ARE MEDIOCRE

NZ Truth, Issue 1149, 8 December 1927, Page 16

ARE MEDIOCRE

Northern Athletes For

Championships

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) The Auckland athletic centre has announced its team of athletes for the Dominion championships at Christchurch, and the men are now assembled at the Cathedral City.

FOLLOWING comprise the selection: 100 yds, A. J. Elliott, L. C. Williams; Z2oyds, Elliott, Williams, J. L. McCoy; 440 yds, McCoy, J. S. Watt, F. Nesdale (Te.Awamutu) ; mile and three mile run, J. W. Savidan; 440 yds hurdles, Nesdale; 120 yds hurdles, J. W. Shirley (also for the high and long jumps); while the cyclists are M. P. Byrnes and J. H. Wade. The ladles' events will see Miss Norma Wilson, of Gisborne, contesting. Taking the team as it is. It cannot be said that Aucklanders expect great things from the men chosen, who, it must be admitted, are nevertheless about the pick of the bunch m the north so far as this season has gone. Elliott Is the outstanding hope Jn the sprinters, He rs certainly m form and has done even time quite recently, which might be improved m better company.

Williams is certainly not up to concert pitch, but on recent appearances was certainly giving signs of improvement. It will be something m the nature of a sensation if McCoy, who is a trier all the way, comes off. Watt, the middle distance man, is a promising youth, and that may just carry him through; but he is not yet outstanding m ability. Everybody knows Savidan, and "N.Z. Truth" has already commented on his capabilities. He will put up a great fight to uphold His province's reputation.

J. W. Shirley is m pretty much on' reputation, for he has been rather disappointing this season

so far.

The cyclists are, the best available, and Byrnes is easily Auckland's topnotcher. , ■ „ Interest m athletics m the northern capital has been severely tested of late, however; and ' a clean sweep of the monopolistic tendencies of the present coterie of officials is urgently needed.