Interstate Championships Trophies

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President's Cup

Following the formation of the Australian Amateur Rowing Council in 1925, the first President Mr EC Watchorn, a trustee of the Geo. Adams Estate controlling Tattersall's Sweep Consultations, donated the President's Cup as the perpetual trophy for the annual Australian Interstate Single Sculling Championship.

First competed for in 1926 and won by the Late A A Baynes of Queensland, some famous Australian Olympians have been the holders of this trophy. The records of these, all representing NSW, are well known:

Henry (Bobby) Pearce, holder of the Cup on three occasions and Olympic Gold Medallist in 1928 and 1932,
His cousin C A (Cecil) Pearce four times holder,
Duncan Free six times holder and Olympic medallist in the quad scull, and
M T (Mervyn) Wood, holder on eight occasions and Olympic gold, silver and bronze medallist in 1948, 1952 and 1956 respectively.
Perhaps the most unlucky sculler was G Squires from Tasmania who was placed second on seven occasions, third on another and won the race in 1963.

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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors may exist. Please send advice of any errors or inaccuracies by email to:

Also your comments, suggestions and photos are sought to enhance this site.

The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
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Disclaimer: Whilst extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied, the editors take no responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from inaccuracies contained in this work.