Malcolm Ruffels
Leichhardt Rowing Club (NSW) then Haberfield Rowing Club (NSW)
The following profile was written by Kevyn Webb in 1950 as part of his 25 year history of Haberfield Rowing Club.
Like Lance Robinson, Jack and Alex Eddie, three fellow 50 races or more winners, Malcolm began his active rowing career with Leichhardt Rowing Club, transferring to Haberfield in 1936. Won first Senior Eights race at Riverview Regatta - :Gold Cup” in 1937. Won Champion Eights of N.S.W. 1939. Rowed six in the 1939 State King’s Cup crew which finished second to Queensland.
Won first post-war Champion Eight of N.S.W. and rowed five in the Australian Champion Eights, the N.S.W. crew finished second to Victoria. Coached Haberfield crews to Henley in 1947-47. In which year he was elected an Hon. Life Member. Was Club Captain 1943, 44, 45 and part 46. Was Property Master, 1938-39, and served for many years on the Club Committee. Holds the wonderful record of having won sic “Gold Cup” Eights at Riverview Regatta and finishing second, beaten by three feet only, on two other occasions.
Since 1949, he last rowed for Haberfield in the Senior Eights at Lismore Regatta, has coached at Sydney Rowing Club. Scoring during 1949-50 season, two outstanding wins, namely: the Founders Cup for Junior Eights at Henley, and the N.S.W. Junior Champion Eights at the J. B. Sharp Memorial Regatta. In his active years with Haberfield Club he has won 60 races.
Kevyn Webb
August 1950