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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume. 34, Number 14. July 21, 1971

Harriers Club

Harriers Club

Something of the diversified nature of a university sports club was evident in the 'Vic' Harrier Club's championship held last week. The leading runners personified a varying mixture of dedication and ability (not necessarily in that order) whilst a distinct social outlook was evident further back in the field. Nonetheless, all tackled the strenuous 7½ mile course in a manner designed to achieve some personal satisfaction from their exertions.

The course at Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekakariki provided an excellent test of crosscountry ability. Runners were confronted with torturous sand hills, beach running, muddy ditches and the "bull-paddock". An assortment of tricky fence obstacles gave scope to the more athletic types to demonstrate their gymnastic prowess.

A fine run from Ian Stockwell gained him his third successive club championship title. Stock-well is in top form at present and should go close to Wellington representation later this year. George Seconi ran a steady race for second some two minutes behind Stockwell.

Most interest in the race centred on the three-way battle for third place between Bruce Batten, Ian Hunt and Tony Woolhouse. Batten finally won through with a determined burst at the beginning of the third lap, opening up a gap which he held to the finish. Wool-house showed up the value of a fine hurdling technique on the obstacle-riddent course, but lack of training showed through in the final stages and Hunt pulled ahead to ensure fourth placing.

Unfortunately, the club has lost a number of top runners this year and it appears that teams for Tournament and the Wellington Provincial championships will be weaker than last year. However, several promising new members including Bruce Batten, Frank Nolan, Bruce Cummings and Ian Tracy should ensure the basis for stronger teams next year.

Ian Hunt