ROWING.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 696, 16 December 1902, Page 2

ROWING.

GISBORNE ROWING CLUB.

There was a large attendance of spectators in the vicinity of tho Gisborno Rowing Club’s shed last evening, to witness the continuation of the trial fours' competition, for Mr G. B. Oman’s trophies. Unusual interest was taken in the heats got off' last evening, and, in addition to the numbers which lined tho river banks and crowded the landing-stages at tho boat-sheds, the Whataupoko bridge provided a coign of vantage for many sightseers. The cheering at the finishes could be heard a couple of miles away, and made the welkin ring again. The most interesting race was that between tbe crews stroked by 11. W. Svrnes and Dr. Welby Fisher, the competing crews being Symes (stroke), J. Martin (3). C. hatgisson (2), A. Coleman (bow), M. Doyle (cox).

Dr. Fisher (stroke). C. Buscke (3), G. Evans (2), Hay (bow), D. Fararn (cox). The race was cne of tho most exciting rowed for some time. Unfortunately for Fisher’s crew, a foul occurred shqrtly after the start, which caused them to lose half-a-length or so. We are not in a position to state who was responsible ■for the foul, as the boats came together shortly after the start, and out of view of the spectators. When the boats got clear, Symes’ crew had a lead of half-a-iength, and a desperate encounter followed, both crews putting every pound into their work. Fisher’s crew gained on the leaders as they drew past Evans's jc-tty, and, as the former were pulling well together, high hopes of tbeir success were entertained. Tiic finish was a grand one. Symes, keeping his men well in hand, ! just managed to get home by barely a quarter of a length. It is a matter for regret that a foul should have marred so fine a race. Many of the spectators expressed a keen desire to see the race rowed over again, and there seemed to be a great difference of opinion as to whether the best crew had won. Both strokes are to be congratulated on the brilliant form shown by the crews, and we hope arrangements will be made to row the race over again.

A second race took place between Hansen (stroke), Wauchope (3), Cram (2), O’Meara (bow), and Williams (stroke), G-! Nolan (3), B. Tanner (2), H. Garrett (bow). An excellent start was effected by Mr J. Doyle, but before long Hansen’s crew forged ahead, having at one tinge a good lead of three lengths. Approaching the footbridge Williams’ crew came with a strong dash, and gradually overhauling their opponents in the run to the sheds won easily in good style by a length. ’ The final will be rowed this evening between Williams’ and Symes’ crews, and a fast and exciting race Bhould be witnes»ed The boats will leave the eked at eis o clock,