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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, June 1909

Athletics

Athletics.

"The knotted column of his throat,
The massive square of his heroic breast,
And arms on which the standing muscle sloped
As slopes a wild brook o'er a little stone."

Idylls of the King.

Easter Monday proved to be a day of perfect atmoshpheric conditions; a cloudless sky with a bracing fine southerly. As was only to be expected the track was somewhat dead after the heavy rains and this fact serves to enhance further the several page 22 fine performances subsequently achieved. A large assembly of over 1,500 people watched the "games." Public opinion favoured the chances of Canterbury College, and mainly by the aid of R. Opie—their crack sprinter—and L.A. Dongall, they duly captured the shield.

Collyns secured the opening event, Putting the Weight, for Canterbyry College and Dongall placed a second win to their credit by wining the mile championship in record time, 4 min. 63 3/5 secs.—a fine performance. Dougall made his own pace and had no difficulty in winning easily from Rigg, (V.C.); Dougall also won the half mile without being extended. The 220 yards went to R. Opie, (C.C.), in the fast time of 23 4/5 sees. —1/5 sec. outside record time. The performance in the high and long jumps were only moderate, but A. H. Bogle (V.C.) showed excellent form in annexing the 120 yards hurdles in 17 1/5 secs., equaling both in heat and in final— with slight assistance from the wind—the previous best performance. He also successfully defended his title in the 440 yards hurdles, C. Strack (V.C.) being a creditable second. The 100 yards Championship was won by R. Opie in 10 1/5 secs -1/5 sec inside record time, but as the race was run before a slight breeze the record was not recognised. It was nevertheless an excellent performance, and under perfect conditions Opie should be capable of at least equaling the record. Duncan was close up second. These runners were again placed first and second in the 440 yards Championship, in which a considerable amount of jostling took place. Although the result was not affected, such tactics are to be deprecated in University sports. Otago secured first and second places in the Hammer Throwing through the agency of Hamilton and Wilson, the distance 99ft. 11½ ins. Being a distinct improvement on the previous year's performance. Otago's representative, A. Hamilton, succeeded in wresting the Mile Walk Championship from R. Twyneham (C.C.) in 7 min. 21 2/5 secs., the best performance to date. The finish of the Three Miles Flat was left to Victoria College, T. Rigg finishing first and D. S. Smith second, L.A. Dougall (C.C.) made the pace for the first mile (run in 4 min. 56sec.) and then retired. Two miles were recovered in 10 min. 33 secs., and the full distance in 15 mn. 56 secs, which is considerably below the previous best time. Rigg was unpacked for the last mile and won sprinting,. A large field of gallant knights and fair ladies, assembled to contest the ancient game of Threading the Needle. Many fingers were pricked, but no records were broken. Last year's Pick-a-Back champions successfully defended their title.

The official records are given on page 28.