to» a slower pace. Pullar, who was beaten by both Savidan and Cooper at Wellington, was New Zealand cross-country champion in 1934. He is the Otago three miles champion and a former holder of the Dominion 440 yards hurdles record. He has the speed 'necessary for a race like that at Parramatta. His performance was outstanding. Cooper reversed the tables on Savidan aifter many contests and is also New Zealand three miles track champion. Riddington, of Wellington, who was eighth , is an outstanding j track man. This proves that in future contests New Zealand must concentrate upon speed and not merely endurance. _ The Dominion team is competing m the New South Wales 10 miles road championship next Saturday. Although , new to this class of race it is expected that Stevens and Saindan especially Will retrieve honours foi' New Zealand.