Cambridge: (Bow), G. D. Cochrane (Eton and Third Trinity), J. H. F. Benham (Fauconberge and Jesus), H. M. Goldsmith (Sherborne and Jesus), M. Donaldson (Charterhouse and First Trinity), B. C. Johnstone (Eton and Third Trinity), R. V. Powell (Eton and Third Trinity), E. W. Powell (Eton and Third Trinity), D. C. R. Stuart (Cheltenham and Trinity Hall) (Stroke); R. Allcard (Eton and Third Trinity), (Cox).
As Mr. Allcard is rapidly putting on flesh, however, another coxswain may be necessitated for Cambridge this year.
CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING.
With the close of March the cross-country running season came to an end. It has been a highly successful one, and it is now more than ever evident that the pastime is highly popular with young athletes, more particularly as a means of training for outdoor summer pastimes. Unfortunately, several of the old courses have had to be abandoned or altered owing to the spread of population and the consequent overgrowth of our larger cities. Yet we have still left to us a greater part of the old national course at Roehampton, and it was over a portion of this that the inter-university race, the first important contest of the season, was decided. With their traditional courtesy, the Thames Hare and Hounds, the pioneers of cross-country running, placed their headquarters at the disposal of the competitors, and their members also superintended the arrangements. The Light Blues were in great form and won very easily, A. H. Pearson, of Westminster and Queen’s, being first man home, and establishing a record of 41 mins. 11 secs. for the course. To the credit of A. R. Churchill, of Cambridge, stood the previous best, he having won last season in 42 mins. 17 secs. Churchill was not in residence, and did not run this season, but the Light Blues were strongly represented.
Marked improvement was shown by the Thames Hare and Hounds, whose running against the Universities was very meritorious, and whose membership has considerably increased. The old club stands aloof from all cross-country competitions, and now only takes part in friendly inter-club runs. It strives to maintain the true amateur spirit, and in doing so sets a worthy example to the younger clubs. Close by its headquarters are those of the Ranelagh Harriers who, like many of the older clubs, does not now hold open competitions, but yet always sends a team to take part in the Southern Counties Cross-country Championship. That of this season was held on new ground. Lingfield and Wembley Park have been favourite spots for the contest, but Imber Court, Thames Ditton, was this year selected. It is admirably suited for the purpose, for there is plenty of open country all round, and inside is a spacious half-mile track. As none of the competitors had run over the course before, it served as an admirable test of comparative ability. The entry was a best on record, no fewer than twenty-four clubs having been entered. A. Aldridge, of the Highgate Harriers, who was first man home in 1905, did not take part, while Alfred Shrubb was, of course, disqualified by his removal outside the pale of amateurism. Highgate Harriers again proved successful, and also had the honour of getting first man home, this being G. Pearce, whose fine running made him somewhat of a favourite for the National Championship at Haydock Park a few weeks later. In the North, the district championship was again won by the Crewe Harriers, but the Sutton Harriers, who finished second, had first man home. The Birchfield Harriers secured the Midland District Championship, and the Northampton Alpine Harriers supplied first man in G. W. Dunkley, who also won the previous year.
The meeting of Straw and Pearce in the National Championship proved most exciting, and Straw only won by five seconds, after a great race. In the last few yards Straw was almost done up, and had Pearce made his spurt a little earlier, the London runner might have won. Straw, however, struggled on to the finish, and by his victory, and the close placing of his fellow-members, scored a win for the Sutton Harriers. Highgate Harriers, who had held this important championship since 1902, were without the services of A. Aldridge, and were placed second. In this race 163 competitors, representing seventeen clubs, took part. The record number is 164 in 1895, when S. Cottrell, of the Thames Valley Harriers, was first man home, and the Birchfield Harriers proved the winning club. After the race a team was selected to represent England in the annual international cross-country race at Newport, the following Saturday. Straw and Pearce were naturally among the chosen team, and they again made a magnificent struggle for victory. On this occasion, however, Straw won more easily, the difference in time being thirteen seconds. England won the championship, which she has held since its institution in 1903, when, at Hamilton Park, Glasgow, she beat Ireland, the second team, by 53 points. This year she defeated Ireland by 62 points, the last-mentioned country being 20 points in front of Scotland, and 42 ahead of Wales. Among the individual runners who distinguished themselves, beside Pearce and Straw, were J. J. Daly, of the Galway Harriers, who came in fourth to Straw, and S. Stevenson, of the Clydesdale, who was tenth. T. Hughes, of the Newport Harriers, was first home for Wales.
GOLF.
The players who go to Muirfield in East Lothian to take part in the Open Champion Meeting are to be provided with competitions in other parts of Scotland. There is to be a tournament at Musselburgh, which used to be a championship green before the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers changed its quarters to Muirfield. In addition, a professional tournament is being arranged for the course on the Braid Hills, Edinburgh.