Provinces Stage Athletic Championships

Chronicle (Levin), 23 February 1948, Page 2

Provinces Stage Athletic Championships

Press Associatio

(Per

AUCKLAND, Feb. 22. Huniid weather conditions and a iirm breeze precluded a high standard of performance at tlie Auckland proviiu-ial athletic championships on Saturday. The rnost interesting raee of the day was the oue mile event whicli was won by J. D. Sinclair, of Otago, in a good time of 4min. 24sec., after a kefin struggle with the Waikato champion. M. Marshall. Both Sinclair ,and Mavshall were ineligibie to hoJd the title which was aWarded to G. W. Hoskins, who finislieil 12 yards back in third place. Hoskins aiso won, the three miles' title at the preliuiiuaries on Friday ovening.

Double victories were also scored by the Olynipie, nominees, J. M. Ilolland and J. Grierson. Grierson retained liis tilles over the quarter and half-mile distances- without being pushed to ma.viiuuni elfort. Ilolland retained his 440 yards' ■hurdles title aud also won the furlong hurdles formerly held by A. lt. P. Eugtace, who did not start on Saturday. Eustace concentrated on the 100 yards' sprint which he annexed by i a two yard ntnrgin from the promising old Granunarians runner, J. C. Myles. Tlie natioual champion, A. E. Redm.ond, add.ed.5ft. lin. to his own provincial record in the discus throw which he. won with a throw of 12(3ft. 5iin. The one mile walk was marred by disqualilications for lifting. The title hoider, J. Alexander, an Knglish starter, J. Hancock, and A. Jieazley, of Otago, were all ruled off - the track by the judge. The natioual title hoider, C. J. Blewett, displayed Hue form in the hop, step and jniup. Jumping into a" strong breeze. Blewett ' cleared 43ft. 10£m. The runner-up in the 100 yards, J. C. Myles, gained the verdict in the furlong after a keen tu'ssle. An ex-junior champion, Myles is one of the most promising sprinters in the province.