ATHLETICS

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 55

ATHLETICS

By

Amateur.

CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The Otago Centre has every reason to be pleased with its efforts in connection with the Otago Cross-country Championship. The weather was ideal, the entries were probably a record, and the competition was as keen as anyone could desire, the issue being decided by half a yard after one of the best finishes recorded in the history of the race. When the names of the teams were announced it was generally expected that there would be a great fight between Caversham No. 1 and Civil Service No. •1, and such proved to be the case. Barnes upheld his reputation as a champion distance runner by securing first place, and Morris, the young Caversham representative, did likewise by finishing only half a yard behind the winner, while Tapp (Caversham), M'Laren (Pacific), Farquharson (Civil Service), and C. W. Frye (Caversham) algo performed remarkably well. Barnes, Morris, Tapp, and M’Laren were in the leading division all the way, and at an early stage it became, evident that they would take a prominent part in the finish. Barnes and Morris were in exceptionally good form, and in the concluding stages they set such a solid pace that no.ne of the others could keep up with them. The time this year was Imin 20sec better than that recorded in 1927. Both Barnes and Morris have proved their undoubted ability as distance runners during the last two seasons, while Tapp has been one of the best for several years, having an exceptionally good record to nis credit.

Caversham has put up a great record in the teams’ race, having secured pride of place on no fewer than 10 occasions, including five wins in the last six years. With the exception of 1927. when Civil Service won by four points. Caversham has won the teams’ event every year since Anglican secured the honour in 1922. The Leith Club, which is composed mainly of young runners, has a very creditable record, having finished fifth last year and fourth this year. , The team to represent Otago in the New Zealand Cross-country Championship is a very strong one', and should give general satisfaction to followers of the sport. It will undoubtedly meet with strong opposition, especially if such men as Rose and Savidan are able to represent their provinces, but if the Otago runners can reproduce their best form they will keep the other runners busy, and may be depended on to uphold the honour of Otago. The team will leave Dunedin on Wednesday.

The Canterbury Cross-country Championship which was decided over a distance of 10,000 metres at Cashmere on Saturday, attracted a record field of 43. all but two of whom finished. G. L. Austin (Christchurch) won the championship and the Christchurch Club won the teams’ championship. A. D. Kane, the favourite for the event, dropped out after a mile. The course is a stiff one, and is regarded as one of the most difficult in New Zealand or Australia. Twelve runners from Timaru competed, two finishing third and fourth. Bain led the field at the start, the pace being a fast one. The leading bunch comprised Bain, Mahan, Kane, Barrer, Wood, and Allan. Austin was about twelfth. Kane dropped out after a mile, leaving Bain and Mahan in the lead. At the water jump Mahan led by over 50 yards. Eaton was 50 yards ahead of Austin, followed by Park, Simpson, Allan, and Bain, with the field well strung out. Going up the hill Mahan still held his advantage, and appeared a certain winner. Austin picked up on the hill, and caught Mahan about a quarter of a mile from home. The latter 'a 1 and lost ground, Austin going on to win by 60 yards. Mahan was about 20 yards ahead of. Eaton, with Simpson close up. Baptist and Timaru tied for second place in the teams’ race with 36 points each. The winner has raced prominently in harrier events and on the track for some years. He was beaten by A. Di Kane in the Christchurch Club Championship held a fortnight previously. J. L. Allan, winner in 1925, finished fifth on Saturday. The team to represent Canterbury in the New Zealand Cross-country Championship at Wanganui «n August if will be selected from B. Austin, C. G. Mahan, and A. D. Kane (Christchurch), J. Eaton and F. F. Simpson (Timaru), J. L. Allan (Presbyterian), and G. C. Adams (Baptist).

WELLINGTON CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP. WELLINGTON, August 4. The Wellington Provincial Cross-coun-try Championship was won by Brooklyn with 38 points, Hutt Valley being second with 43 points, Olympic third with 50, and Wellington fourth with 52. The individual honours went to R. A. Rose (Masterton), who led throughout, and won by 400 yards in 36min 48sec. G. Bayne (Hutt Valley) was second in 37min.

40sec, and D. C. Pederson (Brooklyn) third in 37min 50sec. The Wellington provincial team has been selected as follows:—F. Silver (Scottish), captain, G. Bayne, D. C. Pederson. A. L. Stevens (Scottish), G. Sheppard (Wellington), and S. Andrews (Hutt Valley). Emergency, G. G. Bibbv (Brooklyn). R. A. Rose (Masterton') will enter as an individual, being unable to travel with the team. - The B Grade event was won by Olympic, 25 points, with Wellington, 45 points, second, and Scottish, 54 points, third. S. Foraster (Wellington) won individual honours in 41min. NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION. SEPARATE AFFILIATION. LONDON, August 3. The New Zealand Athletic Association’s separate affiliation with the International Amateur Athletic Association has been approved.