.jpg)
Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 10, No. 1. February 28, 1947
V.U.C. Athletes Shine at International Meeting
V.U.C. Athletes Shine at International Meeting
After a somewhat inglorious semi-recess, the [unclear: runnin'] jumpin' and throwin' fraternity of this college are beginning to make their presence felt in Wellington athletic circles in no uncertain fashion. With over fifty active members (and are they active!) the committee are beginning to think that the club can now be reckoned a real force in athletics. This opinion is borne out by the increasing frequency of late with which the green and gold have taken the honours at local meets.
At the recent International Meeting at Athletic Park, Varsity men were well to the fore. Invited to compete against the American athletes, J. Battersby surprised the handicapper (and himself) with a stout effort of 34 ft. II ins. to win the invitation shot-put. In the same event, Fred Marshall managed, also with the aid of the handicap, to equal the giant Hershy. In the invitation discus throw, Marshall, again with the aid of a handicap, took second place with-Hershey 3rd. At the same meet, B. Pohlen and Dillon registered convincing wins for the Club; Pohlen taking the mile walk and Dillon both the 220 and 100 yards open handicaps.
The conclusion of the first Dewar Shield meeting found Varsity equal second with such well established clubs as Hutt and Wellington. A satisfactory position considering that junior events count for points and Varsity cannot field a junior team in any event.
If the results of the Provincial Championships mean anything, amends will soon be made for the poor showing of our athletes at the last Easter Tournament. D. Toss-man started the ball rolling with a clear cut win in the 440 hurdles with G. Fox coming in well to make 1st and 2nd for the green and gold. B. Pohlen made no race of the 3 mile walk while Fred Marshall's winning effort of 121 ft. 9 ins. with the discus was a foot outside the existing Tournament record. The first part of the programme finished with Varsity winning three of the five events decided.
At the finish of the championships, Brian Pohlen won the mile walk in fast time to take the double for the Tournament and Fred Marshall completed his double by winning the shot-put in convincing fashion, with Jim Battersby a fair third. The high-light of the evening was Varsity's effort in the relay; Benjamin came home leading after the 440 but an unfortunate change left Doug. Dillon with a 20 yard deficit against the Wellington furlong champion; he stuck gamely to his task, as did Alan Catt, and the pair pulled really well. Catt handed the baton over to Dave Tossman who gave chase after the Provincial 880 Champ. The crowd felt the drama of the event and everyone was straining, trying to help Dave as he gradually closed the gap and all applauded him heartily as he got within two yards of the other man at the tape.
Juniors Rafter and Lissienko also performed very well and both show promise of being valuable senior club members in the future. Lissienko won the junior discus with 121 feet while Rafter took the junior 440 heat quite comfortably on the first day.
On the second day Lissienko was second in the javelin throw and second in the shot-put; but it was young Pat Rafter who really thrilled the crowd. He won the 880 junior in convincing manner in time which should put him in the front of all juniors in N.Z. His 440 win against older runners was also a sight for sore eyes.
Our club was second in the McVilly Shield (most points for seniors) out of 13 clubs, and second in the Rouse Shield (most points for juniors) out of 14 clubs. This latter effort is quite outstanding as we only have two junior athletes in the club. Their 3 firsts and 2 seconds out of the five events entered for, is a fairly solid basis for building up future Tournament teams.
To date it can be seen that it has been a most successful season for the club but the committee have a complaint to make which is really heartfelt. The club is short of women—athletically speaking, of course. The lady membership stands at a solitary one (who never turns out for competitions) so students will see that the need is urgent if we are to be represented by the fair sex at Easter Tournament. So roll up, ladies! Make yourself known at Kelburn Park on Club night (Monday) and you will be assured of a hearty welcome.
The Inter-Faculty Sports are to be held on March 15; any Varsity student (male or female) can compete and from this meeting tire Tournament team will be picked. Anybody who wishes to enter should fill in the appropriate particulars on the notice-board.