EERC Regatta 1930

Transcript

EERC Regatta

Successful Programme of Events

On Saturday morning, there seemed every possibility of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club Regatta being spoilt at least, from the spectators’ point of view, by heavy rainfall.  Towards noon, however, the sky cleared and the afternoon and evening proved fine, but there was a strong and none too pleasant wind.  Fortunately for the competitors, they had the advantage of a stiff following breeze.

The Eton Excelsior Club have enjoyed a better season than for some time past; better results still are hoped for in the future, and if the good advice given by Mr. “Bert” Haines at last week’s dinner falls upon retentive ears, there is no reason why the Club should not fulfil the prophecy of Mr. W. Blane, who visualised the day when the Eton Excelsior men would be able to compete with and defeat most of their up-river rivals.

As in former years, the Eton College Boat Club premises had been kindly placed at the disposal of the officials for the annual function, and the attendance of friends to watch the racing was well up to the average.  The entries were very gratifying, especially in the maiden and junior four events, and the scratch fours was responsible for no fewer than nine competing crews.  Good sport was enjoyed and the meeting was very successful, the keynote being keenness and harmony.  A somewhat late start made it difficult for the officials to get the various events off to schedule time, but no-one worried, and till the close a happy time was spent in congenial surroundings.

The programme was a long one, but not so much so that it failed to sustain interest to the last.  The competitive spirit was seen at its best and there could have been none who went away disappointed.  The officials did their work well, the oarsmen gave of their best, and the spectators encouraged and applauded with an enthusiasm that must always be pleasant to those who have just finished a hard race.

The officials were as follows:  Starters and Umpires – Messrs. L. F. Blane (E.E.R.C.), W. Blane (E.E.R.C.), F. Wilkinson (E.E.R.C.) G. A. Smith (Staines B.C.), E. N. Fox (Maidenhead R.C.), J. P. Brill (Maidenhead R.C.) N. L. Huggins (Staines B.C.) and Major O. H. Collins (Leander Club); Judges – Messrs. T. Boswell, H. Haines, H. J. Hetherington and C. L. Andrews:  Clerks of the Course – Mr. E. F. Mills and the Committee; Captain – Mr. C. D. Dyson; Vice-captain Mr. V. H. Hobbs; Treasurer – Mr. V. A. C. Wood; Committee – Messrs. H. Marment, J. W. Croft, G. W. Bayley, W. Bedford, H. A. Baker. F. W. Buck, R. C. Mills, and J. C. White.

Messrs T. Luff and A. Bellringer acted as Hon. Secretaries at the Regatta and worked untiringly.

A warm tribute is due to the Excelsior Junior four in the Ruthven Challenge Cup event.  They provided the most exciting race of the day.  Having accounted for the Albion R. C. by 1¼ lengths, covering the course in the very good time of 3 min. 44 secs., they next had to row against the Maidenhead R.C., who had the advantage of the Berks shore.  The contest was an exceptionally keen one.  At one stage Maidenhead had a lead of somewhere about a length, and when a few yards from the post it seemed almost certain that Maidenhead would win, but on the last stroke the Eton Excelsior four shot forward to win by three feet.  It was a splendidly rowed race, the time being 3 minutes 42 seconds.  It was in the final that the quickest time was recorded, the opposition being provided by Reading, a well-balanced crew, who had displaced Mortlake R.C. by 2 lengths in 3 minutes 42 seconds.  No doubt their strenuous effort against Maidenhead had taken some of the sting out of the Eton crew, but Reading who won easily, are to be commended on gaining the winning post in 3 minutes 39seconds, a very fine performance.

There was no event quite so exciting in the Open Maiden Four-Oar race in which the Eton Excelsior crew were defeated in the first heat by Marlow R. C.  The Maidenhead R.C. “B” four easily accounted for the Albion R.C., and the Maidenhead R.C. “A” crew by 1½  lengths beat Marlow, to qualify for the final.  Both the Maidenhead fours went “all out” in the final, the “A” crew winning well by a length in 4 minutes five seconds.

Other events which filled an enjoyable programme included:  The double-canoe race, the open double sculling (lady cox), tub dinghy race (mixed), the scratch dongolas, the ladies’ scratch double dinghy race, the scratch fours, etc.

The Handicap Sculls were won by L. Barrett, who received 10 seconds start, G. W. Bayley (scratch) occupying the second position.  Barrett rowed well to win easily. R. C. P. Hunt by 1½ lengths, gained the Coxswains’ Sculls, his opponent being H. J. W. Nicholls.

The Committee regretted that owing to unavoidable circumstances they were unable this year to obtain boats for the Scratch Eights and the Scratch Fours, which proved one of the most exciting events of the day, were substituted.  The Committee’s hope that the Scratch Fours would receive the support accorded the Eights the past received a gratifying response.  There were some fine races, only a few feet in some cases separating the winners from the second crews in the heats.  Music was provided by Mr. Kendall’s orchestra.

The Prize Distribution

The prize distribution took place in the presence of a good number of spectators, the awards being handed to the successful competitors by Lady Peters, wife of Sir George Peters, President of the Club.

Mr. Cyril DYSON (captain of the Club) claimed everyone’s attention when calling on Lady Peters to present the awards.  He referred to the support both Sir George and Lady Peters had always extended to the Club which help, he might say, the members very heartily appreciated.  Their one regret was that Sir George Peters could not be with them to take part in the proceedings.  He asked her ladyship kindly to accept a bouquet from the members.

The flowers were presented to Lady Peters by the Captain’s little son and daughter.

Lady PETERS smilingly accepted the gift and assured all present that the bouquet would grace her drawing-room table.  Before she left home Sir George Peters asked her to convey his best wishes to the member for a most successful regatta.  He hoped next year to be with them (applause).  She thanked the officials for all they had done, specially mentioning the Captain, Vice-Captain, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer, realising as she did, that the preparations for a regatta entailed a great deal of organisation and hard work.  She also paid a tribute to the memory of the late Mr. T. J. Cartland, a staunch supporter of the club, who recently passed away.

Before the close, Mr. Cyril DYSON thanked all officials who had helped him, and particularly mentioned the good services of Mr. A. Claret (of Eton College Boat Club) and his assistants, without whose help he said it would have been impossible successfully to run the regatta.

Cheers were accorded Sir George and Lady Peters and so terminated what had proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable day.

The Results

WINDSOR v. ETON EIGHT OAR RACE, for the Peters’ Challenge Cup.

Berks Station – Windsor crew: C. D. Dyson (bow), J. W. G. Reeve, A. Sharratt, V. A. C. Wood, I. R. L. Thomson, F. W. Buck, W. A. Brown, V. H. Hobbs (stroke) and R. C. P. Hunt (cox), 1; 

Bucks Station – Eton: F. Wilkinson (bow), R. H. Dyke, G. W. Bayley, R. R. Taylor, W. Bedford, R. C. Mills. D. A. Bond. L. Barrett (stroke) and H. J. W. Nicholls (cox), 2.  Won by two lengths.

FOUR OAR RACE, for Challenge Cup.

First heat:  Bucks:  1. R. L. Thomson, R. H. Dyke, W. Bedford and L. Barrett, 1:  Berks:  N. H. Mills, G. W. Bayley, F. W. Buck and V. H. Hobbs. 2.

Final: Bucks:  Thomson, Dyke, Bedford and Barrett, 1; Berks:  T. H. Jones, A. Sharratt, D. A. Bond and V. A. C. Wood, 2. Won by 1½ lengths.

JUNIOR SCULLS.

First heat: Berks:  A. Sharratt, 1; Bucks: G. H. Parks. 2.

Final: Bucks:  W. A. Brown, 1; Berks:  Sharratt, 2.  Won easily.

SENIOR SCULLS.

Final: Berks:  G. W. Bayley, 1; Bucks:  L. Barrett, 2.

PAIR OAR OUTRIGGER, for the Husted Challenge Cup.

Final: Berks:  V. A. C. Wood (bow and steers) and F. W. Buck (stroke), 1; Bucks:  W. A. Brown (bow and steers) and L. Barrett (stroke), 2.

PAIR-OAR GIG RACE, for the Richardson Gardner Challenge Cup.

Bucks: F. W. Buck, G. W. Bayley and C. D. Dyson, 1;  Centre: I. R. L. Thomson, V. H. Hobbs and V. A. C. Wood, 2; 

Berks: J. W. G. Reeve, D. A. Bond, and L. Barrett, 3.

OPEN MAIDEN FOUR-OAR RACE, for the Challenge Cup presented by the late Мr. A. Jacobs, and presentation prizes.

First heat: Bucks: Marlow R.C.: G. F. Ponting (bow), H. W. Bartlett, R. P. Smith, G. Nicholls (stroke) and S. M. Morton (cox), 1; Berks: Eton Excelsior R.C. G. H. Parks (bow), J. W. G. Reeve, T. H. Jones, R. H. Dyke (stroke), and H. J. W. Nicholls (cox), 2.  Won by 1¾ lengths.  Time. 4min. 5sec.

Second heat: Berks: Maidenhead R.C. “B” crew: F. Aldworth (bow), P. Thompson, P. R. Lindley, R. M. Ryan (stroke), and E. Smith (cox), 1; Bucks: Albion R. C.: H. W. Scott (bow), A. J. Clayden, K. S. Hay, E. Weaver (stroke) and H. J. W. Nicholls (cox), 2.  Won easily.  Time, 4min. 27sec.

Third heat: Berks: Maidenhead R.C. “A” crew: H. Jones (bow). J. C. Keyte, G. S. Beare, O. Parker (stroke) and J. H. Hampton (cox), 1; Bucks: Marlow R.C.  Won by 1½ lengths.  Time, 4min. 4sec.

Final: Berks: Maidenhead “A” crew, 1; Bucks: Maidenhead “B” crew, 2.  Won by a length.  Time, 4min. 5sec.

THE RUTHVEN CHALLENGE CUP, junior fours, for the Challenge Cup presented by Lord Ruthven, and re-presented by the Eton Excelsior R.C. in 1893, and presentation prizes.

First heat: Bucks: Reading R.C. W. H. Rushmere, L. D. Habbitts, S. W. Latham, E. T. Johnson (stroke), and J. Childs (cox), 1; Berks: Mortlake R.C.: M. West, E. Α. Jennings, B. G. Bubb, H. C. Wright (stroke), and C. Burges (cox), 2.  Won by two lengths.  Time, 3min. 42sec.

Second heat: Bucks: Eton Excelsior R.C. A. Sharratt (bow), I. R. L. Thomson, W. Bedford, D. A. Bond (stroke), and R. C. P. Hunt (cox). 1;  Berks : Albion R.C.: F. Goddard, B. Harvey, R. F. Davey, A. J. Spray (stroke), and H. Mansfield (cox), 2.  Won by 1¼ lengths.  Time, 3min. 44sec.

Third heat: Bucks: Eton Excelsior R.C. crew. 1; Berks: Maidenhead R.C., G. Baillie (bow), P. Dempster, N. Sykes, A. L. Ashton (stroke), and J. H. Hampton (cox), 2.  A great race.  Won by 3ft.  Time, 3min. 42sec.

Final: Berks: Reading R.C., 1; Bucks: Eton Excelsior R.C., 2.  Won easily.  Time, 3min. 39sec.

DOUBLE CANOE RACE.

First heat: Bucks: D. A. Bond and N. H. Mills, 1.  The other two crews did not finish.

Second heat: Centre: L. Barrett and V. A. C. Wood, 1;  Bucks: C. D. Dyson and G. W. Bayley, 2.  Won easily.

Final: Berks: Barrett and Wood, 1; Bucks: Bond and Mills, 2.

OPEN DOUBLE-SCULLING (lady cox), for the Wakefield Memorial Challenge Cup and presentation prizes.

Bucks: J. Winsor, A. G. B. Sutherland and Miss P. Johnson, 1; Berks: J. H. Maslen, G. A. Smith and Mrs. G. A. Smith dead-heat with G. W. Bayley, F. W. Buck and Miss M. Haddon (Centre).  Won well.

Second heat: Berks: R. J. Bale, R. J. Climpson and Mrs. L. Holman, 1; Bucks: A. J. Gait, A. N. Morgan and Miss N. Gubbins, 2; Centre: A. Sharratt, R. R. Taylor and Miss K. Dodds, 3.  Won by 1½ lengths.

Final: Berks: Winsor, Sutherland and Miss P. Johnson, 1; Bucks: Bale, Climpson and Mrs. L. Holman. 2.  Won by three lengths.

TUB DINGHY RACE, MIXED, for prizes presented by Mr. A. H. Dyson.

First heat: Centre: G. W. Bayley and Miss O. M. Bayley, 1; Berks: F. W. Wilkinson and Miss Scott, 2. Bucks: F. W. Buck and Miss M. Haddon, 3. Good race.

Second heat: Bucks: V. H. Hobbs and Miss Parker, 1; Centre: I. R. L. Thomson and Miss P. Hayward, 2.

Third heat: Bucks: V. A. C. Wood and Miss D. Wood, 1; Centre: C. D. Dyson and Mrs. C. D. Dyson, 2; Berks: T. H. Jones and Miss H. M. Wilsdon, 3. Won by 1½ lengths.

Final: Berks: Wood and Miss Wood, 1; Bucks: Hobbs and Miss Parker, 2: Centre: G. W. Bayley and Miss Bayley, 3.

COXSWAINS SCULLS.

Final: Bucks: R. C. P. Hunt, 1; Berks: H. J. W. Nicholls, 2. Won by 1½ lengths.

HANDICAP SCULLS, for the Wise Challenge Cup.

Final: L. Barrett (received 10sec.), 1; G. W. Bayley (scratch), 2; W. A. Brown (received 40sec.). 3.  Won easily.

SCRATCH DONGOLAS.

First heat: Berks: L. Barrett, W. Bedford, V. A. C. Wood, R. J. Bale, G. H. Street and G. Higgins, 1. Won easily.

Second heat: Bucks: J. W. G. Reeve, V. H. Hobbs, F. G. Cathling, J. Rose, J. V. Nisbet and D. Onslow, 1. Won in fine style.

Final: Bucks: Reeve, Hobbs, Cathling, Rose, Nisbet and Onslow, 1; Berks: Barrett, Bedford, Wood, Bale, Street, and Higgins, 2.

SCRATCH FOURS.

First heat: Bucks: F. G. Cathling, Bartlett, J. H. Maslen, R. R. Taylor and N. C. Mills, 1; Berks: L. Barrett, R. J. Bale, C. H. Budd, J. W. Proudfoot and J. Hampton (cox), 2. An easy win.

Second heat: Berks: V. H. Hobbs, R. Smith, F. N. Fox, R. R. Davey and S. Morton (cox), 1; Bucks: V. Husted, G. F. Ponting, A. J. Gait, W. T. Flower and A. Isley (cox), 2.  Won by a length.

Third heat: Bucks: G. Nicholls, H. Jones, J. Rose, F. R. Wildes, and T. P. Gilespie (cox), 1; Berks: V. A. C. Wood, G. H. Parks, R. J. Climpson, J. V. Nisbet and H. Mansfield (cox), 2.  Won by 6ft.

Fourth heat: Berks: G. W. Bayley, F. W. Buck, G. H. Street, B. G. Bubb, and C. Burgess (cox), 2.  Won by one-third of a length.

Fifth heat: Berks: Hobbs, Smith, Fox, Davey and Morton (cox), 1; Bucks: Cathling, Bartlett, Maslen, Taylor and Mills (cox), 2.  Won easily.

Sixth heat: Bucks: Nicholls, Jones, Rose, Wildes, and, Gilespie (cox), 1; Berks: Bayley, Buck, Street, Bubb and Burgess (cox), 2.  Won by 6ft.

Final: Berks: Hobbs, Smith, Fox, Davey and Morton (cox), 1; Bucks: Nicholls, Jones, Rose, Wildes and Gilespie (cox), 2.  A good race, won by a length. :

LADIES’ SCRATCH DOUBLE DINGHY RACE.

First heat: Berks: Miss Cathling and Miss Moss, 1.

Second heat Berks: Miss Parker and Miss Wood, 1.

Final: Berks: Miss Cathling and Miss Moss, 1; Bucks: Miss Parker and Miss Wood, 2.

Successful Regatta Dance

The flannel dance held at the Castle Hotel, at the close of the regatta, was crowned with success.  There was an attendance of 130 people, which included a number of visitors.  From 8.30. p.m. to midnight a delightful time was spent.  Mr. V. H. Hobbs (vice-captain of the Club) and Mr. A. Bellringer proving very efficient M.C’s.  Capital music was provided by Mr. Kendall’s orchestra.  Dancing was interspersed with enjoyable songs rendered by Mr. Patrick Halpin, to whom cordial thanks are due for his services.

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