ROWING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 135, 4 March 1929, Page 8

ROWING

EIGHT-OARED RACES A WIN FOR PETONE No. 1 An opportunity was given to the public pn Saturday of seeing the eight-oared racing boats in action for the first time this season, the occasion being the second annual inter-club “eights” regatta conducted by the Wellington Amateur Rowing Association. The three local rowing clubs (Petone, Star, and Wellington) contested a series of -five races over a course extending from Point Jerningham to the Taranaki Street Wharf, a distance of one and a quarter miles. Much interest was displayed in the uncommon and rather spectacular sight, a number of motor-cars following each race, whilst a big crowd watched the finishes from the wharf. Four of the events were for men of unrestricted weight and status, the fifth being for welter-weights (lOst. 71b. or under). It was not expected that the' crews would make very impressive showings in the boats, for little or no opportunity had been given for training in them, mainly on account of weather conditions. The city clubs were the more unfortunate in this respect. In the first race, Petone No. 2 beat Star No. 2 by a bare length after a hard struggle against a strong side wind. Star were leading early in the race, but lost ground by going considerably inshore. Star No. 1 and Petone No. 1 then tried conclusions, the latter winning comfortably by over two lengths after giving a very good exhibition. Both started well and remained on even terms for half a mile, when Petone drew , ahead quickly by two lengths, and held it for the rest of the distance. Star’s blade work was a little rough, and they finished with the boat very nearly half full of water. Wellington had a popular victory against Petone No. 2, winning on their merits by one length. The final was an easy thing for Petone No. 1, who led Wellington in by nearly three lengths. The welterweight race produced a keen contest between Petone and Wellington, victory going to the former by one and a half lengths. The whole programme ■ was arranged in a manner calculated to make it interesting to the general public. Further opportunities of seeing the “eights” will be provided, for the Wellington provincial crew is starting to train in earnest for the big interprovincial contest at Corsair Bay, Lyttelton, on March 16. The participating crews were as follow:— Petone No. I.—Jones (str.), Warden (7), Hickson (6), Meadows (5), Barry (4), Rodger (3), Kennedy (2), Fromont (bow). Petone-No. 2.—Kenward (str.), Elder (7), Moss (6), Villars (5), Dickens (4), Loudon (3), Gimblett (2), Wainscott (bow). Petone (welterweights).—Rodda (str.), Collin (7), Burns(6), Bowater (5), Palamountain (4), Morrison (3), Ainslie (2), Watson (bow). Star No. 1. —Cooke (str.), Mullins (7), Gray (6), McLean (5), Bell (4), Cullimore (3), Rees (2), Field (bow). Star No. 2.—Webb (str.), Brooker (7), Hinkley (6), Waddel (5), Cromie (4), Cudby (3), Moffatt (2), Lincoln (bow). Wellington.—G. Bright (str.), West (7), Sherbrook (6), Clarke (5), Luke (4), Beasley (3), Shanley (2), Jones (bow). Wellington (welterweights). — Van Slyke (str.), Coomber (7), Costello (6), Sutherland (5), Herd (4), Willetts (3), Bright (2), McKinley (bow),/