Sports Commentary

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26617, 13 November 1947, Page 2

Sports Commentary

. By The Sports Editor «»»

An Unfortunate Illness The run of the play in the New Zealand Open golf tournament indicated that T. W. Wight’s first round score of 80, had it been due to a mere lapse of form, would not necessarily have been so high as to keep him out of a reasonably prominent place. As it was, the Otago professional’s score represented a gallant effort to triumph over an illness which compelled his withdrawal on the second clay. He returned to Dunedin by plane on Saturday, and, after a couple of days in bed, is now able to make occasional visits to his shop. Wight's illness was particularly unfortunate in view of the circumstances which preceded his entry in the P.G.A. and of the limited opportunities offering to southern players to establish reputations in “big” golf. It was also a disappointment to local followers of the game, who were looking forward to Dominion-wide recognition of the Otago man’s right to be considered as one of the best players in the country. Opening

Under ideal conditions the Ravensbourne Boating Club held a successful opening on Saturday. In brilliant sunshine, with a moderate northerly breeze some 60 yachts faced the starter. In the Idlealong class the 23 starters probably made a record for class racing on the harbour. The results were; Under 18 feet: Jade 1, Tuioma 2, Onkie 3. Idlealongs: Whitewings 1, Karen 2 Flirt 3. X-class: Avenger 1, Ripple 2, Lynette 3. Over 18 feet: Kia-ora l| Awatea 2.

Strong Tennis Combination A further round in the Men’s A Grade Lawn Tennis Competition was completed on Saturday, with results which might have been expected. St. Clair fielded last year’s winning combination, and made a clean sweep against Kaituna. With Paterson, Radford and Lawrence in the first three positions, and either Gordon, Cousins or Hutchison to fill the fourth place, St. Clair must be stronger than ever before in its history. Now that Jeff Robson has returned University, until vacation, should be capable of accounting for allcomers except St. Clair. Star Hurdlers Perform Well Although neither competed in a hurdles event, two New Zealand champion hurdlers, A .R. P. Eustace and J M. Holland, were among the outstanding competitors at a recent meeting in Auckland. National 120 Yards and 220 Yards Hurdles champion, the former started from virtual scratch m the 75 Yards and 150 Yards. sprints, and qualified for the final in each. Holland was unsuccessful in both these races but he was runner-up (beaten by another hurdler, D. G Stewart) off the virtual scratch mark m the 300 Yards event. Speed . between the sticks” is one of the vital factors in hurdle racing ,and . these athletes are showing sound tactics in sharpening up their pace in sprint events Auckland has an outstanding team of hurdlers, which should dominate these events at the national championship meeting at Carisbrook in March.

Club Rowing Races The Otago Rowing Club held its second series of club races on Saturday for the Thomson Fours trophy. A crew comprising D. Brady (st.), R. Steadman, E. Dawson, and J. Clark won the first heat by one length from a crew stroked by Ray Smith. In the second heat, three crews were sent out, and a crew comprising I. McMillan (str.), L. Newton. D. Bandeen and L Percy dead-heated for first place with the cre.w consisting of W. Simpson (str.), L. Dickson, G. Butler, and E. Harvey. The final produced a great race, and over the last 300 yards there was a sharp struggle between the crews stroked by McMillan and Simpson respectively, McMillan hanging on to win by three feet from Simpson , who was three-quarters of a length in front of Brady. The third series of club races wiH be held on Saturday at 10 a.m., when members will compete for the Ravensbourne Salt Water Baths Trophy.