ROWING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2069, 21 December 1907, Page 2 (Supplement)

ROWING.

SOULLIN G-CHAMPION SHIP. By “Outlook.” At last the big event of the rowing season has come off and the result of tho final must have been very gratifying indeed to the donor of the Cup, Mr Grieve, and the supporters of both clubs also. Although beaten the losers put up a good performance in each race. I have seen a good deal of rowing contests in the Bay and some exciting finishes, hut Wednesday’s race far eclipses any prei .’our event for frenzied excitement as the pair battled from the bridge for supremacy; and I noticed many citizens worked up to a pitch of excitement whenever to my knowledge took any notice in previous seasons of rowing contests. I have also •heard'of one or two ludicirous little incidents in the hurry down the wharf to see the finish. Before the race both sides were confident of success and the supporters of Dustin seemed to think .lie had a trump card up his sleeve in rowing tactics that would turn the scale in his favor; hut all those who supported Jones maintained that he has never yet been extended in a scratch race, always holding a- little in reserve; and Jiis coolness and great judgment always count largely in single-handed matches. Although lie was pushed on Wednesday the last four strokes he put in shows he lnd still some reserve power. 'J he race was rowed in friendly rivalry and -good feeling between the competitors, which was only marred by -a slight collision shortly after the start, but the men got away together again by mutual consent. Shortly after the race I had a few words with Bees Jones about tho race. ■ . “Did you feel confident of winning when you went out?” “Well, hardly as confident as I have been in o’tlier races. You know 1 was not in. proper condition to row a- hard race only having been out nine times altogether in a boat this season. I was not sure of my wind lidding out in a hard race. I also recognised the fact that my opponent had experience in regattas and has had the aid of Webb, the world’s champion and others in his coaching work. “Were the other conditions equal?” “Dustin had the advantage of a newer and lighter boat.” “Did you reckon on any points in your favor?” “Yes. I had more weight, and also have had more experience over the course, which is rather a difficult one for scullers to negotiate with its peculiar bends and I was able to shoot the bridge without slowing down . “Were you in doubt about the issue after you started.” “Not after tile first hundred yards. Dustin took tin* water quicker than I did and got slightly in front. I rowed my hardest- for about-a dozen strokes and pas - sed him and I then felt confident I could hold him at any time; hut all tho same I never relaxed my grip of tiie position and Dustin put in some, good spurts, hut I always felt equal to them.”

“1s there any chance of yon competing at the championship meeting?” “I <1 on' 1. think so although Mr Dtistin is reported to have- said that lie thinks he would have an excellent- clianco if fit and well in a good shell, and I think as an advertisement for Poverty Day every effort should he made to get a racing shell and induce him to go. The Grieve Cup lias so much absorbed the general interest, that the Poverty Bay double scull races have almost passed unnoticed, yetthererlias been some very keen racing, the h.indicappers having brought most of the crews very well together, and the ultimate winners are still in doubt; hut in my humble opinion I think Nicholas and Roche will bo rowing R. McGnffie and Thaxter for the medals and 1 would select the latter for winning honors.