Winds spoil Games time attempt

Press, 6 February 1986, Page 30

Winds spoil Games time attempt

Blustery winds spoiled the attempt by Sue Bruce (Bascik New Brighton) to better the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games 3000 m qualifying standard in a special race at Queen Elizabeth II Park last evening. Running in near darkness, she reached the finish in a worthy 9min 4.90 s —6.4 s outside the qualifying time. “I ran a little too fast over the first two laps, and that didn’t help,” said Miss Bruce afterwards. “I lost it on the last few laps, I couldn’t come home quickly,” she said.

Miss Bruce, who was named in the New Zealand team to contest the world cross-country championships in Switzerland next month, will make another attempt on the qualifying standard soon, probably in Auckland towards the end of this month. “Ihave got to do it before I go away for the cross-country," she said.

Her coach, Mr Dave Thomas, blamed the wind, and the fast early pace. “The wind was a real nuisance around the corner leading into the front straight,” he said. He had planned for Miss Bruce to run the first few laps in 71s. She actually ran the first two in 695. If the Auckland visit does not take place, Miss Bruce will have another chance on home territory in a twilight meeting on February 22. Last evening, she ran with a mixed field of men

and women. Ron Neish (New Brighton) ran with her for most of the distance. The winner of the men’s section was lan McGregor (Christchurch) in Bmin 55.85. A second Canterbury member of the New Zealand cross-country team, Wendy Renner (New Brighton), finished second among the women. Planned attempts on qualifying times by Wayne Paul , (Papanui Redwood) and Lynette Stock (Technical) did not takfe place. Mrs Stock decided to make her big attempt in Auckland this week-end which will mean that she will miss the first two days of the Canterbury championships. Paul, who ran a brilliant 400 m hurdles in 51.8 s last Saturday, had hoped to dip under the qualifying time of 50.495. After testing the wind on the south bend, he decided that it would be pointless to continue. “I am feeling really frustrated,” he said. “I am in good form, and I am feeling really fresh, but I need good conditions.” He might have another attempt next Wednesday and will have another chance in the Canterbury championship the following week-end. Officials have agreed to hold the 400 m hurdles final on either Saturday or Sunday, depending on the conditions. “I think I can do it, I have still got plenty of time,” Paul said.