BRITISH ATHLETES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20890, 20 November 1937, Page 10

BRITISH ATHLETES

DEFEAT OF GERMANY EXCITING CONTEST Amid scenes of terrific excitement. 15,000 people, who became more thrilled as each event was contested, saw Great Britain beat Germany for the first time, in the fifth athletic match of the series, at the White City says the “News of the World." With one event to go—the one mile medley relay—the teams stood level, with 66 points each. Then, with the crowd almost afraid to whisper, our men ran a brilliant race to win, and bring a two-point victory. Who were our heroes on this day of thrill after thrill?

W. Roberts, A. W. Sweeney, A. Pennington, and A. G. K. Brown—the relay team —who, unperturbed by the grimness of the occasion, ran with miraculous judgment, to gain a sparkling win. Brown’s time for the half-mile leg was Imin 51.2seC—a grand performance Our sprinters had a field day and gave us a grand send-off —maximum points in the 100 yards and 220 yards. And another hero was J. St. L. Thornton, who not only won the 120 yards hurdles, but beat the redoubtable D. O. Finlay in doing so. It was unfortunate that the weather completely broke down for the match. At one time yesterday, a storm promised to wreck the whole affair, but most of the floor water disappeared. The tunnel which leads from the dressing-room was full up, however, and could not be used. Competitors of both teams were brought through G and H sections of the stands on to the track, which was very soft.

In view of the dismal conditions, the usual march past was dispensed with and a line up hi front of the stand took place while the National Anthems were played.

It was still raining as the four runners went down to their marks for the opening event, the 100 yards.

After two breakaways starter Fred Hulford had the men away to a perfect start. Sweeney was quickest out of the holes, and, running with plenty of fire, led Holmes, to win a great sprint in O.Osec, and give us a really good start, and a lead of five points.

Germany, however, got to work In the half-mile, and, try as both Collyer and Handley did, Harbig came out with 300 yards to go with a fine buret of speed, and nobody showed any sign of beating him. His time, 1.54 8-10 see, was splendid in the conditions.

Great Hurdling Collyer and Handley had their usual race to inches, and were second and third respectively. In the hurdles there was an unexpected surprise in the defeat of Donald Finlay by John St. L. Thornton. After three breakaways a splendid start was effected. Thornton led, and at each hurdle one looked for Finlay to go ahead, but it was not to be. Thornton would not be denied, and led the whole way to win a brilliant race in 14 6-10 sec. Great hurdling, indeed! Finlay Was beaten by Thornton at

the Ravensboume meeting last year. England led by 21 points to 12 points, and were going well. “Now for the quarter!” said everybody. as Brown and Roberts began digging their holes. Roberts drew No 1 and Brown No 3. As far as I could guess. Brown led all the way to the straight, where he just headed his opponents, but Roberts had been going after him in impressive style, and In a few strides was alongside him. Brown took a look at him, and eased up, probably as he was later going to tackle Harbig in the relay over half a mile. Roberts won easily, and the crowd did not get their expected thrill. Roberts's time of 48.2-10 sec, was only 2-10 sec outside British record, and the going was wet and soft. Holmes and Pennington annexed the first two places in the furlong with a brilliant effort. Holmes just winning nicely in 22sec dead.

Moderate Mile The mile was a rather moderate affair after what we have been used to recently. Wooderson and Pell in turn led for half-way at a very slow* pace. Schaumburg livened up the pace in' the third lap. and at the bell tried to sprint away, but Wooderson and Pel! went after him.

Along the back stretch Wooderson led. and Schaumberg was apparently resigned to second position. Anyhow, he did not respond at all to Wooferson’s final burst.

Our lead was now 46 to 31. The field events, however, were being completed, Newman making a great fight of it in the high jump. Weinkotz eventually beat him by an inch at 6ft 3in, and with the two Germans winning the discus easily, without exerting themselves, we still led 60 to 50, but the result was in the balance with three events to go. Peter Ward won the three miles after a final fast sprint with Syring. He had run well, but I hope he is not developing over-confidence, or else he might get a shock at the finish in one of his races. It was obvious that he could have gone a lot faster towards the finish had he liked. Dain.y ran a grand race for a new runner. Woelike and Stock easily carried off the shot put, the former putting up • new British record of 52ft Sin, and, with Breach absent on our side. Long and Assmuss carried off the maximum eight points for Germany in the long jump. The match now stood at 66 points all, and the tension was terrific as the teams got ready for the relay. Roberts gallantly set up a lead of four yards, and Pennington and Sweeney increased this to six yards. Then Brown set off in front of Harbin ...

Brown gave his opponent no chance, and won as hb liked by some 40 yards in the fast time of Imin 51 2-10 sec. And England had beaten Germany for the first time in five matches by the narrow margin of two points!