AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20285, 9 April 1938, Page 3

AMATEUR ATHLETICS.

COMMENTS ON EVENTS.

MANY FINE EFFORTS. GREAT FINISHES BY DOVELL. (By "GET SET.") Despite the unpleasant conditions a', tho Thames Amateur Athletic Cluu's open meeting on Saturday last, those who braved the elements—and there was a fair attendance—were treated to some fine racing. The finishes were very good. Outstanding Effort.

Undoubtedly one of the outstanding performances was that of the local boy, Dovell, whose finishing effort in the junior 100yds was magnificent. Last as the field passed the 70yds peg, ho unwound an amazing burst of speed and dasl.ied : through,to snatch victory in the last yard. "Again in the final of the open 100yds his finishing effort carried him' within'inches of McMillan, the winner. He again showed up in the 220yds final with" a great finish. It certainly looks as though the junior provincial champion has a very bright future. Deserved Ovation.

Matt. Baker was responsible for a great performance in the 440yds. handicap, and the New Zealand champion certainly showed he has improved considerably. Though he only beat Ball by inches he ran a splendid race and received a deserved ovation. Handicaps Too Big. The handicaps were too much for Dare in the mile, but nevertheless ho footed a good race. Dent, in this event, ran well to defeat Dcvcich, who would have puF up a better fight had he not lost ono of his shoes. A Good Field Event Man. J. Alker (Hamilton) was another who showed to advantage. He won the shot putt, also the high jump handicap, and was third in the discus throw —surely a fine performance. Two Good Performances. H. McMillan ran well to win the senior 100yds. He also showed fine jumping ability in the broad jump, and his 20ft. 3in. would have put him in line for the Auckland title had he competed. A Treat to Watch.> :

H. D. Ball, besides running Baker to inches in the 440yds., scored a nice victory in the half-mile. His finish up the straight was a treat to watch. Had Little Trouble.

Gillespie had little trouble in winning the javelin throw, and a great duel would have, been staged had Clegg, the champion, appeared. The Devciich Brothers.

I. Dcvcich had a:very busy day, and came through well. J. Dcvcich finished top in the discus throw, dead-heated in the hop. step and jump, and won the broad jump—not a bad -effort for a junior. Splendid Hurdling. E. Bane hurdled splendidly to win the 120yds hurdles from the ex-cham-pion, Finlayson. Unfortuniate Accident. It was unfortunate that O. Beere, who was showing up well, should have met with such a bad accident. The incident actually cast a shadow over the crowd. Beere was an inmate in hospital overnight, but was able to travel home with his team-mates on Sunday. lam sure all will wish him a speedy recovery. Showed Promise. D. M. Harris ran well but found tho handicap too much. Nevertheless, ho showed a good finishing effort in tho junior 440yds. to claim third place. In the half-mile he could not reach tho limit men. In this event, McMillan ran gamely to win from Stanley.

Showed Out Well. M. K. Baker was another runner who showed up in several races. Ho displayed improved form.

Lines Jones had. a busy afternoon, and finished secoud in tho discus throw.

Outstanding Lady. Of tho ladies, M. Grindrod was outstanding. She won the broad jump, the ladies' 80yds hurdles, and was second iu the high jump.

Miss Davis secured the open 100yds and fully deserved her success. Miss Lumley did not compete, but had she done so she would have had to travel fast to head the winner. Congratulations. Congratulations to the members of tho High School team who did so well at Hamilton. The majority of the placegetters were members of the local club. McLean's effort fri the high jump was splendid, and Galloway, Burrett and J. Dcvcich did well.