ROWING.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18877, 22 February 1933, Page 11

ROWING.

THE AUCKLAND REGATTA. HAMILTON CREWS’ SUCCESS. SENIOR FOURS MISFORTUNE. The Auckland Provincial championship regatta was held on the Tamaki Drive course on Saturday last, the prevailing weather and water conditions being almost ideal from the commencement, improving later to 'become perfect. As is generally the case with rowing, more especially championship fixtures, history is made at each successive regalia and in Hi is respect two outstanding features that will go down in the history of Auckland Provincial regalias were ihe sensational defeat of Ihe Hamilton crews in the eights and senior fours, both events carrying championship titles.

In the 'first mentioned event St. George’s were quickly into their stride and settled down to the long two mile journey sooner than Hamilton, who, with a boat partially filled with water, were finding it difficult to get moving.

At the half distance the crews were practically level when a further shipment of water made it impossible for the Hamilton boat to continue and St. 'George’s were left to finish the race alone. The Association Is to be sympathised with in its efforts to promote eight-oar rowing in the province, as nothing but misfortune has attended the Initial attempt, both heats and the final being absolutely farcical. Apart from the title it is a pity the race carried with it so -important and cherished a trophy as the Dr, Stuart Reid Cup, as the series might more ■aptly be described as a benefit race than a championship event. However, It Is not St. George’s fault that none of Its opponents survived a race and as the crew showed consistently good form and was always willing to

try conclusions with tbo best of the province had to offer it is certainly entitled to the championship, barren as that, title is. The executive would be well advised to try some other method of catering for so important an event next year and it is to he hoped that this season’s unfortunate experiences will not, discourage, blit be an incentive to build up eight-oar rowing to such an extent that the •Provincial championship will rightly 'be the most important race in the season’s calender. With the New Zealand championships only two weeks away the senior four were expected to row in easy winners under such good weather conditions and the news

that the crew were forced to retire when holding a commanding lead caused somewhat of a sensation, and it has since transpired that the race was more or less of a try out for Pope, who has been unwell for some time. A victory at the New Zealand championship by the same crew in three successive years would equal a record of many years .standing and as Hie Hamilton seniors have won on Iho last two occasions and were training on so well, the club was eonfidenl of winning Hie race on March 4, 1933, and thus equalling the exisling re-

cord, Whether Hie crew will he re-arranged anti take its place in I lie field on Salurday week is still a nial - ler of conjecture, hut there is no i doubt that Pope’s indisposition is , most unfortunate for iho club, iho crew and himself. II is underslood \ that, the executive lias Hie machinery ! in motion lo replace him and Iliat J several allernatives presold Ihom- j selves, so that Iho searlel and while | quarters of ilaintlf<>n will ye| be in | evidence at Hie championship regalia, i The juniors, who won nl Tatiranga j and rowed into second place at, j Hamilton, went slill further luck 1 > v | finishing third in a field of four ai. j Auckland. As previously slated in j these columns it is no disgrace In he I defeated by a crew of Iho calibre of j Auckland, or by any crew which wins | on its merits, but the complete lack of J

form at present so obvious in the local four Is most difficult to explain, and incidently very disturbing, for the orew does not appear to be stale, yet is rowing along as though it has lost Interest for the time being. It is probably a passing phase as none of the members give the impression that they lack heart. There is still Ngaruawahia; perhaps with Auokland, who are seniors out of the way, they will settle down and show the form that made them look a good crew at the Christmas regattas. The club is proud of the No. 1 heavy maidens who have brought the Dewar Shield back to Hamilton after a period of about five years absence. By its defeat of West End the local four showed themselves up in their true colours and the victory was a very popular one at local headquarters. This crew lias been a long time coming right and now that it has got there it should go on. The No. 2 crow, which put up a fine row during the week, were expected to be in front of Ihe No. 1 crow at Auckland, but could not improve upon their third placing at the Tauranga and Hamilton regattas.

The light maidens were not prominent, the No. 2 crew particularly being very disappointing so far. All chances of success by the reconstructed No. 1 crew were extinguished, when it failed to leave the mark at gun-fire. It ' was responsible for a meritorious performance In rowing Into fourth place at the finish, and like the juniors may yet prove itself at Ngaruawahia, especially if favourably drawn at the post. The youths went another great race and scored the: most ' notable victory of the day, winning by anything up to eight lengths. It Is difficult to understand why the crew was so distressed at the finish as a little less winning margin and a little better form would have tended to make the win appear even easier. If this crew keeps together as maidens next season there should be no great difficulty In retaining the Dewar Shield. Des Hare sculjed well ancl just failed to hold Horton out In an exciting finish. As he was standing all tiie competitiors with the exception of tlie winner, a start his performance was very creditable, although it is obvious that he is not too comfortable in a B. and ©. boat yet.