From the Gym

Harriers

Another bastion of male preserve has fallen. Women have made a grab at the masculine balls of the 'vie' harrier club. Three demure ladies trotted around the exclusive streets of Khandallah on a recent Saturday afternoon in the interests of physical fitness and for the traditional harrier reward of tea and biscuits.

Whether or not any significance can be attached to this is a matter for speculation. However, a remarkable number [unclear: ov] over forty males turned out to run for the club. Indeed, this augers well for the harrier season as there are many newcomers to the club, with a good mixture of fast medium and social pack material.

The run was held from the home of Dr. T. Beaglehole, who was able to pursuade his wife to provide an excellent afternoon tea.

The fast pack, without the steady guidance of Ian Stockwell, got lost amongst the mists of Kau Kau. Frank Nolan, and Grorge Hooper (ex Canterbury University) figured in leading a strenuous assault on the hills. Len Watson showed a lot of pace on the downhill sections and kept the rest of the runners moving along at a fast rate. Everyone eventually made Johnsonville and a distance of some 12 miles was covered by the time Khandallah was reached again.

The medium pack was led on a miniature version of the fast packs course by Brian Dawkins and Tony Woolhouse It is believed that Martin Fisher also made some impact, but whether this was on the "chicks" they passed or on the leading runners is not totally clear.

The slow pack was more anonymous It is believed to have contained some of the newer members. Including one from Weir House "greener" and sweaters" added some astute guidance at finding short cuts, so naturally they were first at afternoon tea. Perhaps were first at afternoon tea. Perhaps they should be renamed "fast" pack.

The social pack were last seen heading in the direction of the "W.P." Conor McBride was reported to be in good form. However, our reporters are want to be short on details, so that can be treated with some scepticism. Anyway coming Saturdays should see a sorting out of the fit from the unfit. The club held its novice cup race at Seatoun on Saturday 22nd. In future club members should check the sports noticeboard for Eric's splurges on "how to get there" and "what to do" and "how to do it." Question mark of the week is Will Bruce Batten run in the Novice?

Ian Hunt.

League

Saturday, 15th April was a great day for the League club. The first competition matches of the season and a win for both sides. Admittedly the Junior First's won by default against Petone, but it is always pleasing to Petone, but it is always pleasing to start the season with a win, however gained. The 'A' side playing in the Senior Second division played good against Naenae. The team was L.Benson-Cooper, M. Smith, R. Taukamo, T. Jamison, S. McConnell, D. Bidios, M. Muru, I. Kendricks, T. Sadlier, D. White, A. Haronga, M. Bell, H. Mills (capt). All the backs shone, and they shared all the points gained. However Lex Benson-Cooper at fullback had little work to do, although what he did he did well. Steve McConnell and Mike Smith both ran strongly and well, always looking dangerous with their tremendous acceleration and pure speed Two tries apiece tells its own tale.

Other points came from tries by Tom Jamison (who also kicked a conversion and Dave Bidois. Tom's try rounded off a well-balanced and sound game at centre.

Mick Muru played an outstanding game at halfback, tackling well and setting up play to perfection. The Naenae backs had no answer to Barsity's backs had no answer to Varsity's speed and skill at spotting the gaps. It is to the backs that the main credit should go for the margin of victory.

The forwards struck trouble in their scrummaging technique and therefore won less ball than was their due. However, in general play, all tackled well and they confidently contained a bustling Naenae park. Harold Mills played his usual ever-working, ever-eager game while Alan Haronga and Derek White made some fine runs.

In the future the player with the ball must be tackled before being allowed to run.

All in all it was a wonderful start to the Rugby League year, and no doubt the faults displayed in this game will be rectified in the weeks to come. Such a pleasing win augurs well for the remainder of the season, and of course Winter Tournament. The social scene also looks promising in the lounge Bar of the Royal Tiger. So all you good looking birds come along and follow a winning side.

David Pennington

Soccer

The first team once again disappointed its supporters when for the second year running it was eliminated from the Chatham Cup competition by Adriatic. The first half was fairly even and neither side could score. During the second half Adriatic went into a 3-0 lead, however, University reduced the arrears with two opportunist goals by Rand Basnet before the final whistle sounded. The University defence was solid, however, there were weaknesses in the mid field, and the forward line rarely functioned smoothly. Best player for University was Rand Basnet, who played well in the mid field in the first half, and scored two goals when moved to striker in the second half.

The Third Division, Section A team beat North Wellington United 4-2 at Nairneville Park. Even though North Wellington United opened the scoring it was a fairly easy victory for Varsity for whom John Gallagher, Peter Liddell, Tony Marsland and Jeff Walls scored goals. The Third Division, Section C team had no game as its opponents were engaged in a Chatham Cup game.

The Fourth Division team was beaten 4-1 by Eastbourne at Crawford Green For Varsity, Nick Billows in goal, and Ian McDonald, until he left the field with a back injury, had good games. The University goal was an own goal. The Sixth Division team did well to beat Seatoun 6-4, as at one stage Seatoun was leading by 3-1. N. Thompson scored a "hat-trick" for Varsity. Other goals were scored by G. Hansen and D. Quinn.

In a high scoring game at Vogelmorn Park the Seventh Division team was beaten 8-4 by Brooklyn-Northern United. For Varsity the goalscorers were Bill Maxted, John Rees, Dennis Wood and Tom Wong.