1892 Head of the River

1st Scotch College - Bow: Henry N Young, 2: Henry C Winneke, 3: Samuel E Grimwood, Str: Alexander R Lewis, Cox: Charles H Singelton, Cchs: Frank O Johnston & Stephen J Morell
2nd Melbourne Grammar - Bow: G O Bruce, 2: L A Cleveland, 3: E O Mitchell, Str: H A Anderson, Cox: F N Pleasance, Cch: A S Workman
3rd Geelong Grammar - Bow: H J Wittingham, 2: C Cooper, 3: E James, Str: A W Whitney, Cox: H Cross, Cch: James L Cuthbertson
4th Wesley College - Bow: P A Thompson, 2: K Donahoo, 3: E Matthews, Str: A B Campbell, Cox: E Hocking, Cch: E A Derrick

Melbourne Grammar Crew - Standing: A.E. Kent (Emergency), E.O. Mitchell (3), H.A. Anderson (stroke), Mr. A.S. Workman (Coach). Sitting: G.O. Bruce (bow), F.N. Pleasance (cox), L.A. Cleveland (2)

Photo courtesy of Melbourne Grammar Archives - Cat No 6569

It was reported in The Age as follows:

The four crews struck the water together, and very pretty they looked as they dashed away for the lead. The had gone about a quarter of a mile before the line appeared to be broken, and then the Scotch gained a ¼ length from the MGS and Geelong Grammar crews, and Wesley began to fall to the rear. The Scotch rowed in the best form, a clean and powerful stroke, Melbourne Grammar vigorously, but too fast forward. Geelong were rowing strongly, but without dash, and Wesley pluckily struggled on, not knowing how to use their strength to their advantage. The race became very interesting between the first three crews, though before a mile had been rowed it was clear that the Scotch were not putting forth all their energy. Finally the Scotch College passed the judge, Mr. C. Cunningham, a full length and a half ahead of MGS, who were a similar distance ahead of the Geelong crew. Wesley College were about 6 lengths behind the winner. Time 9 min 4 sec.

1st Melbourne Grammar - Bow: H R Flack, 2: A E Kent, 3: E O Anderson, Str: N K Paxton, Cox: F N Pleasance, Cch: Mr A J Evans
2nd Geelong Grammar - Bow: W Bailey, 2: G Eardley Wilmot, 3: A Greenfield, Str: G Greene
3rd Wesley College - Bow: H Johnston, 2: H Hughes, 3: G Keene, Str: C McCarron

Melbourne Grammar Second Crew - Back row (from left): H.R. Flack and A.E. Kent. Middle row: N.K. Paxton, Mr. A.J. Evans and E.O. Anderson. Out front: F.N. Pleasance (cox)

Photo courtesy of Melbourne Grammar Archives - Cat No 4437

The Argus reported the race as follows:

The annual four-oared race in gigs for the second crews of the public schools was decided yesterday on Albert-Park Lake.

Wesley College took the Western position, Geelong were in the centre, and Melbourne Grammar on the east. Mr G. Upward started them, and almost at once the MGS, rowing a long powerful stroke, assumed a lead. The boats, however, were well together until half the course was covered, after which Melbourne drew farther away from Geelong, and Geelong in turn increased their lead from Wesley College. The latter lost slightly through erratic steering. The Melbourne crew had about two and a half lengths lead 50 yards from the finish, when bow caught a bad crab. For a moment their chances were in peril, for Geelong gained on them, but won by a clear length, and Wesley were several lengths behind. Mr G. Henderson acted as umpire, and Mr C. Cunningham as judge.