ROWING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2650, 4 November 1909, Page 6

ROWING.

NOTES

(By “Double-Scull.”) The Council of the N.Z.A.R.A. has refused to sanction January 1 as the date of the Championship Regatta, and has suggested to the Marlborough Association a date somewhere near the end of January. This will certainly suit the Southern rowing clubs and ought to suit the Auckland crows also. The Poverty Bay Club has practically completed its shed, and crews aro now in active training for the first lot of fours, but it is rather early to judge the chances of the different crews. • . It is pleasing to note that this club is strictly insisting on members wearing the club uniform, and the Gisborne shed will have to be just as strict. Matters are progressing well at the latter shed and there is every prospeeffc of some 'keen and exciting racing taking place on the Waimata course during next week. The races are to be rowed for trophies presented by Mr. Hennessv and Mr. It. Robertson, and the club is indebted to these Gentlemen and other donors for their generous support. Mr.. A. Cox has signified his intention of giving a cup iand gold medals for a double-sculling event, and entries for the same close on the 12tli inst. At the tijne entries will be received for u •w'-fqur race for Mr. C. Morse’s f "A that from now on till tby-end o. '"u every member of g ; '-Gisbc ■ 'omxious and willing/ A 1 of opportune, >■ u y :

The first beat of tlie Tlennessy Fours takes place on Monday next when P. Hamilton meets G. Puflett, and Gullv meets Stevenson. On the same evening the first heat of tho Robertson Fours take place place, when Traill meets Hansen, and Cumming meets Bennett. Th© Hennessy Fours are for “A” grade, members only, and will be rowed in sliding seats, whilst the Robertson Fours will be rowed in fixed seats and the majority of the men are “B” grade oarsmen but stroked by £< A” grade men. The committee wish and expect strokes to get their crews away smartly from th© shed and it is intended that crews shall change boats at the Band Rotunda so that there should be very little delay in) getting the events off. Perhaps a few remarks on some of the competitors would not be out of place and starting with the “A” grade men it is safe to say that P. Hamilton is training exceptionally well, and is rapidly coming into* the form which made him so successful last season.. His “three” is inclined to crouch and would do better if he held his head up more. “Two” is rowing very well indeed, but has a tendency to take his weight off. “Bow” screws far too much and should remember there is no necessity to watch his oar, also to sit Tip square. G. Puflett, stroke of the opposing crew, is rowing well, but his “three” does not swing enough to aid him .as he should. “Two” is inclined to tako things easy at times, and wants to put more life into his work. “Bow” has the same fault, and wants to sit up more and keep his eyes on: the boat. Of the other crews. Gully, as “stroke” seems to be rowing too snort for his size. “Three” does not open liis ‘eg-: enough but “Two” and 'bow” seem veiy willing. Stevenson, as “st.-Jxe, > fails to mast full use of liis slide. “Three” .s palpably out of form and cannot be much use in a hard-rowed race. “Two” is a promoted. “B” grade man rowing well, but inclined to screw, whilst “bow” should learn to keep down the water and not throw at the end of the stroke.

Coming to the “A”, grade men Traill, as “stroke”, is rowing a splendid oai with plenty of dash and swing, and certainly deserves credit for the way he has brought his crew along. “Three” has too much of a crouch and should use his shoulders more. “Two” is a greatly improved oarsman and promises exceptionally well. “Bow” should learn not to .screw and to take his eyes off liis oar.

Hansen, as “stroke”, has plenty of dash and seems to suit the fixed seat. “Three” does not swing enough nor sit up properly. “Two” is promising welk but “Bow” lias a bad fault of taking.a second grip on the water with the result that he rows with a jerk. Bennet, as -‘-‘stroke” has toiled hard with his crelv and deserves success. “Three” wants to keep his eyes in the boat and catch quicker. “Two” falls down from his shoulders and must sit up. “Bow” has a tendency to watch the bank and not the man in front.

Cummirig, as “stroke,” is rowing very well. “Three” i,s improving daily and should sit up just a little more. “Two” wants to swing more and “bow” the same with a quicker catch. As the other crews are not yet drawn there is not now any need to comment on the men, but perhaps a few notes will be given before tlie crews meet. The Poverty Bay Club crews for the B. iS. Cox trophies are in-active training, but owing to the building of the new club house they have been late in starting this season. It i,s intended to start racing on the 19th inst, and it is expected that fifteen crews will compete for these trophies. Everything is progressing well in th© building of the Club House and members are still very keen. The crews are training very hard for the first Trial Fours and some very good races can be expected. The new double scull will be to hand at the end of the month. The next races on the list will be the Robertson Fours.