AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Opunake Times, 18 February 1949, Page 4

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

CARNIVAL MEETING OUTSTANDING AT TRACTION The conclusion of the recent West Coast (N. 1.) Championship meeting' coupled with the success of our athletes who took part, marks another year of progress in the life of the Opunake Coastal Amateur Athletic Club. Emerging in 1945 from a period of recess the club lias forged ahead mostly under adverse conditions, but with the excellent past performances of Fred Barraclough to look back upon the club had always felt that a bright day was coming, and it certainly arrived last season with the accomplishments of Jack Shields, who carried away eight Taranaki titles on the one day and went on with Barraclough and Bill who brought home a title apiece, to gain 5 more at the West Coast Champs of 1948, while L. Diclcison and G. Watt annexed 2 new_ West Coast titles this year 1 . Thus, in holding a sports meeting at Opunake on February 26th., the club is endeavouring to bring before the public of Opunake not only a spectacle of outstanding athletics but also an opportunity to judge for themselves why athletics is proving such an ever popular sport in the Dominion and especially to emphasise the need for a better athletic area in Opunake. • Featured on the programme 1 s Claude Clegg’s attempt to better the Taranaki Record in the Javelin throw. Formerly of Opunake, Clegg first gained this title of New Zealand champion in this event in 1960 with a throw of 195 ft. FHins. Since that date he has won it three times, the past two years in succession and appears a certainty for the 1949 National ChampsStan Lay, the ex-Olympic Games representative, is the present holder of the Taranaki record with a throw of George Watt, of Pungarehu, will attempt to better the West Coast Junior Pole Vault Record —Bft. This should prove no obstacle to Watt who cleared 9ft. 9in. at the 1949 West Coast Champs., but because of a following wind could not apply for the record. Watt is a young athlete who has shown marked ability in most field events and has still another year as a junior. He should make himself well felt in athletic circles. The Invitation Race of 1000 yards betwen Neil Bates, Stratford, Len Dickison, Opunake, Sfratton Colbert, New Plymouth, and several other prominent athletes should attract considerable attention. Neil Bates, 1947 N.Z. Junior Mile and 1949 Senior Mile West Coast Champ is a brilliant miler who upon entering senior rank this year has shown his ability in no uncertain manner. It is considered that he has excellent prospects for the N.Z. Mile Champ title. Len Dickison who was 1947 N.Z.E-F. (Japan) 440 and 880 yards champion and won the 1949 West Coast Senior 880yds title has proved by his recent performances that he is worthy to enter the ranks of the champion middle distance men of the country. Easily the most stylish runued in Taranaki he should prove a worthy representative of the West Coast if selected for the National meeting. Stratton Colbert is the 1949 880yds Junior West Coast Champ. This athlete who will become a senior next season has shown by his good times in the 880yds as. a junior that he will bear watching in the next few years. Marching Display Tremendously popular with the public, the additional attraction of a Girls’ Marching display, including teams from New Plymouth and Opunake, will undoubtedly make the day a memorable one. The Ground Development committee is controlling sideshows and refreshment booths with ice creams and soft drinks, and funds will be devoted to the development of the recreation area and the Athletic Club.