THE ALL BLACK EIGHT

Southland Times, Issue 19502, 17 March 1925, Page 7

THE ALL BLACK EIGHT

SATURDAY’S VICTORIES EULOGISTIC PRESS COMMENTS EQUAL TO OLYMPIC GAMES STANDARD. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright). (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, March 16. Commenting on the New Zealand rowing victories, the Daily Telegraph says: “The All Blacks have startled Australia on many occasions with their wonderful football combinations, but Saturday’s performance demonstrated that they possess oarsmen who must be recognised among the best. Many good judges believe that if New Zealand could maintain Saturday’s form they would come close to defeating any crew that rowed at the Olympic Games. Their blade work was excellent and their recovery was an eye-opener to many local veterans. Their team work was a wonder.”

Mr N. J. McDonald, who acted as umpire, with 30 years’ experience, declared that the crew rowed a wonderful race. Their leg work and recovery were equal to the best he had ever witnessed. He added that he was certain they would beat any crew in Australia, even Murray Bridge in its prime.

The Telegraph describes St. Clair as a most finished waterman. He is in a class above the Australian amateur champions of to-day, but he would be easy for some great men of former years, particularly Daly and Lambert.

The Sydney Morning Herald commenting on the New Zealand rowers’ success says : “The New Zealanders’ victory in the eights was an impressive achievement, a triumph of recovery, and rugged strength that maintained the lead mile after mile, yet left much in reserve at the finish. Granted that the members of the Mosman crew hardly displayed their best form, and that they were beaten by more than three lengths, the fact that the New Zealanders led from within 200 yards of the start to the finish and won easing up with a 32 stroke, indicates the high calibre of the visitors from overseas. Significance attaches ta the visit of the New Zealanders in that many members of the Rowing Association regard it as likely to lead to greater development in inter-State and Dominion rowing, and possibly to holding an Australian championship event either between an all-Australian or an inter-State champion crew and a New Zealand eight.” NEXT SATURDAY’S EVENTS. TWO ENTRIES IN CHALLENGE FOURS. SYDNEY, March 16. (Received March 16, 9.50 p.m.) The New Zealanders are boating two crews in the Challenge Fours against the State champion four on Saturday next. Number one crew consists of Healy, Sergison, Heglun and Sandas, and the number two crew is made up by Brown, ,C. St. Clair, Pinkham and Grenfell. The crew for the challenge eight is the same as last Saturday. J. St. Clair will start in the handicap sculls.