ROWING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2805, 18 December 1907, Page 37

ROWING.

BY STROKF.

The Port Chalmers crews have- been putting irva fsojjd week's work for the regatta, •which is now near at hand. They were all behind the town '-rews in getting 'a start, but now they are making up for it. „ , Tho senior four, etill stroked by the youthful MaeaonaM, are getting out regularly" and doing- long-drstanoe work. No. 2 seems very stiff, ana is also inclined to do too much arm work, but he is rapidly getting into the swing, etc.,, of his stroke, and by next week, will no doubt have mastered all faults. The No. 1 Junior Four from this shed are aiso working hard. Although not a very big crew they are all grafters, and the stroke can keep them going. After several changes tho Maiden Fours save settled down to steady training, and it m to ' be hoped no* more changes will take place, otherwise I am afraid they won't have much chance in the race. x Owing to M'Donald and Jones being engaged so much with the Senior Four and Pair, the youths' crew (in which they are Towing stroke and No. 3) have only been out once, btrt as the other two men are \ also rowinjr in other races this will not affect the crew so much, as they have\ good combination, and only want condition to put them right. In the Junior Sculls the club will be represented by Glengarry and Collier, who won this event at Waihola last year. They are a very tough pair, and .must shake up ftnytbin^ thzif; cornea oixh a-gvunet fcHexziThey will also row in the Senior ScuTe, and will not- be last in that race either, if I am not mistaken. Altogether this club's chances are very bright, and I think they will score a few wins next week. The Queen's Drive are not nearly as strong this year as formerly. The crews selected have been unfortunate in their training, first one thing and then another coming in tho way. With the exception of the Maiden Four^and Pairs I am afraid none of the crews will have much combination for Regatta Day. The Youths are a likely-lookincr lot, but have left it too late in commencing their training. The Maiden Soullere are a boyish looking pair, who scull fairly well, but seemed to take, things rather easy when I noticed them out. The Senior Four., I am glad to hear, will

be starters foi the big event. Although not having had much training, the men individually are in good form, and I will not be surprised to see them give the others a shake up. A Senior Four race would net seem to be a- race without a Drive crew. For years they have always managed to send crews wnich were always dangerous. The North-end Club has a splendid list pf entries. The Senior Four are hard at it and doing plenty of practice. Bradley expects to be very near the front in the big race this year,, and last year's performances ; warrant him ' in so thinking. Those two old sports, Foster and Renwick, have entered again for the Senior Sbulk. They have tried for a long time now for that race, and although always beaten have never been disheartened, and always "bob up "again." May they succeed in their ambition this time. The Junior Four from this shed is going well. They are a fine crew. What with the Port crew, the Otago; ana the Northend this should be one* of the best races of the day. The D.A.B.C. crews are still hard at it, and. notwithstanding .the cloud hanging over their heads in the- shape of the removal of the shed, they are determined on striking form .for Boxing Day, and I think that it is quite on lho cards they will secure a win amongst the maiden events. ■ ' The crews from the Otago shed are nearly all in good form. I have «een no senior paire or sculls out yet though. Until now the men have been training in the four, but I shoyld think it time now that they . etid .& a little pair-oar work. This club have" several races double-banked, and look for a few wins on Boxing Day. The Senior Four are getting into good form, and have had the best training and coaching that any senior four has had , from this ehed for many years. Coach Loughman has taken a keen interest in them, and hopes to see them at their best next week. They have a new boat, and should" give a good account of themselves. A new Greenland clinker four outrigger is expected from. Melbourne this week, and will be just in time for Boxing Day. The~fir9t heat of the Fours Oup ' Race takes place this week. The' winner is hard to pick, but K«l man's and Morris's crews are elightly favourites, although personally I like Dunne's chance. The latter has secured the bye. This will be the lasfc club race until after the holidays.