ROWING.

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 154, 17 March 1923, Page 17

ROWING.

(By

“Outrigger.”)

MOTHES SHIELD REGATTA The second contest held annually to decide tho holder of tho Mothes Shield for the ensuing season took place at Petone on Saturday last. Substantial entries were received for tho large range of events scheduled, and the racing was of a high standard. .As a result of their success at the previous gathering in January Wellington were placed in the lead with 39 points, while Star (26) and Petone (12) filled second and third places respectively. The final result is as follows: —Wellington, 82; Star, 39; Petone, 33. Four crews faced the starter in the contest for the Junior Fours. The race was closely contested for threequarters of the distance, with Star No. 1 in the lead. Petone and Wellington drew ahead, the latter finishing in splendid style with two and a half lengths to spare. The Youths’ Double Sculls resulted in an easy win for the Wellington representatives, Grace and Mawson, who obtained the verdict over their clubmates, Zander and West, by threequarters of a length.’. Star wore well behind.

In the light-weight Maiden Fours, Star got well away at the start, but did not possess the condition to maintain the fast stroke after half the distanos had Jieen covered. Wellington secured the lead at this stage and won by half a length from Petone No. 1. who had made a plucky struggle for the honours. Two lengths separated the second and third boats. Star’s one and only victory was recorded in the next event, the Junior Double Sculls, in which their two representatives led all the way and securecniie decision by several lengths. There was a stern tussle between Wellington and Star in the contest for the Maiden Fours. _ The former crew asserted their superiority when within striking distance and passed the judge with one and a half lengths to spare.

The Maiden Double Sculls developed into an exciting race between the two Wellington men, Zander and Grace, the former winning by a length and a half.

Probably the best race of the day was witnessed in the Senior Fours. Star No. 2 did not start, and the four remaining crews at half-way were racing with not more than a fbot or two between them. Petone No. 1 proved the victors, drawing ahead when in handy position, and winding from Wellington bv one and a quarter lengths. Only three crews faced the starter in the Maiden Pairs. Star No. 2 and Petone No. 2 scratching. After leading for the greater portion of the distance Petone No. 1 were renlaced by Wellington, who put in a fine spurt and won by half a canvas. A good finish also resulted in the Youths’ Fours. The honours went to Wellington by one and a quarter lengths. Star beat Petone for second posiHon by the narrow margin of three feet. No Wellington crews, started in the race for Hie Senior Pairs. Petone led all the way. and although Star put in a great finish they were still half a length away when the Petone crew crossed the line. The verdict in the. final event, the light-weight Junior Fours, also wont to Petone, who pulled a good stroke throughout. Wellington were second and Star third.