ROWING Rough Weather For Centennial Regatta

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29739, 5 February 1962, Page 15

ROWING Rough Weather For Centennial Regatta

(From Our Own Reporter)

DUNEDIN, February 4 The defeat of the national pair-oar champions. M. and G. Lawrence i Otego Rowing Club>, by the Awarua pair, H. Vella and L. Hotton, was the surprise upset of the Port Chalmers centennial regatta on Saturday. The Lawrence brothers pulled away from the rest of the field early in the race, and appeared to be increasing their lead: but Awarua gradually increased pace and as the crews approached the basin, began to draw ahead. A last-minute sprint by Otago in the last 20 yards came too late, and Awarua crossed the line two feet ahead. A record number of 201 crews from 13 clubs from Christchurch to Bluff took part in the 19-event programme. Conditions were fair for the first few races, but later the rowers had to contend with heavy and frequent show'ers. an ebb tide and a head wind. The chop caused many crews to withdraw and officials were forced to shorten the course to complete the programme. Canterbury Crews

Canterbury crews in particular managed the difficulties very well and while they did not win any of the senior events, were consistent place-fillers. Little indication of form for the national championships to be held at Kerr’s Reach at the end of the month was shown as the advantage was all on the side of the lighter crews, which could well lack the stamina for a longer course.

The fourth event, the maiden fours, was unfortunate for the leading crew, Riverton. Less than 100yds from the finish, their boat wag swamped by the wash from the pilot boat, and they had to be lowed from the course while Wukatupu went on to first place, followed three lengths behind by Oamaru. The Oamaru Rowing Club carried off the major trophies. The chib won both the Silver Fern Cup tor the most points (28> and the Victory Memorial Shield for the highest aggregate ill) in the sculling events The novice fours resolved itself into a battle among the two North End crews. Canterbury and Otfinatu. By the halfway mark. North End had dropped back and Canterbury had taken over the lead, which it kept to finish three lengths ahead of Oamaru. No 1. The Avon sculler. W. Norton, went into the lead very early in the junior singles event, and he crossed the line a good 12 lengths in front. The Avon club finished with the fifth highest club aggregate. 10 points. Results:— Youths’ Double Sculls —Oamaru No. 1 1, Port United No. 1 2. Canterbury (J Hunter, N Smith) 3. 3ft; three lengths. Senior Singles Sculls—North End 1. Oamaru 2. Otago 3. Three-quarters length; half length.

Junior Double Sculls— Awarua 1. Port United 2. North End No. 1 3. Half length; lour lengths. Maiden Fours—Wakatipu 1. Oamaru 2. Waihopai 3. Three lengths; three lengths. Senior Double Sculls Otago 1. Oamaru 2. Riverton 3. Three lengths. Youths Fours—Oamaru 1. Canterbury <A. Dearsley. J. Hunter. N. Smith. D. Holden/ 2. Waihopai 3. Ift; 2ft. Maiden Double Sculls —Otago 1 Wakatipu 2. Avon iB Hill, W Whiten) 3. Three lengths, one length. Junior Singles. Avon (W. Norton) 1. Oamaru No 1 <J. Colquhoum 2 North End No 1 (J. Dickson) 3. Distance; one length and a half. Novice Fours.—Canterbury <R. Woodham, A Muir. L Barner. D Britt) 1; Oamaru No. 1 2. Oamaru No. 2 3. Three lengths; half length Maiden Pairs.—Riverton No 1 I. Waihopai 2 Wakatipu No 2 3. Two lengths; 2ft Junior Fours Timaru (D. Steven. K Francis. D Angland. J. Sheat) 1 Awarua 2. Canterbury 3. Two lengths; half length.

Youths’ Pairs Oamaru No 1 1. Invercargill 2 Canterbury <A. Dearsley, D Holden) 3. Two lengths; 2ft. Senior Fours.—-Oamaru No. 1 <W. Stephens, K Hesselwood. W Smedley. T Patterson > 1, Oamaru No 22. Awarua 3. Four lengths; three-quarters of a length. Junior Pairs. Awarua 1. Avon (P. Keegan. J Wylie) 2 Otago 3. Half length; three lenetns. Youths' Single Sculls.—Port United (R Moyle) 1. Avon <F. Murray) 2. Oamaru (A Clark) 3. Half length; three lengths Open Light-weight Fours Invercargill 1. Avon <W. Whiten. W Inns. R. Shand. R Eade 8. Oamaru 3. Four lengths; one length. Novice Pairs —Tlmaru (J Harman. G. Bird) 1. Port United No. 1 2. Port United No 2 3 Three lengths; two lengths

Senior Pairs. A warn a 1. Otago 2 Avon <P Keegan. J Wylie) 3. Two lengths, one length.