N.Z. ROWING EIGHT ON THAMES

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24632, 31 July 1945, Page 3

N.Z. ROWING EIGHT ON THAMES

SERVICES CREW TRAINS FOR REGATTAS (Special Correspondent N.Z.PA.I (Rec. 9*p.m.) LONDON, July 30. Wearing black singlets with a silver iern badge, the New Zealand Services rowing eight has now been training on the Thames twice daily for two regattas, one at Hammersmith on August 5, and the other at Weybridge on August 11. Oarsmen selected from the eight will also compete in a pair-oar race at Hammersmith on August 4, and a four-oared race at Greenwich Regatta on August 6. The crew is training under the direction of J. H. Macdonald, of Marlborough, a former Olympic oarsman and All Black, who is rowing No. 6. It has changed since it first took the water 12 days ago in a boat lent by the Lyons Club at Hammersmith. It will be stroked by B. R. Dnrie (Wanganui), who stroked the New Zealand champion pair-oar In 1935. Behind him in order are: C. R. McLemon (Poverty Bay), Macdonald, C. W. McLean (Auckland, formerly of Wanganui), R. W. G. Alexander (Auckland), D. C. Gould (Christchurch), B. Goldsbury (Wanganui), and A. F. Sheppard, of Wanganui (bow). The cox is J. Gow. of Blenheim. Durie, McLernon, and McLean are all returned prisoners of war, and with Macdonald they will probably make a four to row at Greenwich. Durie and Macdonald will compete in the pair-oar event at Hammersmith. Macdonald emphasises that the crew cannot be regarded in any way as a New Zealand eight, but as a Services eight which is rowing ‘for the pleasure of it.” It realises that it could do with more training than is now possible, and Indeed it regards its race, or races, if it does well in the heats at Hammersmith on August 5, as training for the more serious opposition that will be met at Weybridge a week later. Durie, who is one of the best strokes produced in the Wanganui Rowing Club before the war, is satisfied with its progress. »