HARRIER COMMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 July 1947, Page 10

HARRIER COMMENT

REVIEW OF CLUB FORM IN CHAMPIONSHIPS

PROSPECTS FOR WEST COAST TITLES THIS WEEK

(By “JOG TROT’’)

Both senior and junior races for the 1947 club championships conducted by the Wanganui Harrier club were probably the best seen for a good number of years. With the West Coast and New Zealand Championships in view, all members were at the top of their form. As predicted, the senior race developed into a duel between C. Weller, S. Jelley, J. Mitchell and A. Penberthy. From the outset these four runners were closely bunched, with Jelley just holding a slight lead. Despite* his first run over the course this harrier showed true cross-country form, particularly on the hills. His previous experience while a member of the Otago team stood him in good stead. During the middle stages these four runnerfs were together, but on the last hill Weller and Penberthy dropped a little, while Mitchell was hanging on to Jelley, making him work for the leading position all the way. Down Devon Lane, Penberthy caught Weller, these two then teaming really well indeed to complete the race together. But they were just unable to catch the leading two.

The performance of Jelley, (who is an ex-Otago representative) was all the more meritorious from the fact that he travelled overnight from Whakahora, some 30 miles from Raurimu, proving that his fitness and enthusiasm for cross-country running was fully justified. He is expected to be a strong candidate for West Coast title honours, and should also prove a decided acquisition in the team placing at the National Championships. Mitchell’s Good Race J. Mitchell ran probably his best race of the season, as will be seen by the one second margin between Jelley and himself. For a first year runner over cross-country, he has climbed rapidly to the top of the club, and is deserving of the highest credit for the way he hung on to the leader during the race, and was unfortunate in not collecting the honours. His performance must rank him as a very sound team member, and well within the possibilities of making the West Coast team.

Although C. Weller was just unable to foot it with the leaders over the concluding stages, he showed glimpses of his old form for most of the journey, and his previous experience in teams races will prove most valuable by holding the members together. His fine sporting gesture in telling the loaders to go near the finish is to be highly commended. A. Penberthy ran one of the best races of his career, never being further back than 3rd at any stage, justifying that he can come back to his pre-war form and show the younger members a hint or two on running. His ability to stick with his team mates has often been borne out. Unfortunately, he is not availlable for the club’s A team on Saturday. A. Bevege again ran a most impressive race, rewarded by steady training, combined with his previous experience. He should be a valuable member of the team and close up at the finish. C. Guy ran one of his best, races to date, going steadily over the country, then finishing with a good sprint at the finish. His keenness to gain a place in the A team has been fully justified, and he can be relied upon not Io let the team down. The B Team

Despite some defections through the inability to travel of some members, the B team should be a strong one and capable of collecting the honours in the B Grade, there being a separate trophy for this grade. D. Moriarty is likely to run an excellent race. He can always be relied upon to be of his best when on a strange course, and one that team members can rely on with confidence.

H. Walker is one of the most improved middle markers of the club this season, his Sth place on Saturday being rewarded by consistent training. He is one that can adapt himself to any conditions and he is noted for his determined sprint when the pressure is on. The championship course should suit him well. D. McArdle is also a very useful middle marker, and a sound team runner. Hts track running stands him in good stead. B. Farrell, having his first season in the senior rank, has plenty of confidence to adapt himself to the conditions of a course, and with previous junior experience will not let the team down. R. Cook, despite his temporary *lapso of form, is capable of “turning on the works” when required, and is one who is not easily shaken off. J. Greig, C. Scaddon and W. Twogood are improving with every race and will be an acquisiton to the team, all capable of being up with the leaders of the B team. The Junior Side

The junior team is one of the best that the club has fielded for many years and should put up an excellent performance to retain the teams race.

J. Galvin, in winning the club championship on Saturday, proved that he is right at the top of form. He runs his races with sound judgement and can sprint oat the finish with all comers. His 3rd place at the West Coast Champs last year gives him that extra confidence this year. The title should be well within his grasp. J. Burnett, losing the title by only S seconds to Galvin, ran well under the conditions. He is more at home

on the flat going, so that the New Plymouth course should suit him adnniably. He. like Galvin, should make the team for the National Championships. N. Hooper has improved considerably since last season, and, despite his smallness in size, he gets over llie ground with remarkable speed. He is capable of making the leaders move fast; a very sound teariv membei.

D. Weller, turned out again after an enforced spell, and finished 3rd (equal), proving that his track experience is very helpful to assist the final result of the teams event. I. Cradock and B. Taylor, having their first season at cross country running, are improvin fast, and, with a little more confidence, will be a benefit to the club in team races. Altogether the Wanganui club should aquit. itself with credit on Saturday. With five clubs competing some very interesting racing should be witnessed.