OLYMPIC HARRIERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12194, 20 July 1925, Page 11

OLYMPIC HARRIERS

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SCATCHARD SUCCESSFUL. The club championship of the Olympio Harriers took place on Saturday at Hut®, over the Australasian championshlsp course. The trail, a two-lap led round the racecourse then out into the paddocks circling round them for a couple of miles until hitting the road, where a sharp turn to the left was made, bringing a three-quarter mile straight road back to the racecourse round the course' and followed the first lap until the oourse was met again, then a complete lap was made, the race finishing in front of the grandstand. Twenty-five runners faced the starter, Mr Davies. From the start, Perston, Scatchard, and Campbell took the lead closely followed by Ormrod, Smith and Lahkshear. This order was maintained for two miles, vlien the leaders after crossing a fence lost the trail, and by the time they picked it up again, the rest of the pack was up to them. The delay cost them over 100 yards, but tne three, Scatchard, Perston and Campbell, soon got away again, and being experienced runners made up a lot of time by jumping the fences. The trail was very wet and about 2i miles out a wide bog was encountered and almost brought the runners to a standstill. After crossing the bog the trail hit the road and from then on the leaders made the pace too hot for the others, and soon put up a big gap between them. HARD-FOUGHT FINISH The leaders were well matched, and each tried to outdo the other, thus there was no rest for them. On entering the racecourse, Perston was slightly in the lead followed by Scatchard and Campbell, and at intervals Ormrod, Smith, Lankshear, and Lovatt hit the course. Campbell forged slightly ahead and was leading by 3 yards on the first lap. By then the field was well strung out. After going half-a-mile on the second lap, Campbell had to retire owing to injuries to his knee. This left Scatchard and Perston to fight out the rest of the journey. The pnee was solid and the second lap was veryv fast. The two struck the racecourse together; over half-a-mile ahead of the next man. They fought out a gruelling half-mile finish, Perston taking the lead i.OO yards from home, but Scatchard clung to him and in 'the last few yards put m a determined finish and vfon by two yards. The rest of the field then commenced to come in, Smith finishing third, followed by Ormrod, Lankshear, and Workman. GOOD TIMES RECORDED The winner’s time was 38min 38sec, and runner-up 38 min 39 sec. Considering the nature of the course, they are to be congratulated on their fine run. Smith, a new runner, who finished third, ran a great race, and if he trnins from now on must get a place in the A team for the provincial championship. . , , , After tho handicaps had been worked out it was found that Workman had won the sealed handicap with Allardyce and Smith following. The following officials were present and helped towards the success of the meeting Messrs Davies. Hall, Shaw, Pliipson, liOng, and French. Tho A and B teams to represent the club in the provincial championships will he picked from the followingScatchard. Perston. Wilson, Campbell, Smith, Ormrod, Lnnkslicnr,’ I<ovatt, Workman, Mneknv, Blair, Fortune. Allardyce, Croshie, Boyd, and Williams. All are expected to train at the Institute on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. . The next Saturday s run will be held at Lyall Bay, when the teams Tace will take place.