WITH the OARSMEN BY “RIGGER”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 284, 21 February 1928, Page 15

WITH the OARSMEN BY “RIGGER”

OBLIGING PACEMAKERS Any straw that shows which way the wind is likely to blow is eagerly sought by American judges of professional rowing form. Many who had money to place on the return match between Barry and Goodsell based their calculations on a challenge race rowed by the big men’s pacemakers some time previously. MORE BROKEN GEAR Saturday’s rawing saw yet another

by defects in plant. I In a race between Stacey and McComisli, in the Auckland C 1 u b’s eights, Stacey's three man broke a swivel in the first dozen strokes. Even with an unbalanced crew Stacey was not far back at the finish, and there is little doubt that three’s mishap lost him the race. It

must be dawning on city oarsmen that it pays to overhaul the boat and oars thoroughly before starting in a race. STYLE CRITICISED “Style in Auckland rowing is generally good,” says an enthusiast from the South. “The only weakness that calls for improvement is the finish. The finish is not snappy, as it ought to be. There is an inclination to lug with the arms and let the shoulders slump forward. It should be remembered that the finish is as important, is not more so, than the catch. A hard finish keeps the boat running steadily during the recovery.”

STEVENSON NOT ENTERING Latest advices suggest that W. A. Stevenson, the Waitemata sculler, will not be going to Wanganui for the championships. His defection should ___________________ leave the title open to I W. St. Clair, the Hamilton man, who has been a consistent runner-up. There may be a surprise challenger among the numerous promising young scullers who are now in the field. D. Davies, of North Shore, will be one of those making the trip to Wanganui.

AUCKLAND CREWS With the exception of one alteration, Auckland Club’s crews for the Auckland Championship Regatta will be the same as those which competed ■ at Hamilton. The alteration takes effect in the light-weight maiden crew, where Duck replaces Wigley in three seat. CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA The championship regatta will be rowed at Wanganui on Saturday week. The Auckland Province will be represented by crews * of scullers from Whangarei, Tauranga, Hamilton, St. George’s and North Shore. The city's representation is very moderate. WAITEM AT A STAYS HOME At the time of writing the’Waitemata Club will apparently not be represented at the championships, a remarkable situation for a club which has performed consistently in recent years, and is the holder of a national title. Were the crack sculler, doublespair and senior four to be sent, all should have bright chances of returning with the goods. But 'none of these is going. With Waitemata seniors out of the way, Hamilton or Union should win the senior championship. ST. GEORGE’S SENIORS The St. George’s seniors are in training for the big race at "Wanganui, but will require a bit of final polish to be successful in such company. W. Logan brought them on a lot in a short time just before the Hamilton race, and it is possible, since Stevenson is out of the running at present, that from now on he will be able to devote still more time on the St. George’s crew. * * * INTER-HOUSE RACE The inter-house race, for the cup at present held by Milne and Choyce’s, is tentatively scheduled for Saturday week, the course to be from Stanley Bay wharf to the North Shore clubhouse. It is possible that this provisional arrangement may be altered, but in the meantime the crews of John Court’s, George Court’s, and Milne’s are preparing for the race. The three crews are: Milne and Choyce, Ltd. —V. Smith (str.), C. McCorkindale, McCarthy, Swann (bow). John Court, Ltd. —R. Follas (str.), Cooper, McPhail, Sinclair (bow). George Court, Ltd.—Simmonds (str.), Platt, Clark, Letts (bow). The crew of the holders is again a strong one. Both it and George Court’s crew are training from the city; John Court’s crew is training I from North Shore.