ROWING SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20743, 10 December 1930, Page 18

ROWING SEASON.

RACE FOR MAURICE CARO CUP SUCCESS OF AUCKLAND CREW. PREPARATIONS FOR REGATTAS. Tltc first inter-club race of the season for the Maurice Caro Memorial Cup moused keen interest among oarsmen and supporters of rowing. The fact that the race rowed on Saturday was a four-oar scratch event instead of a handicap single sculls or double sculls was much appreciated by tho clubs, as the record entry of 12 crews showed. Ten crews faced the starter and tho many spectators were treated to tho most spectacular race witnessed locally for many years. The water conditions left no cause for complaint and the stretch from Orakei to near the tide deflector fully tested the crews. Each four had had enough by tho time the judge's lino was reached.

It was a splendid trial in view of the future inter-club races and clearly indicated to tho various club officials that changes must be made in crews and moro training work accomplished. Tlio race was splendidly contested from the fall of tho flag, but never throughout the journey did it seem likely that Auckland would bo beaten. This crow rowed an excellent stroke throughout and applied over the last stretch a spurt that opened up an extra two lengths' advantage, which assured tho win. Fight lor Second Place. Auckland was tho best crew in every way and thoroughly deserved its succoss. About tho halfway mark thero seemod a likelihood of St. George's No. 1, North Shore No. 1, Waitemata and West End No. 1 becoming troublesome. Tho leaders were ready, however, and then it developed into a fight for second place. St. George's and North Shore, on the inside running, battled against each other, while Waitemata, shaking off West End No. 1, had a more comfortablo time farther out. From o5 tho baths it was plainly evident that second honours rested between St. George's and North Shore. Both crews were unsteady, not rowing with tho rhythm of the Auckland four. However, tho crews crossed the lino together, while Waitemata came next and the remainder close up. The pleasing feature of tho contest was tho good steering by the coxswains and the umpires wcro not called upon to settle any disputes. One minor mix-up occurred between a St. George's and West End crew, but it had no bearing on the result, iho race came at an opportune time and helped to assist the various selectors to gain an idea of somo men when under racing strain^ The Auckland Rowing Clubs official opening proved most successful. Ihe club's trial four race was enjoyable and the four crows which competed for Mr. H. Schmidt's trophies had a hard race. Duck's crew fully deserved its win. Close Race in Final.

The Waitemata Club also held trial fours for Mr. H. Wright's trophies. Six crews competed and the final was a close race over tho full journey. It was the last few strokes that gave Foaron the U The next inter-club non-class fours race is for the Mcllraith Cup, which has been arranged for January 31. By that tune some men will have had tho benefit of racing at three regattas and should be on the top of their form. Next Saturday all the clubs will be busy with the trial four racing. St. George's has.tbe Dingley Memorial Cup fours West End the Clark Memorial Shield fours, Auckland subscription fours and Waitemata and North Shore trial fours. A West End crew was out in ono of tho association's eight-oar boats during the week-end, practising in view of the forthcoming inter-club race for the Dr. Stuart Reid Cup. Arrangements for this race are steadily being carried on and a definite announcement can be expected very shortly. Transport for Regattas. The present position regarding transport arrangements for tho Tauranga and Whangarei regattas is unsatisfactory for city clubs. This has arisen as the result of tho steamship company's experience, especially during the last two years, and to a great extent the competitors must shoulder the blame. Many in the past have preferred other means of travel to tho regattas and consequently tho steamers havo beon run at a loss. If tho regatta committees delete the amount winning donations from tho programmes in futuro the clubs will lose a very useful source of augmenting their finances. In tho interests of the sport, it is hoped that some efforts can bo made to remedy the situation this season. Although considerable doubt exists about the travelling arrangements the regatta crews have not eased up training operations. Splendid water conditions have prevailed for tho last week and crews have been busy. A lot of long rowing lias been done and several times crews got as far as Kohimarama. While the rough weather prevailed much time was devoted to starting practice, and now the long journeys will permit combination boing gained. Hamilton Club's Season. The membership of tho Hamilton Rowing Club is 70 this season. The work of the club has been greatly hampered by tho windy weather that has been experienced for several months, but tho various crews have taken full advantage of tho improved conditions of the last weok or so and are out on the river as often as possible. Good progress is being made in training tho new members. Tho following crews have been chosen to represent the Hamilton Club at tho Tauranga regatta on Boxing Day:— Senior fours: Pope (str.), Sandos, Bayly, Waters (bow); junior fours, No. 1 crew, Baker (str.), Duncan, Partridge, Gummcr (bow); No. 2 crew, Atwood (str.), Layne, Paterson, Graham (bow); open maidens, No. 1 crew, Hammond (str.), Mitchell, Sweeney, Curnow (bow); No. 2 crew, Morpeth (sir.). Hare, Miller, Edwards (bow); No. 3 crow, Farmer (str.), Aagaard, Cassidy, Dalbeth (bow); youths' fours, Hammond (str.). Curnow, Sweeney, Deny, (bow); light maidens, Robson (str.), Donz, Stuart, Palmer (bow); maiden singles, Morpeth; maiden pair, Sweeney (str.), Curnow (bow); maiden doubles, Hammond (str.), Morpeth (bow); handicap singles, E. A. Waters, I. W. St. Clair.

FINE WICKET-KEEPING

SIX WEST INDIES VICTIMS.

W. A. Oldlield camo out in the most glorious colours possible against the West Indies team. His gathoring-in of six wickets in the first innings was as fine an achievement as has over been seen in Sydney. The crowds singled him out for special plaudits when the team was retiring. Moreover, bis captain manoeuvred him into tho leading position as tho team filed, back to the pavilion. As far as is known more than six wickets in an innings by a keeper in first-class cricket lias been taken only cnce—when E. J. Smith caught four and stumped three for Warwickshire against Derbyshire four years ago. Not only did Oldfield mako catches and stump batsmen as a champion, but his part in tho run-oats was perfection in finish and Bpeed.