ROWING CONTESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22090, 22 April 1935, Page 11

ROWING CONTESTS

INTERPROVINCIAL EIGHTS WIN FOR WANGANU! CREW SUCCESS EASILY GAINED [by telegraph OWN correspondent] DUNEDIN, Sunday The outstanding feature of the interprovincial rowing championship decided here yesterday was the brilliant and well-earned victory of the Wanganui representatives. After the first mile the crew was the only one in'tfye race and it won by three lengths, over 180 ft, with a minimum of exertion. Otago also rowed well and was a perfectlytimed combination, but it lacked the vim that was so outstanding in the Wanganui boat. Except for a short period during the first, mile, when it rowed about 35 strokes to the minute, and again as it finished, doing 38, Wanganui covered the course at an even 30. The crew rowed in orthodox style, with a hard catch, hard leg drive and hard finish. Otago maintained its customary long stroke and seldom did more than 29 to the minute at any stage. However, it rowed under different conditions for most of the distance, Wanganui being favoured with calmer water through drawing in a shore position. Otago was right on the outside and had to row against the wind and water all the way, the conditions being decidedly rough for the race. However, rough water made no difference to Wanganui. The conditions were totally different from those on the Wanganui River, but the winning crew made light of this handicap. Canterbury and Wellington were unfortunate to have their boats swamped in the swells, as it is almost certain one or other would have taken third place. Wellington's short stroke cost the crew dearly, as it lost much power through missing at the catch. Canterbury was a rugged crew, but not at all stylish, while the Auckland eight, which eventually gained third position, was a steady, well-balanced crew, although it did not get any great run out of its- boat.

The East Coast (North Island) crew made an admirable entry into the competition and rowed in good style right through, but probably the most disappointing crew was Southland's, which faded right out of the picture after two miles. UNIVERSITY EVENT AUCKLAND CREW'S SUCCESS MARGIN OF THREE LENGTHS [by telegraph OWN correspondent] -i-DUNEDIN. Sunday Jumping into the lead at gunfire in the University eight-oar boat race the Auckland crew was never headed at any stage. Otago also made a smart start, but Canterbury and Victoria were very slow off tho mark; in fact, the other crews gained an immediate advantage of one length. After settling down, the crews were strung out at intervals of one length, Auckland, Otago, Canterbury and Victoria racing in that order to the half-mile post, where they were all rowing about 30 strokes to the minute. Auckland was 2i lengths in front of Otago, which was only a quarter of a length ahead of Canterbury, with Victoria three lengths further back. Over the next quarter-mile Canterbury deposed Otago in second place and set out after Auckland, which was rowing within itself as the crews passed the mile post or the halfway mark. Auckland was a good three lengths in front of Canterbury, which was sea reel v a canvas ahead of Otago. Victoria was making heavy weather of it two lengths further back. The water was choppy in the channel, where Canterbury indicated that it was going to give Auckland a "go" for it, but, although it reduced the lead to about two lengths, it was unable to stay the pace with the Aucklanders. Otago followed .Canterbury at a distance of one and a-quarter lengths, while Victoria remained a discreet two lengths behind.

Once into the calm waters of the shipping basin, Auckland increased its pace again and passed the judge's boat three lengths ahead of Canterbury. Otago asserted itself and made up & lot of leeway, but it was still a length astern of Canterbury at the final gun. Victoria brought up the rear five lengths behind Otago. The time was 13m 245.