ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 15

ROWING.

NEW ZEALAND EIGHTS. WON BY OTAGO. AUCKLAND IN THIRD PLACE. (By Telegrapb.-Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Saturday. Amid scenes of great enthusiasm Citato won the interprovincial eight-oar championship of New Zealand for the third time in succession this afternoon, beating Canterbury by about threequarters of a length in a slashing finish. Auckland was third, about three lengths behind Canterbury. Marlborough was about half a length further back. The race was held in perfect rowing weather and the -water was ideal. From an excellent start the four crews held together for about 10 strokes, after which Otago began to forge ahead, gradually opening up a lead of about a canvas. Then Canterbury also began to show out from Auckland and Marlborough. Two minutes after the start Canterbury, rowing a fairly fast stroke, overhauled Otago, and the leading crews at this time were about a length and a half ahead of Marlborough and Auckland, who were racing level. Near half-way Canterbury commenced to show the way to Otago, with Auckland and Marlborough nearly three lengths astern. When two-thirds of the distance had been covered Canterbury was in a strong position, about a length ahead of Otago and this lead-* was increased to a length and a half in the next 200 yards. In the meantime Auckland had gained about half a length on Marlborough, although both crews were well out of the race, being between three and four lengths astern of the leading boat.

, Otago then increased the pace slightly and commenced to reduce Canterbury's -advantage stroke by stroke, and when the entrance to the steamer basin was reached Canterbury's lead was reduced i( to about half a length. Entering the basin both Otago and Canterbury • quickened their stroke to 32 to the . minute, but Otago had more in reserve -than Canterbury and steadily drew ahead to win by about three-quarters of a length in a great finish, which evoked • applause from the crowds on the fc'harves.

Auckland, rowing a very plucky race, finished third, about three lengths behind Canterbury, Marlborough being half a length further back in fourth place. . The Otago crew consisted of P. Brough (str.), J. D. Solomon, D. Clark, G. B. J.ohnson, L. Fountain, J. Mitchell, F. Eggers and H. Pritchard. The course, which was three miles in length; was covered in lGm 19 4-ss.

AUCKLAND CLUB.

■ Auckland Rowintr Club held a, set of trial fours on Saturday for caps presented by Mr. F. C. Mappin. The short course alongside the waterfront road was used, and at times rough water interfered with the sport. The racing was of a high standard, however, and some spirited contests were witnessed. Three heats and a final were rowed, one crew having a bye, and they ffi et the winners of the first heat in the seini-final. In order to make up the fifth crew, it was decided that the losing bow and Xo. 2 in the first heat should row with the stroke who had drawn the bye. After a good final race the caps were won by J. McComish's crew from that staked by G. Scott by half a length. _ The winning crew was :—.T. McComisn, R - Chajipell, A. C. Coutts and T. Scnopp.

WEST END CLUB. Crews. —Stotter, Jerome (9s), Zukerman, Tongue (18s), Blomfield, Newcombe (6s), Ganley, Angelo (17s), Whitten, Parsons (7s), McFarlane, Taylor (3s), Conway, Dalton (6s). First heat: Stotter beat Zukerman; second heat, Ganley beat Blomfield; third heat, Whitten beat McFarlane. First semi-final: Stotter beat Conway; second semi-final, Whitten beat Ganley. Final: Stotter beat Whitten. NORTH SHORE CLUB. The North Shore Rowing Club held a set of trial fours on Saturday for a set of trophies donated by Mesdames C. Seagar and R. McCallum. Three crews competed, and good water conditions prevailed over the course from the North Head to a point off the boathouse. Starting was by mutual consent, and Mr. B. Rutledge acted as judge. The final drew R. Follas' and C. Oliver's crews. There was little between the crews in the opening stages. Follas gained the first advantage, and, increasing the lead, was a length out two hundred yards from the line. Oliver then challenged, and Follas responded. A hard finish ensued, with the verdict to Follas by half a length. The winners were:—lt., Follas (str), K. Kalaugher (3), C. Willetts (2), G. Derry (bow).