WHAKATANE HAD A GOOD DAY IN OPEN ATHLETIC MEETING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 19, 5 April 1950, Page 4

WHAKATANE HAD A GOOD DAY IN OPEN ATHLETIC MEETING

(By “Spike”)

On Saturday the team of athletes from the Whakatane Amateur and Athletic and Cycling Club competed with great success at the open meeting held by *the Opotiki Club. It was very pleasing to note that the two Whakatane cyclists did so well in their first appearances in outside competition and congratulations must go to them on their performances and for the way which they have trained and developed to their present standard, all unaided.

Although they still lack those finer points, such as judgment of speed and positional rijding, these, I feel sure, will come when they have had further open competition among more experienced riders. To the other runners, the warmest congratulations are extended on their performances. Especially to the girls. These five all still school girls and it was a meritorious achievement in one event, when the first three places were gained by Whakatane. s Their reputation apparently went before them, and in most events they were treated as all champions are. That is -by being scratch or virtual scratch runners.

However, I hope that this imposition on the young runners will in no way deter them. The onljr solution is to train harder and do better, so that the handicap becomes less formidable.

To the men, both junior and senior, it was pleasing to see them acquit themselves so well. To those who did not gain places it is hoped that they will have better luck at Tauranga on Easter Monday.