Avon oarsman wins trip to Europe

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32561, 22 March 1971, Page 26

Avon oarsman wins trip to Europe

(New Zealand Press Association) WANGANUI. Four newcomers to international rowing have been included in the 16-man New Zealand team to contest a series of regattas in Europe later this year.

One of the four is the Avon (Canterbury) oarsman, A. Earle, a former national colts representative.

The other three are T. Coker (Wanganui), a colts trialist last year, A. Hirt West End) and L. Wilson (Waikato). The rest of the team is: W. Cole, W. Veldman, N. Mills (Whakatane); R. Collinge, R. Joyce (Hutt Valley), J. Hunter (Wellington; M. Watkinson, D. Storey (West End); B. Johnston, G. Robertson (Oamaru), L. Wilson (Waikato). Coxwains: S. Dickie (Wellington), P. Lindsay (Oamaru); TOP MEN DROPPED The oarsmen were announced at the end of the national trials yesterday by the selectors, Messrs F. Strac-

han (convener), R. Robinson (coach) and D. Rowlands. Two surprise omissions from the team that contested the world championship in Canada last year were

Wanganui's 1970 “Sportsman of the Year,” G. Minnell, and R. Murphy,' of St George. The team will leave New Zealand on July 4 and contest major regattas in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Gemany and Denmark before returning home towards the end of August. Although the team has been chosen for the European tour alone, the trip is being undertaken to give New Zealand oarsmen top competition before the Munich Olympic Games. DEPTH IN TRIALS

Mr Rowlands said this team would not neccessarily be the one to repesent New Zealand at the Munich Olympics but he admitted it would have the inside running. The selectors were delighted yesterday with the great depth of talent in the entire trial squad. Mr Rowlands said the tials had been the most successful held. "At one time we used to have quite a grey patch between our very best and the not so good, but not this time,” he added. “The trials have been fantastic, particularly for the young chaps like Tony Hirt who very definitely rowed his way into the team on his performances here in Wanganui.” FINANCIAL PROBLEM Asked how much - finance had been raised towards the cost of the European tour, Mr Rowlands said: “None yet, but we will start getting on to that soon. “Don’t worry, the trip will come off. New Zealand rowing fraternity has supported us before and will no doubt do so again, but we are always grateful for any outside help.” The team will assemble in Christchurch next month to begin a 10-week training programme before leaving for Europe.