TWO WEST COAST TITLES TO MISS G. NYBERG

Chronicle (Levin), 15 December 1949, Page 8

TWO WEST COAST TITLES TO MISS G. NYBERG

The Levin team of eight runners that participated in the West Coast championship's at Nev Plymouth on Saturday were rewarded for their efforts with twc tities and a third place in the men's and women's relay. The star performer was Miss G Nyberg, who gained two tities. winning the 75 and 100 yards events in fine style. In the heats of the two events, which were run during the afternoon, she managed to run second by a smal] margin. However, the finals in the evening told a different story, a magnificent last 25-yard sprint giving her a clear decision in both races. Miss Nyberg is to be warmly complimented on her success and it is hoped that she wih earn further honours at the New Zealand championships in Napiei at Ihe end of the month. The three other members of the women's team, Mrs. Butt ana Misses A. and S. Rose, gave excellent performances in theii heats against stiff opposition. With the experience gained in these championship runs they should do well in future seasons. The women's relay was a hard race all the way and although the local women only took thirc place at the tape, the event proved that runners with coaching behind them have a definite advantage over competitors not so- fortunate in that respect. The men's team, comprising P. Ryan, J. Goodwin, J. Oliver and R. Whelan, all young runners, found the going very hard againsi. the more seasoned athletes they met in the various events. Special mention must he made of Ryan -,an|i Whelan, who although still jtjhior funners, gave excellent performances in the senior events. The two entrants in 'the 100 yards championships, --Ryan and Oliver, were weli up with the field in their respective heats and were only just headed out of a place by the older runners. It was quite evident that all these boys lack is age combined with coaching. Goodwin, in the 220 yards race, went well but he also lacks the age and experience needed to compete against runners such as K. Forsyth (Wanganui), who won the event. • In the relay the four runners appeared to give the race everything they had ahd were rewarded with third place. Ryan, who had run several sprint races during the day, took the last lap, which was the 880 yards, and ran superbly to come in 25 yards from the man behind him.