Canterbury University Wins Lovelock Relay

Press, Volume C, Issue 29507, 8 May 1961, Page 6

Canterbury University Wins Lovelock Relay

The Canterbury University Harrier Club won the Lovelock Commemoration

Relay for the eighth time in 12 years when the event was held at the University Oval, Dunedin, on Saturday. Conducted by the Otago University Harrier Club, the race commemorates J. E. Lovelock’s win In the 1500 metres at the 1936 Olympic Games, and is for six-man teams, each runner covering a stage of 1500 metres. After a moderate start. Canterbury University worked through to the lead by the fourth stage, and after D. Clements had opened up an 80yard lead over the fifth stage, the team was never in danger of defeat.

It was one of the closest races for the minor places for some years, and for most of the journey nine of the 15 teams were within striking distance of one another.

After running in fifth and six places over the first two stages. R. Farmer, the former Olympic Club runner, took Canterbury University Into second place behind Dunedin Anglican over the third stage. . P. Crisp, the bearded Canterbury University runner, took his team into the lead by 10 yards at the end of the fourth stage, while in the next stage. Clements cleared away from M. Findlay, of Dunedin Anglican, by 80 yards, giving Canterbury University’s last man, P. Hewlett, a useful lead which he held to the finish. B. Cooper, the New Zealand Universities' mile and threemile champion, ran strongly over the last stage for Dunedirr Anglican, but was unable to make up much ground on Hewlett. P. Sidon, a veteran of many relays for Caversham, brought his team clear into third place, and within 25 yards of Dunedin Anglican, to return the fastest stage time. Detailed Results

Canterbury University (D. Douglas, J. Blakeley. R. Fanner. P. Crisp, D. Clements. P. Hewlett) 1, Dunedin Anglican (R. Ibbotson. S. McCrostie, C. Taylor. E. Ball. M. Findlay. B.

Cooper) 2. Caversham (R. Harris. J. Law. N. Reid, H. Hendry. B. Skinner, P. Sidon: 3. Otago University 4. Christchurch Marist 5, Celtic United 6. Christchurch Technical ", Leith 8. Sealed Handicap.—Otago University and Christchurch Marist (equal) 1. Fastest Stage Times.—P. Sidon (Caversham). 4:0.2, 1; B. Cooper (Dunedin Anglican), 4:0.4, 2: A. Potts (Celtic United). 4:08, 3.