ATHLETICS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19989, 4 November 1927, Page 8

ATHLETICS

INAUGURAL NIGHT MEETING MILE FLAT PROVIDES STIRRING FINISH CYCLISTS IN GOOD FORM Commencing the evening meetings in Wanganui, under the administration of the West Coast (N. 1. Centre of the N.Z.A.A.A. for the 1927-28 season, a comprehensive sports gathering was held last evening on Cook’s Gardens. The handicapping and starting were carried out effectively by Mr G. A. Benson, while ground arrangements were undertaken by an energetic group of officials. During the meeting musical items—comprising popular numbers and the latest “hits”—were rendered by the Queen Alexandra Band under the baton of Captain G. Buckley. A novelty event was provided by the world-walkers, Messrs Hubert J. Halliday (Vancouver, 8.C.), W. N. Batty (London), and N. A. Godward (West-cliff-on-Sea), who walked an exhibition half-mile, carrying full packs. Easily the greatest thrill of the evening was given the public in the mile run, in which an extremely exciting finish was provided by the three placed men —C. E. Gibbons (Marton), W. Denford (Marton), and K. H. Johnston.

Cycling races, in which large fields competed, also brought the crowd to a high pitch of enthusiasm on frequent occasions.

From every viewpoint the gathering was a success, a gratifying feature being the liberal patronage? for so early in the season. Last evening’s numbers will certainly be augmented at the next electric light meeting on Wednesday, November 16. Detailed results follow:

Quarter-mile cycle, A. Grade. —First heat: N. Ross, 2(jyds, 1; I. Ross, scr., 2; A. Olson, 25yds,- 3. Time 30 2-ssec. Second heat: L. Wakeley, 10yds, 1; K. Anderson, 15yds, 2; J. Newton, 25yds, 3. Time 31 3-ssec. Third heat: J. Alp, 30yds, 1; A. Beattie, 15yds, 2; V. Ruff, 30yds, 3. Time 32sec. Final: 1. Ross 1, L. Wakeley and N. Ross (dead heat) 2. Time 3lsee. The deciding event saw a great struggle with the finalists eager for victory. lan Ross kept his strength in reserve until the straight was reached when he came round on the outside and won by three lengths. Wakeley made a mistake in breaking out too quickly. 100 Yards Handicap.—First heat: Guy Broad, 4yds, .1; O. Maitland, 11yds, < 2; J. C. Dobbs, 63yds, 3. Time 10 2-J sec. Second heat: F. Ford, 6lyds, 1; L. Fear, Syds, 2; E. J. Ward, Byds, 3. Time, 10 l-ssec. Final: G. Broad 1, F. Ford 2, O. Maitland 3. Time 10 2-5 sec. In the latter event the issue was in doubt until the last few yards, when Broad and Ford forged ahead, the former winning by inches. One Mile Handicap. —K. H. Johnston, 40yds, 1; W. Denford, 120yds, 2; C. E. Gibbons, scr., 3. Time 4min. 38 4-ssee. The competitors started off smartly and Gibbons managed to gain considerable ground in the first lap. At the commencement of the third lap Johnston caught up B. Clark (100yds) Gibbons gained more ground during the third lap and at the beginning of the fourth passed Johnston and Clark. Denford came to light ar this stage, and he and Johnston kept on the leader’s heels to the straight. There was a great tussle up the last stretch, Johnston winning by inches over the last few feet from Denford, who was nine inches in front of Gibbons.

Half-mile Cycle, B Grade. —First heat: B. Adamson, 40yds, 1; J. McArtney, 50yds, 2; M. Reynolds, 25yds, 3. Time, Innin. 7 2-ssec. Second heat: J. Pound. 50yds, 1; E. Harper, 15yds, 2; E. A. Williams, 20yds, 3. Time, Imin.

3 2-ssee. Final: J. Pound 1, E. A. Williams 2, E. Harper 3. Time Imin. 5 l-ssec. Pound rode a good race and deserved his win. Harper was unfortunate in being hedged in at the southern end.

100 Yards Maiden.—R. M. Broad 1, Ray Solomon 2, R. Fulton 3. Time II 2-ssecs. Broad won easily.

220 Y'ards Handicap.—L. K. Fear, 14yds, 1; Guy Broad 9yds, 2; J. C. Dobbs, 13yds, 3. Time 23 4-ssec. Although the race was awarded to Fear, who finished in the ruck, the general opinion is that E. J. Ward (off 15yds) was the victor. There was probably a misunderstanding due to the similarity of the colours of the two runners. The field was bunched until 25 yards from the tape, when Ward and Broad, went to the front, inches separating them at the finish.

Half-mile Flat Handicap.—R. Solomon, 45yds, 1; S. Gudsell, 40yds, 2; H. E. B. Newton, scr., 3. Time 2min. 5 4-ssec. The three placed men were the most prominent throughout. Solomon led into the straight and won by two yards from Gudsell, Newton being a similar distance back, third.

Two Mile Cycle.—-First heat: L. Wakeley, 20yds, 1; I. Ross, scr., 2; K. Anderson, 80yds, 3; N. Boss, 200yds, 4. Time, 4min. 28sec. Second heat: A. Fyfe, 240yds, 1; R. Paul, 260yds, 2; E. Whalley, 260yds, 3, H. Dustin, 240yds, 4. Time, 4min. 31 2-ssec. Final: N. Ross 1. B. Paul 2, E. Whalley 3. Time, 4min. 30sec. lan Boss did not start in the final. It soon became apparent that the handicap was too severe forWakeley and Anderson, the back markers. Norton Boss rode steadily and scored convincingly. 400 Yards Relay Handicap. —Wanganui B, 7yds, 1; Pirates, 10yds, 2; Wanganui D, 10 yds, 3. No time taken. This event was full of interest and the six teams competing provided a close contest. Chief interest lay in the fact that the style of running adopted was tried out for the first time in New Zealand in this particular event. Each man of the four in a team ran 100 yards, the course being situated fully before the spectators. There is a direct possibility of the extension of the new style. 300 Yards Tyre Race (boys under 14). —G. Webbey 1, E. Thomas 2, J. Lee 3.

Quarter-mile (boys under 14). — James Christian 1, AL Dixon 2, Howe