N.Z. Eight Seeks U.S. Competition

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31088, 17 June 1966, Page 11

N.Z. Eight Seeks U.S. Competition

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. The New Zealand rowing eight hopes to compete in the American national championships at Philadelphia on August 20, on its way to the world championships at Bled, Jugoslavia.

The nominated manager of the eight, Mr H. T. Ellie, said that the New Zealand Rowing Association had written to the United States last week asking if the crew could compete but no reply had yet been received.

He said that it was vital that the crew should have some preliminary competition. If it missed in the United States there would be none. The team will leave on August 12 for the championships, which last from September 8 to 11, and will return with the sculler, M. P. Watkinson, about September 19. The eight will use the new V-type rowing shell which was used for the first time by a national crew in Australia last year. One is being made for them in Italy and will have a more accentuated V bottom than th?ir present training shell. The crew is now in full training, working in the Panmure gymnasium in the morning and alternating rowing and gymnasium work each night.