CREWS PREPARE FOR FIRST REGATTA NEXT MONTH

Southland Times, Issue 23676, 26 November 1938, Page 15

CREWS PREPARE FOR FIRST REGATTA NEXT MONTH

By

CLINKER

One month froth today the Riverton regatta, the first rowing and sailing fixture of the season in Southland, will take place. Rowing crews are now preparing to train in readiness for the Boxing Day fixture, which is considered one of the most spectacular sports attractions of the province.

It will be noticed that the high tide for the seniors will be available only late in the afternoon this year at Riverton, as was the case last year. As it is recognized as the “big” race of the day, it is to be hoped that suitable arrangements can be made so that supporters will be able to see this race in daylight. This was not the case last year. There still appears to be the same doubt among members about the definition of the class in which they are rowing. Most of the discussion is on the definition of a junior oarsman. The following definitions may be used as a guide for those concerned: — Youth.—A youth oarsman is one who I has not attained the age of 21 years on I the advertised date of any rowing race at a regatta. A youth sculler is defined under the same conditions as a youth oarsman. Maiden.—A maiden oarsman is one who has never won a senior or junior rowing race, and who has never won a maiden rowing race before the first day of October preceding the regatta, other than races limited to the members of one club. This is also the case with a maiden sculler. Junior.—A junior oarsman is one who has never won any senior rowing race,

and who has not won a junior rowing race in more than one season before the first day of October preceding the regatta, other than races limited to the members of one club. The same conditions have to be adhered to by a junior sculler. There are also other classes, namely—lightweight maiden and welterweight junior, which do not concern the clubs of the south. These also have their definitions. Where the word “season” appears, it is deemed to be the period of time between September 30 of any one year and October 1 of the next year. Once a member has reached the stage of senior oarsman or sculler, he continues to compete in that class. THE SELECTOR’S TASK In spite of the reminder given previously in these notes, the selector is not being given fair consideration in the Awarua Club. The present, junior A crew is quite a good combination and so far is rowing fairly well, but it can be improved to a great extent, mainly by altering the positions of the men in the boat, thus making the weight more even. As this crew is now seated, the two bow-side men weigh approximately two stone more than the stroke-

side men, and the heaviest man in the boat is in the bow. The result is that stroke-side, being weaker, is unable to keep the rudder straight. The selector, seeing the need for improvement, tried to place the heavy bow man in No. 2 seat and the much lighter No. 2 man in the bow. However, without even giving it a trial, and without due consideration of the fact that it would improve the pace of the boat, the No. 2 man refused to row in that position. He prefers to sit on the bank rather than give it a trial. No oarsman derives any more benefit from the sport than another, and if this attitude of “pick your own seat” is allowed to continue, what will be the result of decisions given by selectors should similar positions arise. The Riverton club has now chosen its senior crew, which includes:—N. Hillis, (s), F. Beer, H. Allison, H. Tweedie. Lack of fitness may be the only fault with this crew, but if it settles down to steady training it is likely that a surprise will be in store for seniors of other clubs. The pairs will be:—N. Hillis (s.) H. Tweedie; H. Allison (s.) F. Beer. The veteran, S. Eade, is going to take the youths in hand this season. Under such experienced supervision results should be obtained which will be a credit to the club.

ACTIVITIES IN AWARUA Last week-end, and up to the present time, the water at the port has been anything but suitable for much boat work. Nevertheless, the crews to be seen on the water in this club are mainly the senior A and the junior A crews. The youths need to be reminded that they will not win races on last season’s training. Now that the coach for the maidens has. been decided there is no excuse for their not being out. This crew may be reminded that should there be any failure in turning up for training, there are two very useful members yet to find seats. The junior B crew has not yet put in an appearance on the water, so that if an improvement in this direction is not shown shortly, the selector may choose one strong crew from those already chosen. Four 'of the most promising oarsmen in this class —J. Carry, (s.) J. Cooper, A. Reid and L. Harbord—could well be given a trial. For nights when the water is not suitable for rowing the members of the Awarua club have obtained a football. During their run over the hills they alter their course on to the back beach where they throw the ball about in a vigorous manner. On Tuesday night at least 14 members took to the hills in one batch and some good work was done on the track.

INVERCARGILL CLUB Again the weather has been the draw-back with the Invercargill club’s activities so that the “learn-to-row” fortnight, which was expected to be extended is now limited to one week. After this drive for new members has been completed more regatta crews will be selected and training will be begun. The youths in the club are training fairly well. It is understood that Mr J. M. Hazeldine is offering his services as a coach and the club’s acceptance will be appreciated by all. With the assistance of R. Bagrie, Mr Hazeldine. should get good results, providing the crews take their work seriously. Because of the unfavourable weather, the Railway club, in common with other clubs, has been unable to do a great deal of boat work. Crews are consequently contenting themselves with other forms of training.