Harriers . . .

Teams Race Goes to V.U.C.

Cross-Country Championships

Last Saturday at Trentham Race-course the V.V.C. Harrier Club scored its third successive victory of the season in Inter-club events. As an indication of the high standard of running being shown by Varsity runners this year, it is interesting to note that Varsity's four runners to count all finished in the first fifteen Ross Rawnsley was running at his best to finish second, 33sec behind the individual winner. Brian Derwin (Scottish). Rawnsley thus confirmed the excellent form he has shown recently in winning the Vosseller Shield and the V.U.C. Club Championship, being closely followed homo in both these races by his team-matte, Clem Hawke.

At the end of the first mile the Scottish pair. Derwin and Graeme Stevens, were leading from a bunch of University runners, comprising Hawke. Rawnsley, Dick Gilbert, and Mike Trucbridge. At the half-way mark, running very smoothly Derwin looked all set for victory, having opened up a gap of 30yds from Rawnsley. Hawke had meanwhile dropped back to fifth place, with Gilberd a few places behind. There was little change in these positions throughout the second lap. Rawnsley finishing strongly for second place and Hawke a somewhat disappointing fifth. Gilberd ran well, but not quite up to his unexpected Dome Cup form, to finish eighth True bridge (15th) ran well to complete the quartet. The performances this season of Colin Candy (17th) member of the Canterbury Provincial team which won the National Championship last year, are a poor reflection of last season's form. It is to be hoped that he will show a return to his best form at the forthcoming Winter Tournament.

In the B Grade section the learns race was extremely clear cut. Varsity runners filling the first five places. This is Just another indication of the all-round high standard of the sport at V.U.C. this year. It may be of interest to note that both the first and the last men home were Varsity runners!

The club should feel justly proud that u is to be represented in the Wellington Provincial team at the National Cross-Country Championships, to be held at Trentham over the same course on Saturday week, by Ross Rawnsley and Clem Hawke Dick Gilberd is second emergency, but will run as an individual if his services are not required.

As a result of last Saturday's races the team for the N.Z. Universities Winter Tournament at Auckland has been selected as follows; R. Gilberd, C. Candy. T. Beaglehole. J. Mahon. A. Gow. R. Croker. This learn, containing quite a bit of talent, is one of the strongest Vic has ever fielded, and should therefore stand a good chance of winning the teams nice. As regards individual honours the prospects are quite good loo.