ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 292, 9 December 1936, Page 21

ROWING.

TRIAL RACING. CLOSELY-CONTESTED FINALS. CREWS PREPARING FOR TAURANGA. Although there were many strong counter-attractions, the oarsmen were again in strong force at the various boathouses last Saturday afternoon, when the trial racing programmes of the five harbour clubs were again completed to schedule. The conditions on tiie waterfront were anything but pleasant, yet 22 crews were seen in action, and if the entries had been further delayed several more crews would have been available. In each set of trials some very spirited racing was witnessed, and the fine condition of the competitors is at this stage of the season considerably in advance of what it has been for several seasons pastWherever possible the long courses were rowed and proved more beneficial to the competitors. Waitemata had six crews afloat for the Schmidt trophies, and the final provided a stirring race. O. Denison and V. Hayward were the strokes of the crews and from the moment starter W. Ghent sent them on their journey they struck a lively pace. It was practically even going—anybody's race —until well down the straight. Denison's four, rowing with the best combination, managed to take a slight lead over the last hundred yards. This caused Hayward to challenge and his rivals accepted it. The pace was cracked on and in a most exciting finish the judge's verdict came: "Denison wins by a foot." The John Clark Shield, a much-prized trophy by West Enders during the last 21 years, offered the competition last Saturday. The water conditions were ideal over the long course in the boat harbour and three very spirited races were necessary before the crew stroked by the club captain J. H. D. Conway emerged the winners by one length. The rowing throughout was of a high standard and an indication of the training the members have indulged in. With six crews afloat the Auckland Club raced for the "Pewter Mug," a trophy with a history, but perhaps of the least intrinsic value of any trophy raced for in the Dominion. That, however, counts for nothing, and members are very keen to be in the crew to capture the "Pewter Mug." The tliree races were rowed in the old boats —a wise precaution under the conditions prevailing, and the winners eventually proved out in J. Dickson's four by three-quarters of a length. This crew's rowing when going to the starting line for the first heat immediately made it a rank outsider. Just after the start it seemed that Marceau and Oxspring would fight it out. Suddenly . a broken seat caused Oxspring to stop. This acted as an incentive to Dickson's crew to row. Off it went after the fast-amoving Marceau. Steadily the lead was decreased, the crews drew level. Everyone expected Dickson to falter in tile rip when passing the second bridge- It" was not to be; their rowing improved, and, drawing out, won comfortably. In the final the crew again displayed good form and fighting qualities to gain a well-deserved win. This was a striking illustration that the strength of a crew cannot be gauged on paper.

St. George's were very active with the fours for the Thomas Cup, and although it did not produpe a closely-contested race, it gave J. C'oote another opportunity of showing his ability to stroke the winning crew. He displayed good judgment throughout the journey and put in his final effort at the right time. North Shore lead two crews out for the trophy donated by Mr. L. Lauson, and despite somewhat unfavourable water conditions a good race resulted in Beere's crew securing a length's win. St. George's officers have done a lot of useful work in coaching the new members, who are showing to advantage, in the trial races. Next Saturday's crews will have the advantage of being together for the week and good racing should be witnessed. All the regatta crews arc in active training for the annual gala at Tauranga on Boxing Day. The preliminary test out the crews had at the North Shore a ,week ago -lias proved very beneficial and the coaches are rectifying the faults then noticeable. Tauranga offers the first' regatta with winning donations, and as big entries seem assured the competition should be keen. The Auckland Club, that has come so much to tho fore this season, will /have about thirty members competing at i Tauranga. This club's maiden eight deserves to meet with success, for the crew is training hard every night. The West End Club's official opening will be held next Saturday, when with the patron's day At Home and trial fours a big attendance of supporters and friends is expected at the boathouse, St. Mary's Bay. There are several important, club matters that will be brought to the notice of old members and every effort lias been made to locate them. However, if an invitation has not been received it is not a case of being overlooked and the officers all old members to attend. A splendid programme has been arranged and should result in a most enjoyable afternoon being spent.

Trial fours for trophies donated bv Mr. F. T. Lowe will be rowed by the Waitemata Boating Club next Saturday. The Auckland Club will row fours for the Clark Shield. West End's trial fours are for trophies donated by the patron, Mr. A. M. Paterson. North Shore have also arranged for fours. Owing to the proposed eight-oar races at Tauranga on New Year's Day not meeting with the support anticipated from the southern clubs, the events will not take place. It was the ambition of the promoters to 'make it a national event and while the proposal was well received the various clubs find it difficult to get crews to travel, partly owing to annual regattas in their own districts and the holiday season, for which arrangements had already been made.

Messrs. C. G. Herdman, chairman, and D. G. Stotter. of the Auckland Kowing Association, who are in Australia on a holiday, are expected to return next week.