Brilliant Bridson

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 867, 10 January 1930, Page 6

Brilliant Bridson

CHAMPION’S TWO RECORD SWIMS Surprises In Auckland Titles AFTER his record-breaking performances at the Auckland Swimming Centre’s championships at. the Tepid Baths last evening, Gordon Bridson, New Zealand's best distance swimmer, seems likely to add the national sprint title to his successes at Grevmouth this month. Bridson last evening covered 100 yards in 57 3-ssec, a record for Auckland, and lowered his recently established Dominion record of 2.29 for 220 yards to 2.2 G 1-5.

Bridson’s superb swimming thrilled I. spectators. It was the best carnival conducted this season in Auckland. Another Auckland record was established in the 100yds intermediate boys’ breast stroke. Swimming alone. the title-holder, Jimmie Magee, lowered his record 82 3-5 by three-fifths of a second. There were surprises in a very different direction. The times made in the women’s championships over 100 yds and 220yds compared poorly with those of former seasons in Auckland, the stronghold of women’s swimming in New Zealand. Miss Peggy Robertson. Dominion intermediate champion for 1928-829, was twice beaten by Miss Marie Farquhar, the experienced competition swimmer, who has made a successful return to the sport after her announced retirement. STANDARD DECLINES But there was no avoiding the Diet that the class of swimming was npt that produced last season when Miss Ena Stockley, now in Sydney, broke sprint records after five years as a champion, and Miss Dorothy Grant, now in Suva, held the 220yds title. Miss Stockley raced 100yds in 655; last evening, Miss Farquhar made 70s, and Miss Robertson more. Last season, Miss Robertsou was a strong opponent for Miss Stockley, and her record in intermediate swimming was the brilliant time of 65 3-ss. Hers is a surprising loss of form. It was truly Bridson’s evening. As The Sun predicted, he captured the 100yds in a time one and one-fifth seconds less than Adamson’s former Auckland .record. Bridson’s nearest rival, J. Enwright, was beaten by the tremendous margin, for a sprint, of six yards. It was unfortunate that J. P. Farrell, the title-holder, and A. W. Raper, the promising colt, were not able to compete. Their times are in the vicinity of 60s, so Bridson would have been secure of his win. He was not extended, and yet was within two seconds of 55 4-5, the New Zealand record made by I. W. Cameron. Cameron has gone to Australia, and no New Zealand centre can now offer a serious opponent, on present form, to the Auckland sprint and distance record breaker. LINDSAY'S GREAT EFFORT Bridson has shaken records with practically every appearance this season; Australian associations have sought a tour by him. Capping his sprint last evening, he broke his furlong time in effortless fashion. Opposing him was D. P. Lindsay, one of the finest swimmers New Zealand has produced. In recognising Bridson’s time, the crowd overlooked the great swim by Lindsay. who was beaten bv fA »*r yards only and who had one of the best swims of his career in making about 2.29, the former record time. The Australians, Owen Griffiths and Noel Ryan, reach Auckland tomrrow morning to prepare for a 220 yards contest with Bridson and Lindsay at the Mount Eden Club’s event at the Tepid Baths on January 16. Griffiths recently broke 2.28 in fresh-water, Ryan has improved, so the Aucklanders will be extended fully. Another welcome return, beside Miss Farquhar’s, last evening was that of N. K. Sylow, who holds the Dominion 220 yards breast-stroke record. R. Thomas, a clever Grammar Club swimmer, had a double success in the intermediate boys’ races. Miss Marjorie Smith won the intermediate girls’ 100 yards in excellent fashion, and Miss Sybil Brown won over 220 yards. PROMISING JUNIOR

220yds. Intermediate Girls’ Championr ship. (Holder: Miss P. Robertson, Parnell; Auckland and New Zealand record, Miss Edna Champion, 2min 52 2-ssec). Miss S. Brown (Mount Eden), 1; Miss M. Elworth (North Shore), 2. Time, 3rnln 16sec. Miss Brown swam very consistently for a big win by 16 yards. Two other starters, Misses S. Grange (Mount Eden) ana B. Anderson (North Shore), retired. 75yds. Intermediate Girls’ Breaststroke Championship. (Holder: Miss J. Thomson, Parnell; Auckland and New Zealand record. Miss M. Rydon, 65 2-ss). —Miss J. Webster (Mount Eden), 1; Miss M. O’Mera (North Shore), 2; Miss D. Dorman (Waitemata), 3. Time, 68 l-ss. Miss Webster won by a touch after keen competition with Miss O’Mera. 100yds. Junior Boys’ Championship. (Holder: A. Walker, Whangarei; Auckland record, A. E. Baird, 71 2-ss; New Zealand record. L. Olds, Otago, 66 3-ss). —V. Carey (Waitemata), 2; A. Tonks, (North Shore), 2. Time, 86 2-ss. Won by a third of a length. 220yds. Junior Boys’ Championship. (Holder: A. Walker, Whangarei; Auckland and New Zealand record, L. Olds, Otago, 2m 43 l-ss).—V. Carey (Waitemata), 1. Time, 4m 1 l-os. The only starter. 50yds. Junior Girls’ Championship. (Holder: Miss S. Grange, Mount Bden; Auckland and New Zealand record, Miss L. Coutts, 32 2-ss). —Miss E. Rainey (North Shore), 1; Miss A. Grange (Mount Eden), 2; Miss E. Strong (Helensville), 3. Time, 345. Other competitors were Misses E. James and S. Kitchingharn (North Shore), A. Thomson and G. Sadler (Mount Eden). Miss Rainey established a good time in winning, as expected, by two feet. 100yds. Junior Girls' Championship. (Holder: Miss S. Grange, Mount Eder: Auckland and New Zealand record, Miss L. Coutts, 76 2-ss).—Miss E. Rainey (North Shore), 1; Miss A. Grange (Mount Eden), 2; Miss A. Thomson (Mount Eden), 3. Time, 81 2-ss. In another good swim, Miss Rainey won decisively by two yards. Also swam: Miss E. Strong (Helensville), Misses S. Kitchingham and E. James (North Shore)). 66 2-3yds. Open Handicap.—Final: E. Midgley (Ponsonby), 4s, 1; R. W. Brown (University), 6s, 2; C. Mcllwraith (Ponsonby), ss, 3. Time, 38 4-5. Heats.— .birst: Brown, 1; M. Honeyfield (Waitqmata), 4s, 2; D. S. Hyauiason (Grammar), 3s, 3. Time, 425. Second: MidgB- A. Sellars (Helensville), scr, o - oster (Ponsonby), ss, 3. Time, 3-os. Third: Mcllwraith, 3; C. Keane (Helensvfile), 4s. 2; L. Beck (North khore), 2s, 3. Time, 40 2-ss. Fourth: vy. J. Stevens (Ponsonby), 3s, 1; D. E. Keane (Ponsonby), 4s, 2; R. Porteous (Mount Eden), scr. 3. Time, 40 2-ss. AUCKLAND’S TEAM BRIDSON IN ALL EVENTS Swimmers selected last evening by Messrs. W. Batty, H. Moore and LKenny to be Auckland’s representatives at Greymouth on January 24 were: —- Men.—Gordon Bridson (Grammar), 100yds, 220yds, 440yds. 880yds, one mile. The diver is to be selected* Women.— Misses Marie Farquhar (Waitemata) and Peggv Robertson ( Parnell), 100yds. 220yds, 440yds. Miss Jean Thomson (Parnell) will swim in the 220yds breaststroke, although she was not able to appear last evening in this event. Intermediate Bovs.—R. Thoraaa (Grammar), 100yds, 220yds, 440yds; J* Magee (Parnell), 100yds breaststroke. Intermediate Giris.—Misses Sybil Brown and Marjorie Smith (Mount Eden), 100yds, 220yds; Miss J. Webster (Mount Eden), 75yds breaststroke. Juniors.—Girls: Miss E. Rainey (North Shore), 50yds, 100yds. Boys* Noel Crump (North Shore), 100yds, 220yds. The men’s breaststroke champion. N. K. Sylow (Ponsonby), the backstroke champion, L. Fairgray (Waitemata), and the distance runner-up. D. P- “ say (Waitemata) are not availaole ior the team.

Another double success was that of a very promising North Shore girl. Miss .E. Rainey, in the junior girls’ events. She is rapidly improving. V. Carey was not opposed in the junior boys’ races. Clubs gained points as follow: Waitemata, 21; Grammar, 19; Mount Eden, 17; North Shore, 14; Ponsonby, 7; Parnell, 7; Helensville, 1; University College, 0. Ponsonby will gain points in the men’s diving, which will be completed at Mount Eden Baths with high-board events on Sunday morning. The three Ponsonby divers, W. Hassan, Barry Young and H. Neale, completed low-board tests last evening. A. Spraggon, North Shore, was in the intermediate diving. The champion back-stroke swimmer, L. Fairgray, retained his title. Results:— 100 YARDS MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP Holder: J. P. Farrell (University). Auckland record: E. Adamson, 58 4-ss. New Zealand record: I. W. Cameron (Wellington), 55 4-ss. G. Bridson (Grammar) l J. Enwright (Waitemata) 2 R. Porteous (Mount Eden) .. .. 3 Time, 57 3-ss. An Auckland record. Also swam It. A. Sellars (Helensville;. Enwright had the worst of the start. Bridson struck out smoothly and soon showed he was superior to hrs opponents. He led by four feet from Porteous and Enwright, who were equal, at the first lap. Another easy gain took place the next lap, and Bridson finished six yards ahead of Enwright, in one of the easiest championship sprint wins. Porteous was two yards back. J. P.Farrell and A. W'. Raper (Ponsonby), leading sprinters, did not start. 220 YARDS MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP Holder: G. Bridson (Grammar). New Zealand and Auckland record: Bridson, 2m 295. G. Bridson (Grammar) l D. P. Lindsay (Waitemata) .... 2 Time: 2m 26 l-5s (an Auckland and a New Zealand record). Bridson’s brilliance won tremendous enthusiasm from the crowd. Each lap gave him an increased lead from Lindsay, but the Waitemata swimmer had the satisfaction of doing the distance in about 2m 29s—the old record, and one of the best times of his career. Bridson won by four yards in one of the finest struggles staged in Auckland. His leads from Lindsay on lap performances were:—First lap, half a yard; second, a yard; third, four feet; fourth, two yards; fifth, three yards; sixth, ten feet: at finish, four yards. 100 YARDS WOMEN S CHAMPIONSHIP _Holder: Miss Ena Stdekley (Grammar). New Zeala-nd and Auckland record: Miss Stockley, 655. Miss Marie Farquhar (Waitemata) 1 Miss Peggy Robertson (Parnell; 2 Miss Lila Coutts (Grammar) .... 3 Time, 70s. Also swam: Miss Joan Roberts (Parnell). The slowness of the time—greater than Miss Robertson's best last season when she raced Miss Stockley—fully revealed the decline of women’s swimming in Auckland. Miss Coutts made the pace and touched first at the end of the opening lap, with the other three girls equal. Next lap. Miss Coutts led again and completed the 33 1-3 yards with Miss Farquhar second, heading Misses Roberts and Robertson. Over the final space Miss Coutts tired. Misses Farquhar and Robertson improving their places.

the former to beat the Parnell eiri w two yards. Miss Robertson beat * ; y Coutts by a touch only. 220 V DS WOMEN’S CHAMPIONHIP Holder, Miss D. Grant (Grammar) New Zealand and Auckland record, Mi«n Shand (Canterbury). 2min 4?sec. Miss Marie Farquhar (Waitemata) i Miss Peggy Robertson (Parnell) ’* Time, 3min 6 l-ssec. Also swam: Lila Coutts (Grammar). In another *l ow race. Miss Robertson made all the pa co Miss Farquhar caught up. but there was so little between the two at the fl„| sh that a dead-heat would have been * fairer decision. .Miss Robertsons lead from Miss Farquhar, with Miss Coutt, remaining third, for the first five la ' ranged from a foot to four feet ociir Miss Coutts retired afttir four laps. ~ two placed girls swam stroke for stroke over the last 50 yards in a highly exri , ing race. 'sen. 220 YD MEN’S BREAST-STROKE’ ISolder. N. W. Sylow (Ponsonby)Zealand and Auckland record 'si, * orain 4 3-osec. ~ww. N. K. Sylow (Ponsonby) .... ’ J 9 T. Lowe (North Shore) •• .« 1 W. Foster (Ponsonby) .. ..' ” ” ; Time, 3mtn 12 2-ssec. Sylow h»a simple win, and. swimming in perfeet time, increased his lead gradually Lowe who hung on pluekily. l2 was beaten by nearly half a length koster was well back. sul ’ and 150YDS MEN'S BACK-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP E Holder, L. Fairgray (Waitemata); Auck land record, Fairgray, Imin 52 3-525.. New Zealand record, L. .Mourehm™ tCanterbury), Imin 52 l-osec. Ee L. Fairgray (Waitemata) .... , J ' h*. Hyauiason (Grammar) .. *' " i . Stockley (Grammar) " X 7 T L™, e - 2 , mil ? 1 l-Ssec. Also ’ swirn* J. litzpatriek (University > W (Hdensvilie). Fairgray led from beginning, and won by half a length Stockley was close to Hyauiason. IOOYds Intei'mediate Boys’ Chamnicn ship (holder. L. Smythe, Ponsonby/aucSl J ecor d, I. \V. Cameron. Wellington kq "'o s if ec: Zealand record. Cameron H Thomas (Grammar). lj H. Cleghorn (Grammar), 2; L. Smvth* (Ponsonby). 3. Time, 62 4-ssec. Thomas swam stylishly to win by a touch from Cleghorn In a hotly contested race A Spraggon (North Shore) also swam’ 220Yyds Intermediate Boys’ Championship (holder, L. Smythe, Ponsonby; Auckland and New Zealand record, G. Bridson, Grammar, 2min 35sec.).—R. Thomas (Grammar), 1; L. Smythe (Ponsonby), 2' H. Cleghorn (Grammar), 3. Time, 2min 56sec. Thomas’s time could have been faster. He beat the holder by four yards, Cleghorn a similar distance away. U. Gee and 11. McGregor (Waitemata) and A. Loekie (Ponsonby) also swam. 100 Yds Intermediate Boys’ Breaststroke Championship (holder, J. Magee, Parnell; Auckland record, Magee. Imin 22 2-ssec.).—J. Magee (Parnell), 1. Time, Imin 22sec (an Auckland record). As the only starter, Magee put up a remarkably fine showing in breaking his own time. His lap-timing was well judged. 100yds. Intermediate Girls’ Championship. (Holder: Miss P. Robertson, Parnell; Auckland and New Zealand record. Miss Robertson, 65 3-ssec).—Miss 11. Smith (Mount Eden), 1; Miss S. Brown (Mount Eden), 2; Miss I. Keeping (Waitemata), 3. Time. 73 4-ssec. Miss Smith lead all the distance and won by a yard, with Miss Keeping two yards back.