SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR SUMMER

Southland Times, Issue 24545, 20 September 1941, Page 8

SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR SUMMER

WINTER GAMES YIELDING PRIDE OF PLACE Now that the winter sports are either finished or are approaching the close of the season, sports enthusiasts are busy getting ready for summer games. Rugby football finished early. Hockey players have put their sticks away, while basketball players and cyclists have almost finished their winter programmes. While cricket does not start officially until October 18, clubs will be starting practice within a short time at the nets. Today marks the opening of the tennis season for one city club, Rugby Park. Invercargill is opening next Saturday and St. Mary’s the following day. Now that the weather is getting warmer swimmers will be starting their programme. The club hours are expected to be in full swing quite early in October. Not as many swimmers have been practising at the Municipal Baths lately as during September of last year, which was a particularly fine month, but the changeable weather probably accounts for that. The New Zealand intermediate and junior swimming championships are being held a fortnight earlier this season and the activities in Southland will be speeded up during the next few months in consequence. It is early yet for track athletes to map out their programmes, but a few keen spirits are reported to have started light training already. Keen oarsmen are at work repairing and overhauling their boats in readiness for training for the regattas. Every effort will be made to hold the regattas as usual this season.

What is known as the “official” golf season has another month or two to run with most clubs, but some carry on until early in December. Southland golf links are usually at their best between October and March, during which period summer competitions are conducted by both city clubs and some in the country.