ROWINS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 131, 2 March 1928, Page 3

ROWINS

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS PREPARATIONS AT WANGANUI Dominion Special Service. Wanganui, Marell 1. Rowing men from all parts of the Dominion have been arriving in the city during the last few days, and. the river has presented a very busy appearance with the many crews preparing for the New Zealand Championship Regatta to be held on Saturday. Conditions have been ideal during the last few days, the weal her being fine ami the water like a sheet of glass. Present appearances are for Ihe continuance of eucli conditions, and some splendid rowing should take place. .Chief interest, naturally centres in the cliampion fours. It is a matter for regret that neither Otago, the present eiiampions, nor Waitemala, the run-ners-up last year, will be here, but a great race is expected, Hamilton have pleased local critics since their arrival by Hie excellence of their combination and blade work. They are undoubtedly finished oarsmen, and will be difficult io beat. The Wairaii crew is a strong one with the two present pair-oared cliampious in the stroke and bow seat, and tho evergreen Geggluud as three they should make a good showing. Bt. George's arrived this morning, and the J’etouo men are expected to-mor-row.

The local Union four, with C. Healey as stroke, are swinging along in line style. They have dene a lot of work, and appear to lie in splendid fettle. Healey can be depended upon to get the best out of his men, and though those behind him are not such finished oarsmen as some other strokes have associated with them, they are young and strong. General opinion is that the finish will be fought out: between the light blues and Hamilton. In the single sculls, it is probable St. Clair, of Hamilton, will find Jackson, of the Union, the hardest nut. to crack. Jacksou only commenced sculling last season. Im( he has made great progress. He is well known in Rugby circles, having . represented Wanganui on several occasions as lock. He has the weight, 13st., and strength to make a champion, and Ims henefitod a great deal as tlie result of hints received from W. Webb, ex-champion of the world. In the double sculls, St. Clair and Molesworth. with their years of experience, arc favourites. The .Hamilton pair will probably find in Trail and Jackson, of the local Union Club, very tough opponents. The Avon pair-oar crew are going well, and should give a good account of themselves in the championship pairs.

’l'he Star (Wellington) crews wore seen to advantage in practice rows this afternoon.