ARMY ATHLETICS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 May 1943, Page 4

ARMY ATHLETICS

IN THE MIDDLE EAST. NEW ZEALAND TEAMS SECOND IN KEEN CONTEST. (NZ.EF. Official News Service.) CAIRO, May 12. One hundred and five athletes, the pick of the British, South African and New Zealand track and field men serving in the Middle East, paraded for 19 events at the Farouk stadium. So keen was the competition that the result of the triangular contest fol the Chrystall Cup was decided on the final event, the high leap, in which South Ainca was first and second to record a total ot 132 points. New Zealand got 128 and Bntain'llT'/a. New Zealand and South Africa each secured eight wins and Britain three The New Zealand ensign fluttered fiom the flagpole right from the start, with Lieutenant Finlayson winning the 110 metres huidles. Private Dickie had an all the way win in the 1500 metres, and followed this UP with third place in the 800 metres, ™ whwh the New Zealander, Lieutenant Johnston, was. second. It was Dickie's outstanding 800 metre effort that paved the way for New Zealand’s 50 yards win in the medley relay. Trooper McHugh and Major Phillips were no match for the South African Rugby flier. Lieutenant Stockhill, in the sprints filling places in the 100 yards, with Private Elkis c-econd in the 200 yards. The New Zealand padre, Gourdie, outclassed the field in the marathon, winning the 5000 metres by 100 yards. Lieutenant Cpic added to a long list of pole vault successes The most exciting event was the tug of war. New Zealand beat Britain in the first tow pulls, but found . the bully South Africans too hard to shift, losing the first pull. The New Zealanders, however won the next two pulls, gaining the victory. The veterans’ sprint was won by Warrant Officer Stuart. New Zealand boxers won four and lost five bouts in an inter-services match. Wins were secured by Hargreaves (bantam) . Me Ivor (lightweight), Edwards (welterweight), and Anderson (middleweight) The cup foi the best winner was won by Edwards.