1908 PSA Head of the River

The regatta was conducted on 2nd May 1908 over one mile. The Western Mail reported on 9 May 1908 as follows:

From an oarsman's point of view the weather last Saturday for the secondary schools' annual boat race left little to be desired. The water was moderately calm, and a slight breeze blowing down the course proved of advantage to the crews. As is usual, the race attracted great public interest; the Zephyr, which followed the race, was crowded with enthusiastic spectators, and there were numerous smaller craft, both following and dotted along the course. 

King's Park presented a gay scene, and after the race the River bank was thronged with people, all anxious to hear the judge's decision, and to witness the presentation of prizes to the successful participants by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor. Shortly after three o'clock Scotch College and Christian Brothers' College left the rowing sheds to paddle down to the starting point, and many were the opinions as to the respective merits of these crews. 

Scotch were seen to be in good form, but it was speculated whether they would be able to hold their own against their heavier opponents, who indeed looked a sturdy lot. The other two boats were towed down the river, and High School and Guildford Grammar took their seats and stroked out easily to the start, two or three hundred yards distant.

All crews then prepared to line up for the task before them, most feeling that intense excitement preparatory to rowing their first important race. In rowing, more than in almost any sport, great responsibility is placed on each individual, for should one member of a crew make a bad mistake, probably his crew's chance of winning is lost, and naturally this anxiety is felt by young oarsmen. Three of the crews got into line promptly, but the starter had some difficulty in getting Guildford Grammar into position. Meantime Christian Brothers and High School had drifted near to each other, and these boats were not pointing quite straight. Partly for this reason the start could not be regarded as a good one, though the boats were well up to the line. 

Guildford Grammar and Scotch seemed to be the first to get away, closely followed by Christian Brothers, High School getting a bad start. After two or three strokes bow in the High School boat was seen to be in difficulties, and the crew held up their hands and shouted to the starter in protest, but, on receiving no response, battled on gamely, having lost already considerable ground. It was afterwards learned that bow's seat had come off the slide, and that Maley had pluckily rowed throughout uncomfortably seated on the bars. A protest was the outcome of this misfortune, but of this later. 

Guildford went away at a great pace, and promised, if they could only last, they would be well up at the finish.