ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 123, 22 February 1928, Page 8

ATHLETICS

(By

"Spike.”)

COMING EVENTS. To-day—Cycling teams race, Basin Reserve, 8 p.m. February 27—Evening meeting, Lower Hutt. Feb. 29 —Second meeting Standeu aud Gray, Basin Reserve, S p.m. March 3—Mastertou (Standeu aud Gray), 2.30 p.m. March 7 —Evening meeting (Standen and Gray), Petone, 6 p.m. Easter —Waikanae A.A.C., Waikanae.

At Wanganui. About thirty-five members of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club made the trip to Wanganui last Saturday to help the northern club celebrate their jubilee sports gathering. The sports were held at Cook's Gardens, under electric light, and in glorious weather. 'The Mayor of Wanganui welcomed the visitors before the Sports commenced.

Jenkins, Fleming, aud Bird won their respective heats in the ICO yards handicap event, each in 10 l-5--.ee., but. were defeated in the final by R. Broad, of Wanganui, oil' 10.1yds. in 10-lsec., Jenkins aud Bird dead-beating for second place.

R. J. Leith (Wanganui) won the BSO yds. off 50yds., in linin. s‘Jsec. R. Leech, who was reported by the Press Association message as the winner, pulled up after going GOO yards. “Wally” Ingram (45yds.) ran second. J. Fleming was not. up to his usual form in the quarter-mile, ami could only finish fourth in 51sec.; C. F. Thompson (Wellington), 16yds., was first. R. W. Lauder won the 440 yards hurdles off syds. in 58 4-ssec., a very fine performance. In the 120 yards hurdles, Lander failed to give G. Broad syds. and one hurdle down. The time was 15 3-ssec.

Miss Swinburne Beaten. The ladies’ events were of more than usual interest, and in the 50 yards handicap, Miss Sharp caused a surprise by defeating Miss Swinburne off the same mark. The 100 yards scratch race was an exercise run for Miss Swinburne, who won easily from Misses Kcuch and Gregor in 12scc. Aliss Sharp, who should have been second, pulled up leu yards from the tape. The Cyclists. Tho cvele events drew large entries, but J. "Carswell (Wellington.) and L. Wakely (Wanganui) stood out as tho best at the meeting. . Carswell woa the one mile invitation scratch race by half a wheel from L. Wakely. In the three miles, the Wanganui nan reversed the position, after a great sprint up the straight. The gathering was well conducted by an energetic baud of officials, and the events were kept fairly well up to time. The financial side of the meeting was also a success, about 489 being taken at the gates. On the Sunday a monster picnic was held at Kai-Iwi beach, and will be long remembered by those present. '.the Wanganui Club members excelled themselves in their attention to tho wants of the visitors, and one and all regretted very much having to make an early start for the return trip to Wellington. Air. L. Cohen (president of the Wanganui Centre) expressed the wish that the gatherings betwen the two clubs will l e an annual affair, and these sentiments were endorsed by Air. Young (president of tlie Wanganui Club), Air. R. W. AlcVilly and Mr. A. C. Kitto. The Wellington Club records its appreciation of the action of the following in placing their cars at the members’ call, and thereby making the trip possible: Afessrs.

R. W. AlcVilly, G. Slade, T. Fletcher, '!'. Carswell, H. Ogden, C. Parsonage, S. Murray, J. Wiggs, J. Couehman, and E. Gray. Nelson-Motueka. The following athletes have been invited by the Nelsou-Motueka clubs to make the trip to Nelson and Alotueka at Easter:—C. Jenkins, J. Fleming, R, Lander, It. Leech, E. G. Sutherland, J. Carswell, C. Flett, H. Scarfe, Alisses Swinburne, Collius, Sharp, and Alillar . Any others wishing to join the party are urged to send their names in as early as possible. Olympic Club Notes. Now that the provincial championships arc over, most of the athletes have taken a spell, aud last week Athletic Park was not so well patronised as it has been earlier in the season. Despite the fact that there are only one or two minor meetings during the next few weeks, the Olympic Club’s members have not relaxed in their activities. Last week was devoted to practising field events lor tho juniors. E. Warner, L. AloGreevy, and C. Tutty, among others, were endeavouring to improve their “take offs” lor tlio long jump, but this difficult ■ phase of athletics caunot be mastered in a few days. Once they get used to the “board,” it is hoped that more than 14 feet and some odd inches will be jumped. Lading Off. H. Gordon, who is suffering from a bruised foot, has had to take a week’s rest, aud will probably resume training next week. C. Campbell is doing only light work, and looks fit and well. He hopes to be able to reverse the provincial championship decision over Leech, at the ih»xt Dewar Shield meeting. Friends and supporters of the club will bo pleased to learn that Mr. T. W. Steel, who is still a'n inmate of the Public Hospital, is progressing favourably, aud appreciates the many visits he receives from bis club mates. Good Juniors. A very promising junior has joined up with the club, and P. Clcmentson’s friends will watch his initial appearance with much interest. R. Grapes, another new member, has a nice turn of speed, and is taking up sprinting. He may, however, find that the middle distances will suit him better. Now that the centre has decided to include junior field events on tjie programmes, it will be interesting tn watch R. Sceats, brother to Geoff. Sceats, in the junior high jump. Meeting at Lower Hutt. Next Alondaj’ evening, commencing at (1.15 p.m., the Lower Hutt Club will bold, its third and final evening meeting of the season. The 120 yards’ hurdles should bo a particularly interesting event, as the two Olympic nominees,. Ramson and Lander, will bo seen in action. Another event, which should arouse interest will be the meeting between Arthurs and Ellis in the 229 yards’ junior handicap. Ellis beat Arthurs by two yards in the 440 .yards’ championship recently, and although the latter was beaten by inches in the 100 yards’ junior championship, he managed to head off EHis in this race. Leech, who won the 880 yards’ provincial championship in Imin. 58 4-ssec., has decided to compete. Added interest will be given by the appearance of several of the club’s indy runners. There will be no charge for admission, but a collection will be taken up in order to defray expenses.