HARRIERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23219, 17 June 1937, Page 4

HARRIERS

CIVIL SERVICE Starting next Saturday with the Edmond Cup trial, several of the Civil Service Club’s members will have a number of races in succession. Coupled with the trial is a 20-a-side race held annually with the Caversham Club. Last year this race proved a decisive win for Civil Service, but with Caversham in a stronger position this season the result should be about even. The following week the most keenly contested race of the year is to be held—the Edmond Cup. The club has held this cup on several occasions, and has been the runner-up for the last few years. This year It will field its strongest team in the hope of again gaining the valued trophy. July 3 is the data set down for the Lovelock Relay Race, to be held at Carisbrook. This race was suggested by the University Harriers to commemorate Lovelock’s great performance, and will be held between teams of eight, each man running a mile. Some of the likely members to be in the team are A. R. Geddes. J. G. Barnes, N. Greaney, L. Greaney, W. Mackinnon, A. Kirkwood. R. Whittleston, R. Wilkinson, S. Asher, L. R. M’Millan and N. Coutts. Members who are not running in this event should watch the paper for particulars regarding the place fo~ their run. In view of the fact that a junior team will be sent down to Invercargill for • the Southland Cross-country Championship, it is now time for all juniors to settle down to regular training at ’ , the Caledonian Ground. W. Lean, a well-built junior, is running well at present and is a keen and regular attender at training. L. Carter, although not of big build, displays wonderful staying power in the Saturday runs. This young lad is perhaps the keenest junior the club has at present, and it is hoped that he will be rewarded for his keenness. L. Bradshaw and C. M’Kersey are both colts who are improving with every run. ST, KILDA Last Saturday the St. Kilda Club held its annual Five-mile Championship under perfect weather conditions, e Eighteen runners faced the starter, Mr C. Bissland, while Messrs J. Boardman, A. MTndoe, and C. Brady acted as judges. A. Smith, who won the race, joined the club in 1932, and has been placed second and third on other occasions. His time this year was over one minute faster than that of last year, which shows the value of consistent training. He would do even better if he would make more use of his long, raking stride, and remember that many a race has been lost through looking around. C. Pope, who finished second, was the surprise of the day. He has won the Championship three times, and was runner-up on four occasions. Pope, who has done very (little training this season, started in the race to qualify for the Edmond Cup team. Lack of training told in the last mile, and he will need to have a few hard runs before the Edmond Cup. E. Cope, the club’s most promising junior, ran well to finish third. HadCope gone with the leaders over the first two miles the result would have been different. Only a few weeks back in the Three-mile Cope’s time was Imin 25sec faster than Smith. I. Chapman, who finished fifth, is a newcomer to the club, and with a little training will be a big asset. G. Thompson, who finished fourth, ran a good race. He was with the leaders right from the start. R. Lumb was the disappointment of the race. Lumb is a runner who is well above the average, and would do well with his running if he would only settle down to solid training. He would be well advised to remember not to talk and to settle down to a steady stride. Next Saturday the Edmond Cup Trial will be held. J. M. Napier is back in town again, and he will help to strengthen the Edmond Cup team. DUNEDIN The Dunedin Harriers held a sports meeting at St. Kilda on Saturday last. F. Breese was running, and gained two second places in the sprint and Shot Putt. Breese is the club’s _ keenest worker, and met with success in sprint events a few seasons back. The club’s Three-mile C.C. Trial Race and Sealed Handicap will be run on Saturday next. J. M’Laren is running extremely well, and should take first place. L. Hill is a much-improved runner, and has been in constant training. E. Coomer has been running well this season, and is likely to spring a surprise, for he is a runner with determination. T. M’Donnell has been in solid training, and will run a good race, for he has the staying power necessary for distance races. W. M’Leod will be running in the race, and is expected to put up a good showing. D. Lorimer has not been out for the last six runs. After his showing in the first runs of the season, his club mates were counting on him to run in the Edmond Cup team. E. Williams will be a starter in the race, but it is too early to expect him to make a good showing, for he has not trained for the distance. CAVERSHAM Interest is now centred in the personnel of the club’s teams for the Edmond Cup, to be run on June 26. Next Saturday the club trial will be held, and the teams selected. With the runners of the winning Kennett Cup team and G. L. Austin and A. G. Sadler as probable members, the team should be completed after a hard tussle for the remaining two places in the No. 1 team. Likely men for these places are S. J. Bartlett, L. F. Gerrie, R. Abernethy, and T. Taylor. This team is one which should be capable of putting up an excellent performance. The club will also enter the usual No. 2 team. Last Saturday the fast pack had an excellent run, and put in some hard work over the Mount Grand district, returning via the water race. Prominent in this pack were A. J. Barr and G. R. Colston. The second pack covered the v same district, with W. Young, P. Harwood. and E. P. Brown always to the fore. The junior pack, under Deputy Captain Hebbard, had a long run, and returned much later than the other packs. It is questionable whether such long runs are really of benefit to the boys. A highly successful tea was held after the run at Lake’s Restaurant, when the members of the club were the guests of G. L. Austin and C. K. Heaton, secretary and treasurer respectively.