ATHLETICS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19178, 8 December 1927, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING.

START TO BE MADE TO-MORROW

The amateur championships commence at Lancaster Park to-morrow afternoon, when a number of heats and finals will be run off. At the same venue on Saturday afternoon the greater portion of the athletic events will take place, and brilliant performances are looked for. The 100 yds has drawn the greatest field of sprinters in the history of the championship. Leadbetter is running well, and has many. supporters. Jenkins (Wellington) ran a great hundred in evens at Wanganui on Saturday, und is running in top form. Elliott, of Auckland, is a fine sprinter, who only needs to have u little rnck to be dangerous on the day. Other crack performers are Black (New Plymouth), Morgan (Otago), and Fleming (Wellington). The furlong should also provide a thrilling race with Leadbetter, Elliott, and Jenkins fighting a great finish. Tho heats of the lliOyds hurdles' will be run off to-morrow. In one heat, Lander (Wellington) meets Morgan (Otago), and these are old rivals a close contest may be expected. In the «ther heat Ramson is favourite, his opposition lying in Shirley (Auckland), Tapley (Otago), and Broad (Wanganui). Morgan is in splendid form, having won the Otago championship in 16sec, on a ground not over fast.

Word has been received that Olsen and McLachlan, of Dunedin, will, after all, come up for tho middle distance events. Olsen won the Otago title last Saturday most attractively in 2min 1 3-ssec. Tho half should bo one of the beßt events of tho meeting. Tho quarter hurdles, to bo run tomorrow, has a small but select field, in -Ramson, • Lauder, Morgan, Kesdale (Auckland) and Broad. On present form, Ramson is favourite, as he is bo fast over the flat, but Morgan or Nesdale, who are experienced men, may be close. The three-miles walk has .drawn a big field. Lankey (Wellington) is favourite in most quarters, but may encounter strong opposition from R. H. Cabot and Wilson (Otago). , Wills (Wanganui), McKenzie, and Delaney are young walkers who will be more at home over the mile.

The long jump is an open event, and probably the easiest to win of any of tho championships. Sutherland (Wellington), a great all-rounder, has done over 21ft this season, and should win points. Shirley, of Auckland, has won this event before, but has not shown out lately. Bradford, of Canterbury, though short of training, may reproduco his best form, and do over 21ft. The most select entTy on record has entered for the hammer-throwing championship. The present Australasian champion, W. Harvey, of Wairarapa, lias done over 143 ft, and >b fai-ly consistent. J. W. McHolm, the old record-holder, threw the implement about the same distance in the Canterbury trials, and ib also going very well at present. _ J. G. Leckie, of Otago, is a rising champion, and did over 148 ft to win the Otago title. These three, with Munro, should provide interesting competition. The discus throwing championship should also be closely contested, with Munro favourite. Hunt (Wanganui-Tara-naki).' Sutherland (Wellington), tind MrHolm (Canterbury) have all dono over lljft tins season.