ATHLETICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23516, 2 June 1938, Page 5

ATHLETICS

By Amateur

FIXTURES June 4.— Kennett Cup race at Christchurch. June 18.—Edmond Cup trials. June 25.—Edmond Cup race. August 20.—New Zealand Universities’ Harrier Championships at Wingatui (tentative). August 27. —New Zealand Crosscountry Championships at New Plymouth (tentative). TRANSFERRED TO CHRISTCHURCH G. H. Watson, a member of the Invercargill Harrier Club for a couple of seasons and of Civil Service this .year, has been transferred to Christchurch, and will leave for the north to-morrow. Watson commenced nis athletic career with the Christchurch Harrier Club and for several seasons represented Canterbury in the New Zealand Cross-country Championship. He was never able to win the Canterbury Championship, although he was runner-up several times, first to R. M. Barrer and later to A. D. Park. Park always managed to beat Watson in Christchurch, but the latter usually turned the tables in the national championship and was probably the most consistent man to run for Canterbury, his best performance being seventh in 1935 at Wellington. On the administrative side he did good work for the sport in Christchurch, being at different times treasurer, club captain and handicapper for his club, as well as captain of the representative team. He has taken a less active part in the game since residing in Invercargill. but he has done good work* as a coach. The flat country evidently did not suit his style of training, and his own form suffered as a consequence. He is certain of a warm welcome back to Christchurch, and, with a few walks and runs on the Port Hills, he should have little difficulty in getting into racing trim again. He is young enough to have several good years of cross-country racing in front of him, and his prospects of getting back into the Canterbury team are bright, in which case it can be taken for granted that he will not disgrace himself in the New Zealand Championship. AMONG THE HARRIERS It is apparent from many points of view that the 1938 harrier season in Dunedin is proving one of the most successful held for a number of years. There is a noticeably increased interest being taken in both the Saturday runs and the club races. Nearly every club is able to report an increase in membership, which shows that more and more Dunedin youths are realising the benefits to be derived from the sport, which provides healthy recreation and helps to promote the physical fitness of the vouth of the country. Moreover, it is an interesting and enjoyable sport, and produces the best of good-fellowship among members. Not only have club memberships in Dunedin increased, but a new club—the Celtic United—has been formed, and is proving a decided acquisition to amateur athletics in Otago. Then there is the pleasing news that a Scottish Harrier Club is to be formed in the near future. The writer wishes the club every success. Morningtor The Mornington Club’s Two-mile Handicap Race at St. Kilda on Saturday was well contested, the honours going to C. Moore both for the fastest time and the actual placing. This was a very meritorious effort, as he was scratch man. Moore held the lead ftom about half a mile from home, and clocked lOmin 14sec. A pleasing feature was the excellent run made by J. Callister, who was second. It is very satisfactory to see a member who was prominent a few years back come out again and still hold his own. Both T. Wallace and W. Gardner showed that they had the racing spirit, and have borne i out the high hopes the club had for them as shown by their weekly runs. The handicappers are to be congratulated on their good work, The results of both races—the Mile three weeks ago and the race on Saturday—showed that they must have given a lot of time to compiling the handicaps. Leith Saturday’s run was a cold, bleak one, but. the pack managed to cover some fine country,' and, get in good road work. Considering that the three-mile course is a mixture of soft and hard surfaces, this should help those who intend competing in this event. E, Pridham, who led the pack on Saturday, showed that he has a turn of speed when necessary. His consistent training is also having some good effects on his style. J;> Stephenson is continuing to run exceedingly well, and should be a power to reckon with in cross-country events. The two new members, W. Percy and E. Hill, were well up throughout the run, and it is hoped that they will be able to keep up such commendable opening form. Celtic United The Dunedin Club was the guest of the Celtic United Club at the run last Saturday, and its members were always prominent in the fast pack. These few members turn out every week in a gallant effort to keep their club together, and deserve every credit and encouragement in trying to uphold the traditions of the oldest Harrier Club in Dunedin. Owing to a full team not being available, only two members of the Celtic United Club will run in the Kennett Cup Steeplechase at Christchurch on Saturday. They are W. A. Kennedy and H. Sullivan. Sullivan has been training well, although handicapped by a knee injury sustained a few months ago. He has had plenty of interclub experience, and if he produces anything like his old form he should be well to the fore on Saturday. Kennedy is right at the top of nis form, and has never had to extend himself on a club run. i Next Saturday will be his test, and on his present showing he is capable of disputing individual honours, P. Tarleton was out on Saturday after a short illness, and ran well in the fast pa'ck. He needs only light training to secure a place in the Edmond Cup team. J. Nicholson is very keen, and enjoys his Saturday run. He is solidly built, and should make a good short-distance runner after a hard winter season. W. Beauchamp ran with the fast pack on Saturday, and moved up smartly to finish fifth in a fast run home. Civil Service Last Saturday the Civil Service Club held its annual Three-mile Race for the Railway Cup over the usual course, starting and finishing at the St. Kilda tram terminus. Weather conditions were good, as the cold wind was only noticeable at the start. The course was in fair order, but for the long stretch of sand along Lovers’ lane. Running in his first club race, A. Richards, the winner, showed very promising form and good judgment. This runner, who has won the Otago Boys’ High School cross-country race, should be an acquisition to the junior team in inlorclub races. M. Collins ran a solid race to take second place and seventh fastest time. Collins, who is the club’s present junior cross-coun-try champion, has been training consistently and should be well to the fore in junior events this season. R, Wilkinson, who filled third place, ran very freely throughout to gain sixth fastest time and a place in the Kennett Cup team. This runner has been shaping well in the club runs this season. and needs only consistent training to hold his own with the club’s best this winter. Another young runner who performed well was S. Carter, who has stamina and a very good road style. Fastest time went to A. R, Geddes, who, like S. Asher, N. Coutts, and D. Whittleston, held a good training run. One of the back-markers. W. Mackinnon, ran a solid race to finish eighth in second fastest time, only one second behind Geddes. Before the three-mile race, a Colts

Half-mile Handicap was decided, H. Nelson ran a well-judged race to win easily from the scratch man. C. Walker. Toko The most impressive feature of Saturday’s outing was the form of Captain J. Keen, who is apparently running better than ever this season. On Saturday he finished strongly after covering a good distance at a fast clip. He is reaping the benefit of the long walks he indulged in before the season started. A. Dowie and R. Freeman are both moving well, but are inclined to overdo the fast work in training runs. R. Martin is steadily coming to form and is training very wisely, indulging in a modicum of fast work and conserving afl his energy for the big races. G. Paul Is running regularly again, and seems as good as ever.