F. WOOD v. W. WOOD, FOR £50.

Otago Witness, 31 August 1888, Page 27

F. WOOD v. W. WOOD, FOR £50.

These prominent professional wheelists met at the Aylestone road grounds, Leicester, to decide their second match over a distance of 10 miles for a " pony " a-side. It will be remembered that on the occasion of the first meeting between the pair at North Shields, a fortnight since, Billy Wood got the best of a splendid finish, and as recently as a week ago, the Northcountry crack again defeated the Leicester celebrity iv the run home for the 20-mile championship at the Belgrave road grounds. After the latter event, however, F. Wood sustained a severe shaking from a fall brought about by comiug into collision with the spectators directly after the finish, and which militated somewhat upon the progress of his training during the early part of last week. Still, under the care of Tommy Wright, he soon pulled himself together, and was not much wanting wheu his trainer delivered him at the starting place. After his victory on the Saturday previous, Billy Wood took up his quarters in the town in order to accomplish his preliminary work on the Belgrave ground track, before going to Aylestone later on in the week, and as regards condition, the Northern celebrity looked fit enough for anything. Prior to Saturday the event did not evoke that amount of interest as was anticipated, but probably this was owing to the frequency of important professional events during|the|past f ow' weeks. As regards th,e issue, however, " Billy " was considered to have the best of the deal. Since the running off of the 25miles championship the other week the corners of the Aylestone track have been considerably widened, but the improvements effected would have been more complete if the turn into the straight had been banked up more on the outside rails. The track was in excellent condition, and all the arrangements were of a satisfactory order. The weather on Saturday was cold, dull, and threatening, which meteorological outlook had its effect upon the attendance, which did not number more than some 1500 spectators. Just prior to the men turning out at 25 minutes past 7, the betting was in favour of the local Wood, but

only a very small amount of money changed hands over the race, which afforded but amoderate display of riding. The wind was astrotig one, and militated very much against the men along the top stretch, and when the circumstance is taken into consideration the pace was not a dusty one. Result : —

Fred Wood, Leicester (57in Humber) ... 1 W. Wood, North Shields (55in Premier) 2

When Ward let go the pistol, W. Wood, who lost the spin, moved away, and in the first 100 yds settled down half a length in front, and negotiated the first mile 3min lOsec, and the second in 3min 12sec, F. Wood riding comfortably in the immediate rear. The second and third stages of the journey occupied 3min 9sec and 3min lOsec respectively, and at this stage it became apparent that the issue would resolve itself into something like half-a-mile set to. Without any change the half distance was passed in 15min Blsec, and then the leader quickened, but adopted the easy-go-lucky pace again directly afterwards. Six miles were recorded in 19min lsec, seven miles in 22min llsec, and eight miles in 25min 18sec, and when the last mile was entered upon both braced themselves up for the final dust up. A couple of laps from the death Billy began to pile on, the agony, but Wood maintained his position in the immediate rear. So they rode into the final lap, and with the 20-miles [champion still in front, the pair raced up to the hill at a cracking pace. No change occurred until getting well on to the railway side of the track, when Fred Wood made his effort, and at once challenged for the lead. Amid a burst of enthusiasm the local rider forced his machine in front, and rounded the home turn a length to the good. Then W. Wood came again with a well-timed effort, and ere the stand was reached he had drawn up almost level. A fine race ensued, Fred Wood breaking the worsted by the merest distance to the good. A lot of excitement prevailed at the finish, and considerable doubt existed as to the issue until the referee's verdict became known. The time of the race was 31min 28 l-ssec.