Bill Dunn / Laura Triffitt 400m Handicap 1992
On an overcast summer evening at the windiest venue in Southern Tasmania (the Domain Athletic Track) the Harriers were gathering in numbers. The day was Thursday the 19th December; the time was approaching 6.00pm and occasion was the running of the legendary Bill Dunn/Laura Triffitt Handicap 400m
Due to start at 6.00pm sharp, the first heat in the Laura Triffitt Handicap for girls probably got away a few ticks before 6.45pm. The official reason for the delay was that rain had washed the handicappers' mark off the track, but those close to the pulse soon realised that infact the actual reason was the late arrival of almost half the competitors!
So with the typical punctuality that has become a hallmark (along with Scott Hennessy's handicapping!) the heats in the Laura Triffitt Handicap were run. From the heats nine finalist were selected: Angela Cooper (the backmarker on 10m), Amanda Taylor (15m), Helen Castley and Tania King (21m), Lala Seewang and Carmen Davis (30m), Georgina Wright (37m), Jo Gladwright (40m), and finally Gina Hewson (46m).
Then can the three heats in the Men's Bill Dunn Event. Once again nine finlists were selected based on performances in the heats. These were John Lewis (who Scott Hennessy had done a marvellous job of handicapping in the heat, but who for the final was dragged 5m), Matt Clake (who did not appreciate Scott's marvellous job of handicapping John Lewis) and found himself on 6m, Peter Kay (20m), Chris May (27m), Giles Whaitehouse (36m), Mark Nichols (39m), Jeff Andrews and Dean Eddington (41m), and finally Todd Parsell (60m).
The finals were held a little after 7.30pm. The Laura Triffitt was a close race between Georgina Wright, Helen Castley and Tania King. Eventually Helen won in the time of 57.45 from Georgina and then Tania. Much to Scott Hennessy's relief the Bill Bunn also proved to be a close race. The place getter were Chris May (who won in 50.50) from John Lewis and then Mark Nichols.
Following the racing the Harriers relaxed and enjoyed a BBQ at the track. As
is traditional the Harriers were all complaining about their handicaps, but
no-one could deny that the evening had lived up to it's reputation as fun!