Steeplechasing in the Rain

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 45, 16 May 1927, Page 10

Steeplechasing in the Rain

KELLS IN GREAT FORM SECOND SUCCESSIVE WIN Despite the condition of the weather, the Auckland Amateur Athletic Association continued its sports on the Out n on Sa.-irday afternoon. The four events down for decision had drawn large entries, but most of the competitors failed to put in an appearance. The event of ‘.he day, the two miles steeplechase, resulted in a great tussle between Adams and Kells. The former, with a start of lOOsecs, maintained his lead till near the end of the third lap. Then last week’s win“A WORLD’S RECORD” In the good old days, before the Froth Blowers’ Union was formed, the champion “indoor athlete” of Maoriland was a Wellington waterside worker, who first won the title by despatching twelve “long handles” while the clock struck twelve. This epic feat has been put in the shade by an American, who won the “hot-dog championship” of the United States last month by absorbing 30 of these delicacies in 11 minutes 25 seconds, shattering the previous “world’s” record by 35 seconds, and two “hot dogs.” 7ft TV? SK Tin /C* 7in y'c ner, who had always 1 " t within a safe distance, caught Adams, and finished up 100 yards or so ahead of him. Kells’s performance, llmin 21 l-ssec, was very creditable, especially when it is remembered that the race was run in the rain, on a slippery track, which was in some places under water. With A. J. Elliott starting in the 75yds handicap, a great race was promised. But the star sprinter slipped on the greasy track, and was slow to get off the mark. H. S. Roper, with a start of Byds, led all the way, and beat B. M. Murray to the tape by 2yds, with A. Lamont a close third. TOO MUCH FOR SHIRLEY The Auckland champion J. W. Shirley, found the handicaps against him too much in the putting the shot ar.d throwing the discus events. He made a great effort in the latter event, and his throw of 91 feet was highly creditable on the wet ground, with a slippery discus. Results were as follows: 75 YARDS HANDICAP H. S. ROPER (48yds) 1 B. M. MURRAY (syds) 2 A. LAMONT (syds) 3 There were six starters, including A. J. Elliott, who made a slow start from scratch and finished up fourth. Time, 8 2-ssec. TWO-MILE STEEPLECHASE G. KELLS (scr) 1 T. ADAMS (lOOsec ) 2 T. WILSON (70sec) 3 Seven started and six finished. Adams led practically all the way. Kells caught him up near the end of the third lap and ran on to win comfortably. Time, llmin 21 l-ssec. PUTTING THE SHOT W. STEWART, sen. (31ft Sin) 1 J. W. SHIRLEY (31ft lin) 2 B. MURRAY (29ft 9in) 3 THROWING THE DISCUS B. M. MURRAY (32ft), 102 ft 1 W. STEWART, sen. (50ft), 9Gft .... 2 J. W. Shirley (scr). 91ft 3