AMERICAN EIGHT BEAT HOLDERS

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32032, 5 July 1969, Page 15

AMERICAN EIGHT BEAT HOLDERS

(N.Z. PA.-Reuter—Copyright)

HENLEY.

The University of Pennsylvania eight yesterday scored a hard-fought victory over the holders of the Grand Challenge Cup, the University of London, at Henley Royal regatta. ,

Holding off a desperate final effort by the London crew, Pennsylvania won by a quarter of a length in 6min 34sec—the fastest time of the regatta so far. The University of London, which had six members of the British Olympic crew in its boat, was a length down at one stage, but put in a

series of bursts which cut Pennsylvania’s lead. A last tremendous spurt brought the London students almost level, but they could not catch the Americans.

The American, W. Maher, demonstrated his sculling strength with an easy win over the young Briton, T. Crooks, in the second round of the Diamond Sculls.

Maher, probably the strongest American entry in the event, was so far ahead at the half-way mark that be wa» able to, finish at little more than a gentle paddle. He won in Bmin 25sec. The Swiss scullers, M. Studach «nd F. Russli, making their first appearance as a double, reached the last four in the Silver Goblets and Nickalls Cup. Never extended by the London-pair, J- Hayter and S. Crooks, in the second round, they won easily in Smin 3sec. Nereus, the Dutch student crew, had an impressive victory in thp Ladles’ Plate, beating Imperial College, London, iq the second round, they clocked the good time of 6min 47sec.