RIVERTON CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

Western Star, Issue 405, 29 December 1880, Page 2

RIVERTON CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

Office-bearers : President, MrP. Grant; VicePresidenYMr J. R, Mills; Treasurer, Mr S. G. Instone; Secretary, Mr D. Murnhie ; Directors of Sports and Handicappers, Messrs J. P. Young and D. Murchie; Committee, Messrs A. M'Niiughtpn, Galloway, Mahony, A. Ireland, Burns, M 1 In tyre, Howell, and Hopcroft.

The twelfth annual pothering of the Eiverton Caledonian Society came off in the W. D. A. and P. Association grounds on Monday and Tuesday. Unfortunately for the success of the meeting, the weather.was not so favorable as could have been desired. The strong south-west gale that prevailed on Saturday and Sunday had not quite exhausted itself by Monday. Up till about two o’clock, however, on that day the programme had been satisfactorily proceeded with, but shortly after that hour a gale of wind arose, a-companied by a fall of rain, which for a time put an end to the sports, and although the rain did not continue long, the wind was disagreeably strong during the remainder of the day. The threatening appearance of the weather doubtless was the cause of the attendance being smaller than at last year’s games. Notwithstanding this drawback, the number present cannot be regarded as other than satisfactory, which, judging from the amount of entrance money taken at the gate, could not have been far short of 1500. The grounds were so arranged that every facility was given for a good view of the games, and the accommodation for providing refreshments, &c., was also ample for a much larger number than was present. A, substantial outer ring fence had been erected, around which "the spectators assembled, and had a capital view of the sports, and to this arrangement may be attributed the a’l hut t 'ial absence of that intolerable nuisance—the crowding of visitors into the performance ring. Mr J. Allan, of the Great Western Hotel, had two large booths on tbe ground, also a luncheon room, each of which was well patronised, as was also Mr B. Boivine’s fruit and confectionery stall. The grand stand erected by, Mr Eesaigb, as a speculation, was, we are sorry to say, a total failure,. The structure was a most substantial and imposing one, capable of affording over 200 people a capital view of the sports, but apparently visitors were not sufficiently - flush of funds to invest half-a-crown in a seat, 'f he Eiverton Brass Band was in attendance, under the leadership of Mr E. F. llaybittle, and contributed greatly to enliven the proceedings. The absence of the “fraternity” prevented the confusion and annoyance which a number of the “ fairest games under the sun” usually produce at such gatherings; but not to be outdoue, a few of the more determined members betook themselves to “’without the gates,” where they did a moderate amount of business. With the exception of one slight contretemps, the greatest harmony and order prevailed on the ground throughout the day. A number of cabs and other conveyances were kept busy during the day, carrying passengers to i and from the sports. Coming to the events, it is a pleasure to record that the entries were numerous, and each well contested and fairly won—neither a protest being entered nor did a squabble occur in connection with the results of tbe contests —with the exception, in the 200 yards Foot Eace, when Stevens protested against Johnson for jostling, but the protest was not entertained. Considering the difficulties attendant upon handicapping a number of strangers, the competitors were placed upon fairly equal terms, hence the contest for the handicap events was very exciting. The value ot the prizes alloted to bagpipe music was not considered sufficient to create a contest. There were four or five pipers on the ground, who came to an understanding amongst themselves not to compete unless the prizes were increased,-and as tbe committee declined to alter the printed last, the three bagpipe music items did not come off —to the uo small delight of the “ profane ” portion of the assemblage, whose training had apparently been so neglected that they failed to appreciate this class of music ;■ to the disgust also, it may be added, of a very large number who do understand the language of that soul-/ stirring instrument. We do not think j however, that there was any for complaint at the amount of prize/s alloted for bagpipe music, £9 for tffe three events being quite in proportion to the sum given for the other itemh on the programme. Tbe Highland dances, owing partly perhaps to the dissatisfaction referred to, were not, nearly so well contested as last year,\ and the Eeels and Strathspeys lapsed 1 altogether. A number of extra events i in the shape of boys ’aces wore

added to the programme. The 200 yards Handicap Foot Race —the first of the three gen end average events for which a prize of £B was offered —was one of the most exciting and best contested on the programme. Owing to the large number of entries —eighteen —it was decided to run it off in two batches of nine, the first and second in each to make a final heat For the prize. Stevens and Yalli ran a dead heat for first in the first batch, and Johnson and Bates were first and second in the second lot. The run off between these four resulted in Johnson (scratch) coming in first; Bates (10 yards), 2 ; Yalli (5 yards), 3. Throwing the Light Hammer was another well-con-tested event. A discussion arose as to the manner of throwing the hammer, on account of some of the competitors adopting the method of swinging it round their head. The stewards, however, decided that this was admissible. Mr M‘Leod carried off the prize. For the Standing High Leap, Ackers and A. Lindsay divided for first and second honors, at 4ft Gin. The Youths’ (under 16 years) Race was pluckily won by J. A. Pattison. For the Quarter Mile Handicap nine started, Kelly (lOyards) winning comfortably, Johnson (scratch) 2nd. Tossing the Caber brought nut eight competitors, but only Rennie, Hayward, Calder, and M‘Leod succeeded in giving it a fair turn, the last two named twice, the first prize being awarded to M‘Leod for the most complete turn. Vaulting with the Pole is generally a popular event, and this year the interest in it was as keen as ever, there being ten entries. After a capital contest between R. Lindsay, Ackers, and Wilson, the prizes were won by these' veterans of the pole in the order named. M‘Leod carried off first prize for Putting the Heavy Stone. The Half-Mile Race was won by M'Laren after a game contest. This being the last of the three general average events, Johnson was declared the scorer of the greatest number of points, aud consequently the winner of the prize of £3. He elected to take a medal of the same value instead of money. The Mile W alking Race brought out nine competitors, two of whom were disqualified for unfair walking. Handicaps of from ten to.thirty yards were given. The champion Eade was apparently not in good form as he failed to secure more than third place, after a capital final spurt'; Tippenny and C. Williams were first and second respectively. The competitors in the Irish Jig displayed some very neat step dancing, Garden being awarded first place. The prize list is as follows : —• Boys’ Race, under nine years—W. Hood, 1 ; T. Clode, 2. Six entries. , Boys’ Handicap 200yds Foot Race, under 14 years —W. McLeod, 1; J. A. Pattison, 2 j Saunders, 3. Eleven entries. Throwing Light Hammer (141 b, no swing round)— N. M'Leod, 77ft 9in, 1 ; Harper, 76ft lin, 2 ; Ackers, 75ft 2in, 3. Six entries. Youths’ Handicap 200yds Foot Race, under 16 years—J. A. Pattison, 1 ; W. Ford, 2; W. Porter, 3. Seven entries. Boys 200yds Race, under 10 years—J. Yalli, 1; Merrielees, 2 ; Molloy, 3. Seven entries. 200yds Foot Race—Johnson, (scratch) 1, £1; Bates, (10yds) 2,10 s; Yalli, (svds) 3, ss. Tossing Caber—Neil M'Lood, £2, 1; A. Calder, £l, 2 ; Hayward, IQs, 3. Six entries. Standing High Leap—Ackers and A. Lindsay, 4ft Gin, divided first and second prizes, 30s and 20s ; Johnson and R. Lindsay divided third prize, 10s. Six entries. Quarter Mile Handicap—Kelly, (10yds) 1, £2; Johnson, (scratch), 2, £1 ids; McLaren (10yds), 3, £l. Nine entries. Grand Highland Reel—McKal’ar, 1, £1 10s; Stewart, 2, £1; Campbell, 3,10 s. Four entries. Vaulting with Pole—R. Lindsay, (Bft lin), 1, £3; Acfeers, 2, £1 10» ; Wilson, 3,15 s. Sis entries. Sword Donee—M'Kellar, 1, £2 ; Stewart, 2, £l. Three entries. Half-Mile Handicap Race—M'Laren, 1. £2 10s; Kmickie, 2, £1 10s ; Kelly, 3, £l. Nine entries. Standing Hop, Step and Leap—Johnson (26ft 4in), 1, £1 16s ; Cuff, 2, £1 : Mullane, 3,10 s. Six entries. One Mile Handicap Walking Race.—Tippenny (20 yar.ls), 1, £2 10s ; 0. Williams (20 yards), 2, £1 10s ; Eade (scratch), 3, £l. Ten entries. Putting Heavy Slone.—M'Leod, 1, £1 10s; Harper, 2, £l. Irish Jig.—Garden, 1, £1 ; Kennedy, 2, 10s. Johnson being the highest aggregate scorer in the 200yds, quarter' mile, and half mile handicaps, was tlv winner of the extra prize of £3, and elected to take a medal to that value instead of money. SECOND DAY. The attendance, although not so large as on the first day, was very fair, there being between four and five hundred present, while every item on the programme was equally as keenly competed for as on that occasion. The first event was the Boys’ Race, which brought out seven entries, and. caused a good deal of interest, a lad named Walker taking first place. Throwing the Light Stone came next, for which a field of seven went into the ring, D. Patterson winning fist prize. Johnston was awarded first honors for three standing leaps, against seven other competitors. The Hurdle Race was a most exciting one, up till the middle of the second lap, when one of the hurdles completely smashed between three or four of them in their endeavors to clear it, and the position of the runners considerably altered, the race after that being a gift to Reauy, C. Bates second, and Cuff third. Quite a large field of cricketers and others was induced to compete for throwing the cricket hall. Only one throw each was allowed, and after Weeden, who was fourth man, had thrown the ball very close to the fence from inside the ring opposite the booths it was not expected he would be beaten, although when it came to be measui’ed the distance was not so great, 251 ft. The ■'only other men who succeeded in getting near him were Harper and Patterson, with 245 ft and 241 ft respectively. For the Mile Race seven entered, and some splendid running was exhibited; but an unfortunate mistake was made by Ward (who ran gamely from the start, and was leading) at the end of the second last lap, in stopping, being under the impression that ho had gone the full distance. This caused some little dissatisfaction amongst Ward’s friends, who thought there had been a wrong \ouuf, but the judges who ticked the Moe off in their books as they wore

run maintained that the count was perfectly correct. However, as Ward showed evident signs of fatigue, and as some of the others were gaining rapidly on him, it is most unlikelv he would have secured a plac' even it he had g'>na on. The Hornpipe was keenly competed for, all exhibiting capital step-dancing, boy Campbell, who had' neglected to enter in time, being the favorite with the spectators. The following is the prize list: —-

Bovs’ Rice-J. Walker, 1,15 s; J. Patlinon, 2,10 s ; J. Saunders, 3, ss. Seven entries.

Throwing Light Stone (16 lb)—I). Patterson, 1, £1; Harper,J2, 10s; S. M‘Leod, 3, ss. Scron entries.

Hurdfe Race —M. Rrany, 1, £2; 0- Bates, 2, £1 10s ; C. Cuff, 3, £l. Seven entries. Three Standing Leaps—Johnston, 1, £1 ; Beany 2,10 s; Mahoney, 3, ss. Eight entries.

Sailor’s Hornpipe —Antony, 1, £1 10s ; Cavai.agh, 2.15 s; Devanah, 3,10 s. Four entries. A boy named Campbell, who also competed, although lie did not enter, got a special prize of 16» 6d, collected from the spectators. Milo Race—Knucky, 1, £3; Hickie, 2, £2; Lee, 3, £l. entries. Throwing Cricket Ball—Weeden, 1, £1 ; Harper, 2,10 s; Pattison, 3, ss. Potatoe Race—Kmkie, 1, £1 10s; G. Ward, 2,15 s; W. Fraser, 3,15 s. Eight entries.

Running Hop Step and Leap—Harper, 1, (39ft), £1 10s; Kenny,'2, (,38ft) £1; C. Bath, 3, (35ft), 10s. Boys’ Knee, under 14 years.—T. Green, 1 ; T. Green, 2 ; A. Willett, 3. Girls’ Race—M Macdonald, 1; H. Hunt, 2. Sack Race—G. Ward, 1, £1 ; Malloney, 2, 10s ; C. Williams, 3, ss. Seven entries, Three-L"gged Race—Jones and Macfnrlane, 1. 30s; Campbell and McClymont, 2, £T; Yallijand Williams, 3, Ids. Eight entries.

Tilting in the Ring—C. Bates, 1, £6 ; W. Mackintosh, 2, £3; R. Stirling, 3, £3; K. Fraser, 4, £l. Sixteen entries. ,