Encouraging Standard In Wrestling Championships

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26906, 19 October 1948, Page 9

Encouraging Standard In Wrestling Championships

Sports Commentar

By the Sports Editor

The New Zealand Amateur Wrestling Championships, held in Dunedin recently, satisfied keen observers that the sport is making encouraging progress in the Dominion. The standard showed a definite improvement from previous tournaments, and this, allied with the smooth running of the championships, gave the three days’ wrestling added interest and instructiveness.

In winning the Smale-Humphrey Shield, Canterbury established itself as the premier province, and its success was generally agreed to have been richly deserved. By its example of progressive administration, Canterbury, it is fairly safe to say, has shown the way to all other associations. Added training facilities have been acquired, so that the province is now comparatively well-equipped in this respect. The Canterbury Association has also been successful in introducing wrestling into the secondary schools and has thus laid firm foundations for the future growth and popularity of the sport. . . The picture in Otago is, unfortunately, not so bright, but no blame for this is attributable to local officials, who succeeded in conducting perhaps the finest tournament in the championship series. The lack of gymnasiums is undoubtedly the main factor detrimental to the progress of wrestling in Otago. The position will be considerably alleviated, however, if the Otago Association’s present plans are brought to fruition. .. , , . .... The Otago team failed to wm a title at the championships, but three of its members—A. Hollander, R. Tourell and J Monaghan—showed impressive form to fill second places in their divisions. Monaghan was an especially stylish exponent, but, in common with many Mher competitors, he did not show up to the same extent in ground wrestling. His only defeat was suffered at the hands of L. J. Genet (Canterbury), the title-winner, who came very cleverly from underneath to pin Monaghan. The middle-weight section was keenly contested by J. A. Mclnnes (Canterbury), Tourell and P. Fletcher (Auckland), the rugged Canterbury man eventually taking the honours. Fletcher showed up as an attractive stylist, especially in his earlier bouts, and should develon with more experience. , , . Wellington was the only team to challenge . seriously Canterbury s leadership. In W. Adams (lightweight) and K. Ruby (feather-weight), Wellington was represented by two fast and clever exponents who won their titles by speed and science. The heavyweight division attracted only three entries, P. O’Connor (Wellington) showing a fairly clear-cut superiority over his opponents. O’Connor is a young wrestler, who combines weight .with impressive physique. In the opinion of a well-known he has attributes which would probably enable him to join the professional ranks. One of the most popular successes was that of L. .J. Keats (Canterbury), who won the fly-weight title. Keats, a comparatively inexperienced boy, had to dispose of several older opponents and won his title after defeating the most fancied contestant, B. Lousich (Auckland) in a thrilling and spectacular bout. All the competitors realised the importance of physical fitness in a sport which makes a great demand on its participants. Evidence of careful training and preparation was obvious and the emphasis laid on this aspect by contestants was most encouraging.

Promising Bateman The young Hutt Valley batsman, John Reid, who appears to be a distinct possibility for the New Zealand team to tour England next year, has been practising steadily at a special school organised by the energetic Hutt Valley Cricket Association for some weeks past. He and other young Hutt players have been receiving instruction from the former international wicket-keeper, K. C. James. Reid started the season in splendid fashion by scoring 107 retired in a colts’ representative match in Wellington. Northern observers state that, although he was helped by a short boundary on one side of the wicket, the fluency of his stroke play indicated that he will make many more runs before the season ends.

Professional Overtures A big promoter of professional athletics in Sydney recently cabled Harrison Dillard, Mel Patton. Barney Ewell, and Lloyd la Beach, the brilliant American quartet who easily won the Olympic 400 Metres Relay, to turn professional and travel to Australia for a relay race against the Australian professional sprint champion, Frank Banner, and three others. As the Melbourne Sporting Globe puts its, however, the offer of £IOOO for the winning team and £SOO for the losers is hardly likely to tempt the Americans And then, again, the Amateur Athletic Union of New South Wales is arranging to finace a tour by overseas athletes, and an invitation has already been extended to Harrison Dillard, and should he not be available Lloyd la Beach is to be invited to make the trip. It appears likelv that the professional overtures will be abortive.