AMATEUR SPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23829, 3 December 1940, Page 12

AMATEUR SPORTS

MEETING AT OTAHUHO FAST TIMES REGISTERED SEVERAL CHAMPIONS COMPETE The open meeting conducted by the Otahuhu Amateur Athletic Club hist week was well supported by athletes, many of whom were having their first race of the season against all-comers. The track was in exceptionally fast condition, the evening warm and favourable for running, and the meeting well conducted. Two events for members of the military forces drew good entries, a number of soldier athletes from Papakura making the trip. Among; them were R. B. Joyes, of Hamilton, Auckland 220 yds and 410yda hurdles champion, J. Dennes, Waikato sprint champion, and B. T. Robertson. Auckland University broad jump record holder. Prominent competitors in open events were li. Mansill, of Otahuhu Club, 100 yds and 220 yds Auckland champion, H. Emus, of Lynndale Club, run ncr-up to Mansill, J. McMnnns, Auckland 4-10 yds champion, Miss L. Hall, 220 yds ladies' champion, and Miss B. Llpscomlie, lady shot-putt champion. In the sprint races, both heats of the 100 yds were won in 10s, and the final in 10 1-Gs, while the final of the 220 yds was run in 22 2-ss. Theso aro very fast times for so early in the soason. W. Gallaugher, of Paoatoetoe Club, was successful in the short event, off the 9yds mark, and J. McManus, closely followed by his brother, O. McManus, both off Byds, were first and second respectively in the 220 yds. It. Mansill finished fourth in his heat of the 100 yds, and third in his heat of the 220 yds, while Emus was second in his heat of both sprints. As usual, Emus finished very fast, and Mansill had lost none of his dash, but both were giving away too much in handicaps to be placed in the finals. M. C. Baker, ex-New Zealand champion, contested these events. His loose, easy, flowing action made him prominent among the other competitors, but his finish is not as strong as of yore, and he is not yet in trim, having been prevented from training by a troublesome heel injury. Good performances were those of W. Cunningham, of Papakura Club, who had a lot of success last year, W. Allden, of Mount Albert Club, and the all-rounder 11. Laurie, of Papatoetoc Club. In the 440 yds, J. McManus gave a line exhibition, his powerful striding and unrelenting finish being- very noticeable. He won both the 220>ds and 44()yds in good time. The half-mile drew only a fair field, of whom the scratch runner, H. A. Payne, of Auckland Club, was most prominent, lie finished third in 2m 2s, and has already had much success in this event this season, including a win on Labour Day, and several wins in club events. A newcomer in J. 1. Black appears to liave promise, lie finished second to L. C. Barker, and has undoubtedly speed and stamina, lacking only experience and further training. The mile proved an easy triumph for A. Mclnnes, of Otahuhu. a much fitter athlete this year than in the past, as is evidenced by his performances through the last harrier season. He has been boxing, also, with much success. Running from scratch, he made light of the opposition, was in the lead with 440 yds to go, and won with 100 yds to spare in 4m 355, finishing very fast. . In junior events, the most successful competitor was A. R. Cooper, who, off good handicaps, won three races, the lOO.vds, 220 yds and 440 yds, rather a lot of competition for one so young at one meeting. The SSOyds junior was a keenly-contested race, with P Thornton and A. Johnson fighting for the finish over the last 220 yds. Thornton won by a narrow margin. Miss R. Elkington won both the 75yds and 100 yds ladies' events. Miss L Hall. New Zealand 220 yds champion, finishing second in the former event and third in the latter.