ANNUAL SPORTS AT LUMSDEN

Southland Times, Issue 23735, 6 February 1939, Page 3

ANNUAL SPORTS AT LUMSDEN

SPLENDID RUNNING PERFORMANCES

F. G. PICKERING WINS CUP FOR MOST POINTS

Securing a convincing win in the Sheffield and another good win in the quarter mile handicap, F. G. Pickering, of Invercargill, was the outstanding runner at the Lumsden sports on Saturday. The programme was a big one and there were many good performances during the day, but that of Pickering was the most meritorious. He has won some big races this season and was on a “tight” mark on Saturday, but, running better than ever before, he showed that he can seriously challenge any of the back-markers in the longer sprint events in Southland. Pickering won the McAlister Cup for most points in running events. The weather was fine for the meeting and a good crowd saw an excellent afternoon’s entertainment. The gate takings were £2B, compared with £4l last year, but the fact that the admission price was reduced from 2/- to 1/6 accounted in some part for the reduction. A protest was entered after the running of the 440 yards handicap, three of the competitors complaining that F. G. Pickering had run inside the tapes on the final bend. However, the protest was dismissed. The Sheffield provided one of the best races of the day. In the final, the field rose to an excellent start, with E. Sizemore, of Gore, showing the way from F. G. Pickering. Sizemore led until 15 yards from the tape, when Pickering put in a great run and shot through, taking first place by a yard. The judges gave second place to R. Pickering, a younger brother of the winner. Sizemore was placed fourth. Competition was keen for a cup presented by Herbert, Haynes and Co., Ltd., for the northern district school gaining most points in a series of sports events. Good entries were received and the children gave some splendid performances. The trophy was won by Dipton. , -J J u Some good racing was provided by the three cycling events on the programme. The scratch man in each event, T. Smith, showed his ability by taking first place in the two miles handicap and second place in the half-mile. A. Shepherd, L. Carroll and G. Hoffman, three other back-markers, also gave good performances. Good entries were received in the dancing and piping events and they were popular with the crowd. Clay bird shooting and miniature rifle shooting events were, included in the programme and they produced keen competition and good marksmanship. The Southland miniature rifle shooting championship was won by C, M. Dore, of Mossbum, who secured the best aggregate in the two matches fired. The meeting was well controlled by an efficient band of officials. Results: — RUNNING EVENTS 100 YARDS FIVE RIVERS HANDICAP. First, £2; second £1; third 10/-. (10 entries).—First heat: R. Pickering (4yds) 1, E. Sizemore (4Jyds) 2, A. McPherson (scr) 3. Time, 0.10 4-5. Second heat: J. Holland (6Jyds) 1, R. McKenzie (siyds) 2, W. E. Baldwin (11yds) 3. Time, 0.10 3-5. Final: Holland 1, McKenr'e 2, Baldwin 3. All the finalists approached the tape together and