HARRIERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 174, 26 July 1933, Page 4

HARRIERS

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{Slippery hills, water-logged flat and a long stretch of road-work —such was the pot-pourn offered members of the Wanganui Harrier Club on Saturday. It was one of the hardest runs this season. * • ♦ • Members might have guessed the worst when the genial trail-layer, having done his work, decided that he would not run because training runs had “tied his legs up!” After covering the course one is inclined to murmur, in approved Yankee style, “Yeah ” At any rate he nearly had most of the runners properly tied up. But to make them run twice round! That was the “most unkindest cut of all.” Those who used spikes were at a decided advantage in the mud and left men with rubber soles well behind. It is usually a good idea, when traversing country of the nature encountered last Saturday, to shorten the stride and swing the hips well with each step. This prevents slipping which is more often than not the case when the orthodox straight swing is employed. The nature of the run, its distance and the fact that all runners started together came as somewhat of a surprise. Only a week previously a strenuous run had been held at Masterton, while next Saturday the club championships will take place. It would have been better to have made matters a little easier than they were by shortening the distance and doing pack work or running under the whistle. This business of racing every Saturday, while it suits some, is not to the liking of all. It should not be forgotten that a large number do not care for continuous racing, and the fact that the first twelve must be got in trim for championship events does not mean that that strain should be imposed on all. The deletion of the fast, medium and slow pack system in favour of straightout racing by all cannot be commended. The packs have not been out as packs for nearly six weeks. No wonder the number of runners dropped last Saturday. It may be urged that racing j? necessary in view of the important events ahead. Admittedly there is reason and truth in that. But docs a football club, training for a senior competition match, expect the same amount of training and the same rigorous standard of its fourth graders as of those senior members! That is what is happening in the Harrier Club. Consideration is being shown for the racing pack, and rightly so, but not for the medium and slow pack. By all means let the racing pack race every week if they will and train three times a week, but let there be shown some sonsideration for the man who runs for the fun of the thing and to obtain some physical exercise which is denied him during the w’eek. Saturday’s race gave new memben a taste of real cross-country running Improvement of form was shown some members, but there was a laps* in otheis. Carr ran surprisingly well After consistent performances during the last few weeks, he ran one “out of the box” to finish in Tilth position. Bevcge did well again to finish in 13th position. A surmise as to the probable finishing positions of the competitors in the championship race on Saturday may be of some interest. C. Weller, who has a good record of wins to his credit this season, is likely to be the first to paso the tape. Not far from Weller will be K. Jonnston, who has run Weller to some extremely close finishes, especially last {Saturday’s event when, in a fighting finish, Johnston got up to within two yards of Weller after covering the Boland Young course. G. Johnston, on form shown this season, should be next on the list, and, ultimately, should win the Club Junior Championship. Northover, who finished close on G Johnston’s-heels, will be another good contender for the Junior Championship. This man is reproducing that form which placed him in the West Coast Championship team in 1932. The next three positions may be occupied by Collings, Clark and Pickyrorth, but as to who will be first home of these three will be hard to forecast. The next five positions, which will decide who will represent the Wanganui Club at the West Coast Championships, will be well fought for. Five of the following eight ought to complete the club’s first twelve:—Carde, McKay, Carr, Guy, Kiddle, Powell, Hurst, and Stephenson. In last year s trial race over the Bramwell Course, to choose the Wanganui team for the Centre Championships, the following runners held the first twelve positions:—Weller, K. Johnston, G. Johnston, Northover, Bourgeois, Collings, Carde, Clark, Cowper, Bichards, L. Bilderbeck and Arnold. After this race the following teams were chosen: —A team: K. John Bton (captain;, Weller, G. Johnston, Northover, Bourgeois and Collings. B team: Carde (captain), Cowper, Kiddle, Clark, Wisnewski and Gowan. C. team: Bichards (captain; t McKay, Arnold, L Bilderbeck, Granville and Law. * • * Last year, by winning the Club Championship race, Weller annexed both {Senior and Junior Championships. Glancing at the first twelve men home in last year’s “trials” it is noticed that a time of five minutes separated the first and twelfth men. The first six were “strung out" nut the next six all arrived inside 30 seconds. Good form was shown by Chainey Bevege, Carde, and Hurst. Chainey has not been seen out very much this season. Members are requested to note that the race will start at Spriggens Park at 2.15 shap. All competing tre required to be ready at the dressing sheds at. 2.15 sharp. AU competing arc required and Press Committee have everything arranged to schedule. unemployed •sflb members are asked to communicate with Mr. S. Dustin, club secretary. Any unable to compete on the day and willing to assist in arrangements, are also asked to do the same. Advice has been received from the Marton Club that a team of twelve runners will be making the trip to com pete. At the same time they will shoose their team for the champion ihips. C. Hill, a prominent track runner, should fill the first position in the visitors’ team. Following him may bfi Smith, Robertson and Gorrie.