HARRIER RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23130, 31 August 1938, Page 21

HARRIER RACING

CROSS-COUNTRY TITLE

AUCKLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS SAVIDAN'S SIXTH SUCCESS Outpacing tlio Auckland provincial cross-country championship field for the sixth time in the last eleven years, J. W. Savidan added another success to his long list at Hamilton last Saturday. A splendid entry, representing all clubs in the province, participated in the event. The contest was marred by had conditions and the six and aquarter miles course provided very heavy going. The lirst six to finish had to produce their very best efforts. Savidan took the lead from the start and, following his usual practice of forcing the pace, lie soon had a small advantage. This ho increased and at the finish he had a good margin to Sparc from Crompton, the Lynndale champion, who was in his best form.

The winner's performance was remarkable for a man of 36 years. Savidan appeared to bo running with the ease he displayed in his prime. He has lost a lot of his former speed and would probably meet defeat over a shorter distance, but at six and aquarter miles his stamina is still too much for runners in Auckland. It is not yet known whether he will definitely compete in the New Zealand championships at New Plymouth next week. If he does, his meeting .with Weller, Prosser, Geddes and Dickison will create much interest. He was decisively defeated two years ago by Weller in the national event at Ellorslie and will be keen to reverse that decision.

R, Crompton rose to the occasion after experiencing ups and downs throughout the season. He ran a welljudged race on Saturday, however, and in spite of the heavy going, which did not suit him, he possessed too much stamina over the final mile for all but Savidan. His return to form was pleasing, and he will greatly strengthen the Auckland team this year. The third runner home, A. H. Harding, was another to produce his true form after ill luck throughout the year. He revealed a return to form in his club's championship race the previous week. The conditions were to his advantage. He revelled •in the heavy going and proved faster than anyone over the final stages.

WATTERS' FINE PERFORMANCE

LITTLER CAUSES SURPRISE

L. R. Watters lias been the most prominent runner next to Savidan throughout the year, but on Saturday he was forced to give way to both Crompton and Harding, who were in their best form. Nevertheless, Watters ran a good race and, being a less experienced runner, he should show improvement. 1. B. Neil, who was fifth, was too fast for Crompton, Harding and Watters on the road throughout the year, but each of the last-named lias proved superior across country. The surprise of the race was provided by C. Littler, of the Papatoetoe Club, who finished well up in sixth position. Littler displayed more than ordinary promise a few years ago, but for the past two years has failed repeatedly to produce his early form. He went out with tho leading bunch and stayed on reallv well to finish sixth. It was disturbing to see Savidan still outclassing the younger runners. Other (rood performances in the race were made by* Rest, Trow, French and Melnnes, who finished in that order after the first six. Best, in particular, went verv well. He promises to develop into a fine distance runner with a little more experience. Finishing in twelfth position was A. Browne, of the Lynndale Club, who put up a good performance to finish close up. Saturday's race was his fourth run this season. University runners failed to display the form expected of them, while Darrooh of Calliope, also failed to show up. 'H. Burt, the Technical junior champion, who finished in eleventh position, was the first junior to finish and he completely outclassed the other runners of his age.