BRIDGE-TO-BRIDGE SWIMMING CLASSIC TO BE SWUM TO-DAY

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 March 1947, Page 8

BRIDGE-TO-BRIDGE SWIMMING CLASSIC TO BE SWUM TO-DAY

The annual Bridge-to-Bridge swimming race, conducted by the Central Swimming Club will be contested on the River this afternoon. The race is timed to start at 2 p.m. over a course of approximately 2i miles—from Aramoho to the Town Bridges for men, and li miles for women. The swimming fixture is one of very long standing, tne race first being contested in 1910, at which time the Sunlight Cup, donated by Lever Bros., was first presented. This Cup was donated by the regulations, that it must be won twice in succession or three times at intervals, before it could be won outright. P. Matthews, of the Central swimming club, by de-, feating the fields in 1925 and 1926, wa s awarded the trophy. At the time Matthews won the cup, competition was by no means slack, for about that time, there were several other swimmers who had a strong claim on the trophy. A. Muller, with two wins—--1912, and 1914—appeared then to be in the strongest position, but because of the gap between hi s two wins, he was not elligible for the award. When the Sunlight Cup was won by Matthews, the race was left without a trophy, until in 1927, the Williams Cup, donated by Mr. Joe Williams ot Wanganui, was presented to fill the gap. Unlike the Sunlight, the Williams Cup was not for outright winning, but for annual competition, and has been swum for every year since. LADIES SECTION STARTED Up till 1932, the Bridge-to-Bridge race was open to both men and women swimmers, but the following year it was determined to separate the two and a race for women was started. The trophy for the women’s event, which is over a distance of li miles from the Dublin Street bridge to the Town bridge, is a Club Rose Bowl, which was presented at the time the women’s section was first contested.

It is interesting to note that prior to the formation of a women’s division, Miss D. Anderson (Gonville) won the race in 1932

The present holders of the trophies are Mr. M. Dixon (Central), and Miss N. Gibson (Wanganui East) who won the men’s and women’s sections respectively last season. It i s unfortunate this year, that Miss Gibson will not b e able to contest the race to defend her trophy, but the Wanganui Girls’ College, of which she is a pupil, are holding their swimming sports today, and she will be competing there. Mr. Dixon however, will be in the race.

J. D. Campbell (Central) with three wins to his credit, has the best Bridge-to-Bridge record in the men’s division. His wins were gained in 1927,1929,and 1930. Other notable competitors of the past are C. Bullivant (Central) 1931 and 1933; K. Harrison 1934 and 1936; and V. B. Haworth (Central) 1937 and 1943. Mrs. Alexander of the Gonville Swimming Club, was without a doubt the most consistent performer in the women’s division in past years. Over a period of nine years, she won the event four times —in 1934, 37, and 43. Miss D. Anderson, also of Gonville, witli wins in 1933 and 36, is another who gained the distinction on more than one occasion.

Of interest in outside competitor’s successes between the bridges, is that of Miss Mona Leyden, of Auckland in 1940. Miss Leyden, was the swimmer who, defeating a physical deficiency brought on by infantile paralsis. represented New Zealand at the Olympic Games in the water. RECORD ENTRIES THIS YEAR For this afternoon's race record entries totalling 46 men and 12 women have been received. This entry far outreaches anything in the past for the fixture. The recognised importance of the race in centres other than Wanganui, is clearly indicated by the numbers who have nominated. Maranui and Lyall Bay Surf Clubs at Wellington, The Hutt Valley and Petone Swimming Clubs, Palmerston North, Foxton, Taihape, Stratford, Patea, Opunake, and probably New Plymouth will all be represented by one or more swimmers to-day, no fewer than 34 of the total entry of 58 being leading nwimmers from outside Wanganui. The Central Swimming Club have this year made arrangements for the race which will improve considerably the event from th e spectators’ and officials’ point of view. To aid spectators to pick up contestants during the race, coloured caps will be worn, each swimmer wearing a different colour. A loud speaker has been installed at the Red Lion Inn, opposite the finishing line, from which a running commentary of the complete race will be given. .All competing swimmers will be entertained by the Club at dinner at the "Royale Willows” at 5 o'clock this evening. MARIST ATHLETIC CLUB Wholehearted-support for the new-ly-formed Marist Athletic Club was advocated by Mr. C. Corliss at the annual meeting of the Marist Rugby Football Club on Monday night. “We were absolutely neglected by our own people,” he said, referring to the treatment the athletic club had received last season, “but we’re going to keep the Marist Club going.” The athletes were available, all that was needed being the offering of suitable facilities. * • • • Crews For Napier Regatta. 'The following crews have been selected to represent the Union Boat Club at the Napier regatta on March 15:—. Youths Fours.—l. Cresswell (str.), B. Dunstone (3), R. Payne (2), I t Collings ( bow). Maiden Fours (open).—C. Buttars (str.), S. Granville (3), W. Wakeling (2), P. Wiwi (bow). Senior Fours. —H. Brown-Sharpe (str.), H. Benge (3), R. Crombie (2), R. Tregurtha (bow). Lightweight Maiden Fours. —J. Price (str.). J. Wood (3), R. Couchman (2), T). Green (bow). Senior Single Sculls.—D. N. Crabbe. Youths Single Sculls.—A. Paul. Miden Single Sculls.—C. Marchant. Junior Fours (open).—E Crutchley (str.), L. Hill (3), W. Ward (2), J. Minnell (bow).