CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA

Evening Star, Issue 19805, 2 March 1928, Page 5

CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA

THE PROSPECTS DISCUSSED [.Special to the ‘ Star.’] WANGANUI, March 1. Bowing men from all parts of thfl 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 weather being gloriously line and the water like a sheet of glass. Present appearances are for the continuance of such conditions, and some splendid rowing should be witnessed Chief interest naturally centres m the champion lours. It is a matter for regret that neither Otago (the present champions) nor Waitemata (the runners-up last year) will be present. A great race is expected. Hamilton, have pleased local critics since their arrival here by the excellence of their combination and blade work. They are undoubtedly finished oarsmen, and will take a power of heating. The Wairau crew is a strong one, and with the two present pair-oared champions in the stroke and bow and Dick Hcgglund as No. 3 thev should make a good showing St. ‘George’s arrived this morning, and P.etono is expected to-morrow. The local Union crew, with C. Healey as stroke, are swinging along in' fine style. They have done a lot of work, and appear to be in splendid fettle. Healey can ho 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 in association with them, they are jyoung and strong. The general opinion is that the finish will bo fought out between the Light Blues and Hamilton. In the single sculls it is probable that St. Clair, of Hamilton, will find Jackson, of the local Union, the hardest nut to crack. Jackson only commenced sculling last season, but bo has made great progress. He is well known in Rugby circles, having represented Wan* fTjinui on several occasions as lock. Ho has the weight (13st) and the strength to make a. champion, and has benefited greatly ns the result of hints received From W. Webb, ox-champion of the world. „ ~ . . In the double sculls St. Clair and Moles worth, with their years of experience, arc favorites. The Hamilton pair will prohahlv find in Trail and Jackson, of the local Union Chib, very tough opponents. The Avon pair-oar crew are going well, and should give a good account of themselves in the championship pairs, as should the Otago double scullers (Brough and M‘Ara) in the champion doubles.