ROWING

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 153, 25 March 1925, Page 5

ROWING

(By

"Sculls.’”

THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR.

The New Zealand eight has won all events so far competed for in Australia, and it would appear that the opinions of a number of prominent rowing officials, who ventured to suggest that the "eight” would surprise the Australians, are justified. Commenting on the first success of the tour, the “Sydney Morning Herald” said the New Zealanders’ victory was “an impressive achievement, a triumph of recovery and stamina, of a rugged strength that maintained the lead mile after mile, yet left much in reserve at the finish.” Although the members of the Mosman crew were not consid ered to be in their best form, the Sydney papers admit that the visitors’ win indicated an exceptionally high calibre of ability. "The race was an excellent one,” continues the same authority. “Mosman and Nqw Zealand immediately went to the front. Mosman were rowing a faster rate, and appeared to have a slight advantage at Uhr’s Point, while Dramnioyne were half a length behind New Zealand. Mosman and New Zealand were now rowing the same rate, but the latter were steadier, and slowly opened out and passed Blaxland’s beacon with a lead of a length. New Zealand were now rowing beautifully, with a splendid leg-drive and splendid recovery, and the boat was travelling nicely between the strokes. At Bottle Point New Zealand had two lengths’ acivan, tage from Mosman, who, although striking the same rate, appeared to be shorter and to be rushing their work in an effort to draw level with the leaders. Drummoyne had dropped back four lengths, the field having divided into two sections—New Zealand and Mosman, and Drummoyne, Leichhardt, and University. At Putney Point the positions were unchanged. Mosman had settied down better and were holding New Zealand, but the lemainder of the field ■were hopelessly out of the race. Mosman made an effort crossing over to the gasworks to bring the leaders back, but, although they reduced the lead slightly, it was only temporary, and New Zealand passed Tennyson, rowing well within themselves, three lengths ahead of Mosman. Drummoyne were leading the second division about 15 lengths behind Mosman. New Zealand and Mosman were steering excellent courses, but New Zealand were still going ahead. Mosman kept the rate up, but New Zealand lengthened out and passed Gladesville four lengths in the lead. Drummoyne were well ahead of Leichhardt, who in turn were lengths ahead of University. Off Cabarita the latter crew, getting in a wash, swamped, but were picked up by a passing launch. Mosman made a great effort over the remaining distance, and managed ta bring the leaders back a length, New Zealand registering tbeir first victory in Australia by three lengths. When the leading crews were passing Kemp’s corner, Drummoyne were passing Gladesville, witfi Leichhardt still keeping at them for third place. Drummoyne, getting in a wash, broke a rigger, but were able to finish third. From the Australian files it would appear that St. Clair was very anxious to get away when rowing in the sculling championship, and at the start he got away too quickly on two occasions, and at the third attempt Lorimer, of the. Sydney Club, took the lead, and choosing a’good course, maintained a good lead, and watched St. Clair closely.. At the mile and a half Lorimer had a lead of two lengths. St. Clair, however, drew level in a very short space of time, and soon afterwards took the lead. Lorimer appeared to have tired, while the New Zealander, apparently fresh, drew further' and further away. At the two miles the race had developed into a procession. From Abbotsford the New Zealander drew away stroagly, to win by 25 lengths. Lorimer’s left wrist had almost failed him, but he finished gamely—a bov in his ’teens against a man in his prime; Ost. 121 b. against 12st. 21b. While the oarsmen of the Dominion have been trying to arrange an annual interchange of crews with Australia, it is pleasing to note that our kins-

men across the water are now thinking seriously about the same subject, and although many obstacles appeared in the past, it now looks as if the Australians are as keen on the project as we are. “Significance attaches to the visit of the New Zealanders,” remark* oue Sydney journal, “in that . many members of the rowing association regard it as likely to lead to the further development of inter-Dominion rowing, and possibly to the holding of an Australasian championship event—either between an all-Australian crew, or the intei-State championship crew and a New Zealand crew. It ha» been suggested that such a contest be rowed off biennially, funds to be subscribed by a levy on the association.” It is gratifying to learn that the suggestions put forth by the Dominion are being favourably received by the Australian rowing ; authorities.

NEW ZEALANDERS ENTERTAINED

That the New South Wales Rowing Association appreciates the visit of the New Zealanders, and is out to .make their stav an enjoyable oue, is evident, judging by the reports of the various functions tendered in their honour. That considerable good will result from the tour is evinced from the following brief extract of what took place’ st a luncheon tendered to the New Zealanders, on. the day following the initial victories :— The New South Wales Rowing Absoh ciatiot yesterday entertained the New Zealand rowers at a motor outing and luncheon at Newport. About twenty, motor cars left Sydney at 10.30 a.m.,and proceeded to Pittwater by way 01 the bridges. Mr. Q. L. Deloitte (prej sident of the presided aH the luncheon, and In proposing th<4 toast of the visitors, said that all New South Welshmen would applaud th«J New Zealanders for the gallant manner in which they had won their on the previous day. Mr. Cyril Callaghan, stroke of th« Mosman crew, said that they had mefl more than their match, but they would try to reverse position on the following Saturday. He did' not think thafi the Kiwi had wings, but after the NeW Zealanders’ achievement on he concluded it had.

Mr. H. Ayres (coach of the . NeW[ Zealand crew) said that the. visitors! had ideal conditions for training, and he hoped that the time would come! when New South Wales rowers would visit New Zealand. ,

Mr. G. Laughlan, ’ manager of th< New Zealand team, proposed the toast of the New South Wales Rowing Association. He said that he hoped that their visit would “boost” rowing in both countries, and he suggested that a conference of coaches should be: held to consider the different styles' of rowing. "You call us All Blacks,”Mr. Laughlan added, “but we want td be known as New Zealanders.” Mr. H. G. Alderson, chairman oi the New South Wales Rowing Association, responded. He said that, with tlie concurrence of officials of the asn sociation, he wished to suggest to th«i visitors that they I should put in a second four-oar crew for Saturday’s race. The All Black oarsmen made their, second appearance on Saturday last,, when thev competed in the St. luatius College Regatta, winning the challenge! eights and the inter-Dominion fours' in excellent style. It is noticeable' that in both events on this occasion the lead was only by'three-quarters cf a length. In the second race it was, of course, another All Black crew that the winners were up against, but in the “eights” the srriall margin would indicate 'that the Mosman .crew, beaten on the previous Saturday by five! lengths, was not in its best form ,as stated by the' Australian Press, which pos>’blv accounted for the New Zea* landers’ comfortable win. However, there does not appear to be any cause' for doubt as to the issue of the future events. . St. Clair was unfortunate in the handicap sculls, and found his handicap too great to be overcome.