AQUATIC.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5628, 10 March 1879, Page 6

AQUATIC.

On Saturday afternoon the Union Bowing Club closed its season’s programme with some scratch double scull races. There was a good attendance of members, and the various heats were watched with considerable interest. The Union Club has done exceedingly well during the season, largely increasing its membership, and taking decisive steps for making its fleet of boats as complete as possible. Its next season will thus be commenced under favourable conditions, and those of the members who may be inclined for work will have full scope for regular practice. Saturday’s scratch races produced eight crews, and of these the favourite pair was Smith and Gilchrist, who justified the choice by winning the initial heat with the utmost ease. The winners, however, turned up in Borland and Johnston, who proved themselves remarkably quick in getting away, and able to make the pace lively over the quarter-mile course. At the Stanmore bridge, Mr Petrie acted as starter, the finish being at the Willows. The heats were as follows: — Fiest Heat. Una (north bank)—J. T. Smith and E. J. Gilchrist Manning, cox 1 Scylla (south bank) —0. Allard and F. A. Button—Woledge, cox 2 The Una’s crew showed to immense advantage, keeping good time, and pulling a nice, steady stroke. Towards the end they eased off, winning by three lengths. They were aided at the start by one of the Soylla’s crew getting into difficulty with his sculls. Second Heat. Scylla (south bank) —F. D. Kesteven and T, Wormald—Dunnage, cox 1 Una (north bank) —W. J. Jones and W. Cuddon Woledge, cox ... ... 2 In this heat the Soylla quickly obtained a good lead, and Kesteven was able during the latter half of the journey, to take it easy. Won by four lengths. Thied Heat. Scylla (south bank)—B Borland and J. R. Johnston Woledge, cox 1 Una (north bank)—S. 0. Kesteven and F. Fuller Manning, cox 2 The Scylla had the best of the race throughout, pulling a well-timed and rather long stroke. Kesteven did his utmost to reduce the distance, but without effect, as bow could not answer him. Won by three and a-half lengths. Foubth Heat. Una (north bank) —A. Search and 0. Bowley Manning, cox 1 Scylla (south bank)—B. B. Mansfield and F. Moule Woledge, cox 2 This was a capital race, the boats running absolutely level until within a dozen yards of the flag, when the Una made) a determined effort, and came in a quarter length to the good. Fifth Heat. Soylla (south bank)—F. D. Kesteven and T. Wormald Dunnage, cox 1 Una (north bank) —J. T. Smith and B. J. Gilchrist Manning, cox The race was generally regarded as a certainty for the Una. The boats remained on fairly even terms for half the distance, when the Scylla drew away slowly. The Una’s crew struggled most gamely to recover the lost ground, but, despite their efforts, the Scyha’s lead was steadily increased to the end. Sixth Heat. Scylla (south bank) —B. Borland and J. B. Johnston j Woledge, cox 1 Una (north bank) —A. Searell and 0. Bowley; Manning, cox ... .„ ... 2 Borland got away with the start, and made the pace so lively that the Una’s crew had absolutely no chance. Final Heat. Scylla (south bank)—B. Borland and J. B. Johnston; Manning,cox ... ... 1 Una (north bank)—F. D.- Kesteven and T. Wormald; Dunnage, cox ... 2 In this heat Borland pursued his former tactics, but Kesteven succeeded in maintaining a slight advantage for a considerable distance.

The boats then got on even terms for a few .yards, hut Borland being able to further quicken, the,pace, came away steadily and won with comparative ease.