AUSTRALIAN EIGHT BEATEN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 484, 20 July 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN EIGHT BEATEN.

LEANDER TURNS THE TABLES

A MAGNIFICENT STRUGGLE

By Telegraph..—Press Association.—Copyrignt Stockholm, Thursday.

The semi-finals of the Olympic eights were decided to-day. The Australians were drawn against Leander, whom they had previously beaten in the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley. The Asturalians drew the outside berth and started off at 42 strokes to the minute, Leander starting off at 40, but soon after the start the crews were rowing 40 and 36 respectively. At the half-way mark the Australians led by half a length, and at 1500 metres were still a head, when Leander, splashing badly, made a great effort and drew level. Under the bridge they again spurted and a magnificent struggle for leadership followed up the straight. Leander just managed, 300 yds from the eoal, to get ahead, and led past the crowded stands, winning in record time for the course. Both crews were absolutely rowed out.

The time, 6.10 1-5, showa how great the struggle was, no lesß than 21 4-5s having been cut off the fastest heat yesterday, when New College beat Norway in 6.32.

In the second semi-final New College defeated Stockholm, and the two British crews will row off in the final.

Canadian, Australian, and South African athletes all favour entering one Empire team for future Games, instead of dissipating strengh by breaking into units. The United Kingdom representatives desire a united team.

Sir A. Conan Doyle makes a similar suggestion also, and proposes to enlist Cingalese and Malay swimmers, Indian runners, and Sikh wrestlers.