AMATEUR SPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23082, 6 July 1938, Page 23

AMATEUR SPORTS

ANNUAL ROAD RACE BRILLIANCE OF J. W. SAVIDAN REMARKABLE RETURN TO FORM A brilliant return to championship form was staged by J. W. Savidan last Saturday when, after an absence of 18 months from racing, he showed a clean pair of heels to tho opposition in the annual Onehunga to Auckland road race. Although nearly double the age of many of tho competitors, Savidan completely outpaced and outstayed them at the end of tho long seven and a-quarter miles' journey. In front from the start, he displayed all his old balance and stride, and in winning easily by 150 yards returned a time that was only 20s outside his own record for the race. It was thought that J. Neil, winner of. all the major events held previously this season, would prove too fast for Savidan after tho latter's long absence from racing, but he had no chance with the veteran. With a milo of tho journey covered, Savidan led by 25 yards from Neil, Watters, Crompton, Briggs, Koeford and Best, who were in a bunch and the only competitors who looked like staying anywhere near the leader. As the race progressed Savidan increased his lead, whilo the other bunch gradually broke up and gaps were opened between them. Neil was running right up to top fornij but on the clay could not pace it with tho leader, who continued his long, even stride to reach the tape in 36m 575, 22s ahead of Neil. Both Watters and Crompton wero closing the gap on Neil as they raced homo along Quay Street, and Watters was only 50 yards awav in third place, with Crompton a similar distance back in fourth position. There was a big gap to the next runner, but from then on the whole field finished in close order, with many spirited dashes for final placings. Both Crompton and Watters ran up to form and gave good displays, although neither was quite in the same class as the first pair to finish. In gaining fifth position, W. Briggs, of Lynndale. ran another good race, although his time of 38m 54s was not nearly so fast as that he has registered in the race in previous years.

SURPRISE PLACING CALLIOPE DISAPPOINTS The next two to finish were Porter, of Pupatoetoe, and Koeford, of University. who provided the surprise of the race. An unknown runner in open competition, Koeford ran strongly all the way, and, now that he has been suceesshd in beating many betterknown runners, he will have the confidence to clap on the pace that is necessary in the early stages of a race. J. Best and R. Ibhotson were the first Technical Club runners to finish, and both performed soundly to gain eighth and tenth position respectively. Calliope runners disappointed on this occasion, and Darroch, in thirteenth place, was the only one to finish in the first fifteen. A good impression was created by the young Lynndale runner L. Kemp, who was competing in his first open event. He has only recently moved out of the junior ranks, and in running into twelfth position he performed really well and gained a place in the winning A grade team. G. A. Hill and B. H. Birtwistle. of the Auckland Club, ran well, although they also were further back and made slower times than they have done in previous years. It is unfortunate for the latter that he cannot do justice to his ability by being unable to do the necessary training.