Big Harrier Event

The Wellington-Masterton relay was run through driving ran on the Saturday of June 10. Of the eleven teams competing Varsity finished in 6th place though our time was seven minutes better than las year's. For V.U.C. John Goodwin led the field in the first lap to Petone crossing, ahead of the veteran Don Silver, an excellent performance, for Varsity has been well behind on the first lap in the previous two years.

Ken Hancock dropped to 4th place against more experienced runners in the second lap and this place was kept until the 8th lap. Our runners were John Riseborough, Gerry Barnard—who had rehearsed his lap thoroughly—Tony Latham—running steadily over the foothills of the Rimutakas—John Manson—doing the steep hill lap in 10sec. faster than his previous time—Mike Truebridge—who ran strongly on the difficult downhill to Featherston—Bob Hunt took the baton at the 8th change over and lost a place to the experienced John Eccles, and Bunny Harris was running 6th at the end of the 9th lap. Mac Matherson retained the place in the last lap but was unable to overtake the Olympic Club runner who was 20yds. ahead all the way.

Varsity's was quite a fair performance though they were some 15 minutes behind the leaders, Hutt, Wellington and Scottish, and this race should be excellent grounding for the Akansa road race in which we are taking part this year.

After the run dinner was enjoyed at Mr. Daniel's home in Masterton and the company moved on to Carterton for a dance where we amazed the gazing rustics with songs and a haka.