ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 313, 14 June 1875, Page 3

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

The match between y.-;ncr Delaney and Collins for £25 a-side, and the champion, ship of Canterbury, best two out of three events, and two handicap races, were' run on Saturday, in the grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The attendance was not large, only some 160 persons being present. As anticipated the match was very closely contested, both men running well, Delaney proving the winner, but only winning the second event by about a foot. This was really a splendid race, and when about twenty-five yards from the post it was all Lombard street to nothing on Collins, who had the lead, and was running strong, when Delaney put on a magnificent spurt, catching and passing him only on the tape, Both men ran well, iand the backers of the losing man cannot complain that he did not do his best to win their money. The manner in which Delaney ran the sprints must have surprised those who only believed him good for long distances. His action too was also altered for the better, as he ran with a low stride, covering plenty of ground totally different to his springy stride when running with Pentecost, which would certainly have told against him in a short quick race. Considering that the running track was made very heavy by the late rains, the time in which the events were run was by no means bad. The third race in the match (200 yards) between these men was not pulled off, as Delaney won the first and second events. The 150 yards handicap was won by Frith, a late arrival in the province, who showed an excellent turn of speed, and with twelve yards start was rather warm for the two others who ran with him. The quarter-mile race resulted in an easy victory for Gough, Skellie, who was placed at scratch, giving in after going about 150 yards, as he said that Gough ran in on one of the corners, gaining about ten yards by doing so. On returning to the post Skellie entered a protest, but subsequently did not push it, and Gough received the stakes. It was rather an oversight that a few flags were not placed at the four corners of the ground to prevent a contingency of this kind. Mr W. O. Maxwell acted as judge, and Mr S. P. Andrews as starter. Before giving the events in the order of the programme, it may be mentioned that the stakes were paid over to Delaney on Saturday night at the Golden Fleece. 150 Yards Handicap. Prize, £2 2s. W. Frith, 12 yards 1 J. F. Gough, 5 yards 2 C. Bowley, 14 yards 3 Six others were entered, but did not start. When the pistol was fired the men seemed hardly to be ready, and the result was a bad start ; Frith, who seemed to be looking behind him at the time, having, however, the best of it, passing Bowley immediately after starting, and increasing his advantage until about ICO yards had been travelled. Here Gough began to put it on, and came up to Bowley. All three men now ran their level best, Bowley sticking to Gough well, only being passed by him on the post, Frith breastinglhe tape five yards a winner. Time, lessee. Match between Young Delaney and S. Collins, for £25 a side. First event—loo Yards. Delaney 1 Collins 2 After one false start, both men got well away together, running shoulder to shoulder for about sixty yards. Here Collins spurted, and for a second showed slightly in front, when Delaney, with a splendid spurt, came up and passed him, winning a well contested race by a yard. Time, llsec. 440 Yards Handicap. Prize, £2 2s. J. F. Gough, 10 yards 1 T. Skellie, scratch 0 D. O’Brien was also entered, but did not start. After two attempts, the men started well, and after going about 150 yards Skellie, who had been up to this time gaining on the leader ; when turning the second corner of the track, put up his hand and fell off, eventually stopping altogether. Gough ran it out. Time, 61sec. On returning to the post, Skellie entered a protest, as he said that Gough had cut off the corner, saving himself about ten yards. It was suggested that the race should be run over again, but Gough would not agree to this, and as Skellie subsequently did not push his protest, Gough was declared to be the winner. Had a few flags been placed at the corners of the ground (in the absence of its being roped off), this dispute could not have arisen. Delaney v Collins. Second event; 150 yards. Delaney 1 Collins 2 After a false attempt on Delaney’s part, who was too eager to get away, and was put back a yard in consequence, when the pistol fired Collins had about three and a half yards the best of the start, increasing his lead for about 120 yards, and Delaney pulling slightly on him at this distance. When about twentyfive yards from home it was all the world to a halfpenny on Collins, who was running well and strong, when Delaney put on a really magnificent spurt, collaring and passing his man only on the tape. Time, 17sec, Both men were loudly cheered for their efforts, and well deserved it. As Delaney had now won two out of the three events, the third one of 200 yards was not run. Only two entries were received for the Mile Walking Handicap, and the promoters would not start with that number. It should be mentioned in conclusion that the way in which the champion events were contested is highly creditable to all parties concerned.