EIGHT-OAR EVENT

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 4

EIGHT-OAR EVENT

OTAGO'S THIRD WIN

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, 21st March.

Amid scenes of great enthusiasm Otago won the iiiterprovincial eight-oared championship of New Zealand for the third time in succession this afternoon, beating Canterbury by about threequarters of a length in a slashing finish. Auckland was third about three lengths behind Canterbury, Marlborough being /bout half a length further astern m fourth place. The race was held in perfect rowing weather, water conditions being ideal. From an excellent start the four crews held together for about 10 strokes, alter which Otago began to forge ahead, gradually opening up ii lead of about a canvas from the other contestants. Almost immediately Canterbury also began to show out from Auckland and Marlborough. Two minutes after the start Canterbury, rowing a fairly fast stroke, overhauled Otago, the leading crews at this time being about a length and a half ahead of Marlborough and Auckland, who were racing neck and neck. Nearing halfway Canterbury started to show the way to Otago, Auckland and Mnrlborough being nearly three lengths astern. o£ the leading crews. , . When two-thirds of the distanco had been covered Canterbury was in a yery stroii" position about a length ahead oi Otaeo, which lead was increased to a length and a half in the next 200 yards. In the meantime Auckland had gained about half a length on Marlborough, although both crews were well out ot the race, being between three and tour lengths astern of the leading boats Otago then quickened slightly and started to reduce Canterbury's advantage stroke by stroke, and when the entrance to the steamer basin was reached Canterbury's lead was reduced to about half a canvas. Entering the basin, both Otago and Canterbury quickened to 32 strokes to the minute, but Otago had more m hand than Canterbury and steadily drew ahead to win by about threequarters of a length m a (treat finish which evoked high enthusiam from the crowds on the wharves. Auckland, rowing a very game race, finished third about three lengths behind Canterbury, Marlborough being about half a length further back in fourth P The Otago crew consisted of F. Brough (str.), J. ». Solomon, D. Clark G. B. Johnson, L. Fountain, J. Mitchell, F. Eeeers, and H. Pritchard. ■ The course, which was three miles in length, was covered in 16min 19 4-ssec.