ROWING TITLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23592, 28 February 1940, Page 18

ROWING TITLES

DOMINION REGATTA SMITH'S GREAT RECORD ABBOTT FIGHTS FOR SUPREMACY In winning the champion single sculls at the New Zealand Centennial rowing' meeting at. Wellington, R. B. Smith, the Auckland Club member, established a record for sculling in the Dominion. Smith has now won the title on no fewer than six occasions, five times consecutively, which betters the performance of the Otago sculler, McGrath, who in 11 years was successful in the event six times. C. I£. Stone and D. C: Hadfield won the championship on four occasions. Smith adopted his usual tactics of relying on a final spurt to see him through, but on this occasion the margin lie had to spare was considerably smaller. Smith trailed Hegglun at the start with Abbott and Morey, another Auckland member, in a handy position.\With three-quarters or a mile covered' Smith, was in third place from Abbott, who -had gone to the front, and Hegglun. Smith then commenced his sprint and drew level with Abbott, Hegglun retiring. Aboott was not easily disposed of and bmitti had to exert himself to the utmost to gain the verdict. The margin for the finish was given by the judge as a canvas, but spectators are of the opinion that it was much less than this, actually being about two fcot.' . Abbott has been Smith s most serious opponent for the title in recent years and on no other occasion has- lie gone so close to success. However, there arc few who doubt that Smith's capabilities are superior. It. was also interesting to sec the 2\ew South Walts scullers, K. Webb and G. Clubbe. who finished fairly well back, pitted against the best Aew Zealand couki produce. .With both these men rated among about the best in Australia it was most pleasing to enthusiasts 111 this country to see the conipartively lugh standard displayed by Dominion 'scullers. Morey did well to finish in fourth position. , For the second year in succession. Smith and Morey, who have won the doubles sculls title on a number of occasions, were beaten in this event, by P. A. Abbott and K. Boswell (Petone). The latter were definitely superior on the day and won by four lengths. The Aucklandcrs had the advantage at the commencement and held the lead for some considerable distance. Superior combination and the weight of the Petone crew were deciding factors in its victory. The Tauranga scullers, T. D. Harvey and J. Plummer just defeated Union for third place by a canvas, ten lengths behind Auckland.

' CLIFTON'S FINE EFFORT

AUCKLAND IN THE FOURS Clifton's win in the championship fours was well deserved. The crew was in a hand.V position over most of the distance without appearing to assert itselt. .and not until near the finisii did the crew clinch the issue. J,he Auckland four, comprising O. G Hewlett, C. Chamberlain, and H: Jellie, made a good effort, showing promise at the start in going to the front with the Port Chalmers crew. With half-a-miie to go, four or five crews in the 'field of 13 had a chance of winning Although tiring, Auckland mumtained a fairly substantial lead toward the finish, but Clifton came with a fine sjmnt in the final stages from about fourth position to cross with the substantial margin of two lengths to spare. j Pctonc also passed Auckland to gain second by a length, but Auckland's effort against crews with probably more experience was commendable. Union (Wanpanui).which recently was responsible for putting the New Zealand champions into second place, seemed stale and could do no better than fourth. Clifton s four. G. H. Topliss (stroke), B. J..C. Old, F. OJlson, and O. Sampson, had trained persistently during the previous week or two and their last minute outings helped them considerably to find their best form. The.crew is now without its usual stroke, .>G. Fowler, who has joined the military forceß. Not altogether unexpected was the success of the New South Wales combination in the senior eight-oared championship. The crew was previously beaten twice by Union (\vanganui). and some expected it to be beaten again. However, the eight was rowing in conditions somewhat similar to those it is accustomed to in Sydney. Showing fine combination throughout the event, the crew demonstrated its staying ability that was not altogether evident in its other races, with the exception perhaps of that at Hamilton on Anniversary day, and staved off the Aramoho eight to win by half a length. Aramoho's persistence in the latter stages shaded the efforts of Union, which appeared to be somewhat stale after producing wonderful form in the previous fortnight. New South Wales gave; a lesson in liming and rhythm (hat impressed those who saw the race. The event represented the Australian crew's final appearance in New Zealand.