BIG RIVER RACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 48, 27 February 1939, Page 5

BIG RIVER RACE

BRIDGE TO BRIDGE EVENT MON BY A. KENDALL B, HAWORTH MAKES FASTEST TIME Maintaining his lead over more than a mile, A. Kendall, of the Wanganui Central Swimming Club, won the Williams Cup for the annual bridge-to-bridge swimming race on Saturday afternoon, by 10 seconds from B. Haworth, last year’s winner, who recorded the fastest lime of 37min. lOsec. For the third year in succession, Mrs. Alexander, of the Gonville Club, won the Central Rose Bowl, the irophy for the ladies’ section, being the only woman competitor. Weather and river conditions were ideal and a large crowd gathered along the river bank and at the finishing point. The race started at the Aramoho Boating Club pontoon and (finished at the Town Bridge, a (distance of 2J miles. The swimmers started in the following order:—Mrs. Alexander and A. Reid (2min.), C. H. Johnstone and S. Greene (2min. 30sec.), J. Carroll and R. Corns (3min. 30sec.), A. Corps and R. Hawkes (3min. 40sec.), W. G. Eyre (4min.), E. Payne and A. Reeve (smin.), A. Kendall (smin. 30sec.), and B. Haworth (6min.) from the scratch mark. When Iho swimmers reached Calver's Corner the placings were Mrs. Alexander. Greene. Hawkes, Johnstone, Kendall, Corps. Payne, and, very close up, Haworth, the scratch swimmer. It was here that some of the limit swimmers started to tiro and the back markers commenced to make un the leeway. The water was very calm and the runout was beginning tn get. fast. At the Dublin Street Bridge, the scratch swimmer had caught. Mrs. Alexander, w-hile Greene and Kendall held lhe leading positions. From this position in the race, several swimmers were taken over on the Wanganui East side nf the river, instead of keeping to the Somme Parade side, where the full strength of the tide was to be obtained. At the groyne lhe placings had altered slightly with Kendall in front closely followed by Greene, with Haworth and Payne level about 40

vards from the leaders. The other swimmers close up were Corps, Mrs. (Alexander, and Hawkes. Approaching ‘the St. George’s Gate baths. Kendall I.still maintained the lead. Haworth had overtaken Greene, and Corps and Payne were next in order. Lack nf condition was telling on a number of swimmers, although they still kept going. On reaching Hatrick’s Wharf Kendall was leading Haworth by about. 15 yards, with Greene in third position. In the straight, by the Wanganui Rowing Club shed, a great [struggle for first place took place belt ween Kendall and Haworth, last

year’s winner. The water was rather rough from here to the finish, and condition as well as a final sprint was required by the leaders. Although Haworth gradually made up the leeway, the younger swimmer. Kendall

swam strongly to finish first, by about 10 seconds. The remaining order wa c Is. Greene, R. Corns. A. Corps. E. | Payne. A. Reeve, R. Hawkes, Mrs. I Alexander, and R. Reid. Three swimmers. J. Carroll, C. H. Johnstone, and iW. G. Eyre did not finish because of cramp. A great deal of credit is due to all the swimmers who finished irrespective of their placings, as the race is a true test of stamina, and considering the season this year has not [given the swimmers a very great opportunity to train, their performance? are commendable. The club committee desires lhank all those who assisted with the event. Results Detailed results were: —A. Kendall (smin. 30sec.), 43min., 1: B. Haworth (6min.). 43min. lOsec.. 2; S. Greene (2.30) 46min. 23sec.. 3; R. Corps (3.30) 46min. 43sec., 4; A. Corps <3.40). 46min. 48sec., 5; E. Payne (smin.), 46min. 58sec„ 6; A. Reeve (smin.). 47min. 3sec„ 7; R. Hawkes (3.40), 46min. 48sec., 8: Mrs. Alexander (limit), 47min. 23sec., 9: R. Reid (2min.), 48min. ssec„ 10; C. H. Johnstone, J. Carroll, and W. G. Eyre did not finish. Fastest times were:—B. Haworth, 37min. lOsec.; A. Kendall, 37mln. 30sec.; E. Payne, 41min. 58sec.; A. Reeve, 42min. 3sec.; A. Corps, 4.3 min. |Bsec.