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Harriers . . .

Varsity Wins Dorne Cup

In previous yearn thin race has been hold at Petone, the course comprising mainly road and track. This year it was held at Silverstream over a really testing cross-country course, made very heavy by the recent rain. In putting up such a fine performance under such difficult conditions. Varsity has proved itself a club to be reckoned with not only on the road but also over country. This season shows promise of being the most successful year in the history of the Varsity Harrier Club. The only other year in which the club has shone in inter-club teams races was 1947 when the club won the Shaw Baton Relay and finished second in the Dome Cup and the Provincial Championships.

The individual winner of last Saturday's race was Brian Derwin, of Scottish, who finished 150 yards clear of Arch Jelley (Olympic). An equal distance separated Jelley from the New Zealand cross-country champion. Noel Taylor (Hull Valley).

An regards Varsity's Individual placings. Dick Gilberd is to be congratulating on running an extremely well judged race to finish fourth only 4sec. behind Taylor. Gilberd, who seemed to revel in the sticky conditions and took the fences effortlessly undoubtedly ran the best race of his harrier career. Should he repeat this performance at N.Z.U. winter tournament, being held this year at Auckland, he should most certainly be in the running for individual honours.

Ross Rawnsley (5th) also ran well, but he is capable of better performances, and it is to be hoped that he will regain his best form in time for the provincial championships which are only a month off. A notable absentee from the Varsity team was Clem Hawke. who, had he been able to run, would undoubtedly have made Varsity's victory even more decisive. Paul Keesing (10th), Colin Candy (14th) and Mike Truebridge (15th) all ran sound races. No doubt Truebridge would have been up with the leaders but for trouble with his shoes. The other runners to count were Tim Beaglehole (22nd). Peter Joyce (24th). Bob Croker (34th). Tony Cow (42nd). and Graham Ward (45th).

It will be interesting to see how Varsity fare in the 10-mlle Vosseler Shield race to be held at Lyall Bay on July 4 over a course consisting of beach, track and road. It remains to be seen if the Varsity runners can maintain the long sustained effort that is required for a race twice as long as the Dome Cup event. Strongest opposition will undoubtedly come from the Scottish Club.