ATHLETICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3170, 22 April 1909, Page 6

ATHLETICS.

WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP. POSTLE BEATS DAY. A great crowd assembled at the Stadium, Johannesburg, this afternoon (March 2lst) to witness the match for 220 yards world's championship for £IOO stake, and £2OO aside, between Postle and Day, says the "Cape Times Weekly." The latter who held the championship came out from England specially to run this race. The track was on the heavy side, rain having fallen during the whole i;f the morning. The betting at the start ™as 5 to 2 on Postle,. and 2 to 1 against Day. When Day won the toss and chose the inside position, the price was 7 to 4 against him, there was, however, no advantnge in securing the inside position as thelstart was round a sharp curve. This was admitted by Day in the finish. The starter, Jack O'Connell, allowed the men a good time for the "set," and when the pistol went off Postle leaped ahead and got fully two yards the better of the start before he had gone fifteen yards, he had taken the. inside position and was leading by a good three yards at 50 yards, this he increased to fully five yards by the time 100 yards had been traversed,he seemed to negotiate the final bend quicker than his opponent and on entering the home straight he was still at least six yards ahead. Then the Irishman made a great effort, and drew up on his man at evory stride, but the leeway was too much for him, and h*e passed the tape 2£ yards behind the Australian. Postle's time, considering the "holding" nature of the heavy ground, was remarkably good, namely 23 seconds. The winner was much distressed at the finish, while Day seemed much stronger. Had the race been run over 300 instead of 220 yards. Day would have won easily. The race was a great one. and worthy of the occasion. Postle's advantage at the start and his tremendous lead at 100 yards—which by the way was reported to have been covered under evens —majde it impossible for Day to win. The winner received an ovation on retiring. There is a possibility of another match between the pair, to take place before the Irishman leaves for England.