1923-1924 Rowing Victoria State Championships

1^st James Barton, Richmond

2^nd E H Pettifer, Melbourne

Withdrew Stanley McGorm, Wendouree

Disqualified Arthur H Cambridge, Sandhurst

The sculling championship was held on the same day as the Eight-oared Championship, Saturday, 15^th March, 1924. The race was over the 2 1/2 mile course from the swing bridge at Footscray to the Short Road ferry. Unfortunately, the contest was marred by bad steering, and, after two starts, the umpire reluctantly had to disqualify the Sandhurst representative, Mr. A H. Cambridge. Mr. J. Barton, of Richmond, won by two lengths from Mr. E. H. Pettifer, of Melbourne. The holder of the title, Mr. S. McGorm (Wendouree) withdrew from the race after covering half the distance. Mr. Barton is congratulated on securing his fourth victory. The time for the race was not taken. 

1^st Wendouree – Bow: Ray W B Todd, 11st 1lb., Str: John R Jopling, 12st., Cox: J Gercovich, Coach: Mr A Hall

2^nd Ballarat

3^rd Richmond

4^th Ballarat City

This event was rowed on Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, on Saturday 19^th January, 1924. The entry of four crew was the smallest for 19 years. The holders of the championship put up their third successive win, and are heartily congratulated on their fine performance.

1^st Wendouree – Bow: F Walshe, 10st. 6lb., 2: G Hutchins, 11st. 1lb., 3: R W B Todd, 11st. 1lb., Str: J R Jopling, 12st. 5lb., Cox: J Gercovich, Coach: Mr A Hall

2^nd Melbourne

3^rd Ballarat

4^th Mercantile - Bow: M C Bonniwell, 2: J Harding, 3: H R Rush, Str: J L Mounsey

5^th Albert Park

6^th Banks

The Four-oared Championship was rowed over the 2 1/2 mile course from Short Road ferry to the swing bridge at Footscray on Saturday, 8^th December, 1923. Wendouree secured their second successive win in this event, defeating Melbourne by two lengths. Wendouree are congratulated on their further success.

1^st Wendouree – Bow: F Walshe, 10st. 7lb., 2: R Merriman, 10st. 8lb., 3: R Pierce, 11st. 3lb., 4: A Hall, 11st. 7lb., 5: F Yates, 11st. 3lb., 6: G Hutchins, 11st. 1lb., 7: R W B Todd, 11st. 1lb., Str: J R Jopling, 12st., Cox: D O’Keane, Coach: Mr A Hall

2^nd Melbourne

3^rd Mercantile - Bow: J Greenshields, 2: W G Pitt, 3: H C Maling, 4: R D Emms, 5: W J Pannell, 6: H R Rush, 7: R V Gregg, Str: J L Mounsey, Cox: E Counihan, Cch: Arch L Dobbie

4^th Albert Park

5^th Banks

This event was rowed over the 2 1/2 mile course from the Short Road ferry to the swing bridge at Footscray on Saturday, 15^th March, 1924. Five crews entered. Wendouree, who won by 2 1/2 lengths, are congratulated on their second victory in this classic event.

The Victorious Wendouree Crew on Lake Wendouree

Cox: Dan O’Keane, Str: John R Jopling, 7: Ray W B Todd, 6: J G ‘Clarrie’ Hutchins, 5: Fred Yates, 4: O Alex Hall, 3: R Pearce, 2: R Merriman, Bow: Fred Walshe, Cch: Alex Hall

1^st Bendigo – Bow: J. Weibgon, 2: J. Walker, 3: N. Oldfield, Str: J. Hesse 

2nd Albert Park Ladies - Bow: R. O'Sullivan, 2: G. Nagel, 3: E. Connor, Str: M. Pitman

Other crews competing were:

Preston

Essendon Ladies

Albert Park It is not known whether the Women's Four Oared Championship continued at the Henley on Maribyrnong Regatta on 2nd February 1924 but the entry indicates that this was so. The race was referred to just as the Ladies' Race. However the winning crew was selected to represent Victoria at the Interstate Championships which adds weight to this event holding Championship status.

The Age recorded the racing as follows:

Ladies' Race. — First heat: Bendigo (Misses J. Weibgon (bow), J. Walker, N. Oldfield and J. Hesse (stroke), 1; Preston, 2. Preston crabbed half-way over the course. Second Heat: Albert Park No. 1 crew (Misses R. O'Sullivan (bow), G. Nagel, E. Connor and M. Pitman (stroke), 1; Essendon, 2. Won by a length. Final: Bendigo, 1 Albert Park, 2. Won by a length.

The successful Bendigo crew