Trans Tasman Regattas– 1951 Centennial Regatta NZ
1951 Centennial Regatta
1951 Programme Cover
An invitation had been received for a full rowing representation at the Canterbury Centennial Games, to be held at Kerrs Reach, Christchurch. The University of California coached by Ky Ebright, one of the World's Greatest Coaches, (he coached the Gold Medal Eights for USA, in 1928, 1932 and 1948) had also been invited. After the Australians victory over his University of California crew, he said that "this crew has remarkable talent, and I only wish we had the same type in America."
Following the win by NSW in the 1950 King's Cup, this crew won the right to represent Australia. As the race was well off, a squad was set aside from normal racing to train for this event. Norm Grounds was unable to coach due to business reasons and so Tom Chessell was chosen as both cox and coach. Joe Gould however was intrumental in their coaching whilst in Australia.
Mervyn Wood was unable to travel due to work commitments, Kevyn Webb was chosen as the sculler.
The results by the Australians were impressive and the success over the Americans in the eights was a big factor in the Australian Olympic Federation nominating the eight for the 1952 Olympic Games in a very small Australian team.
The picture gallery for this regatta can be found through this link at Australian Rowing Images.
1951 Centennial Games Team
Australian Team
Men's Eight
Bow: Robert N Tinning (NSW)
2: David Anderson (NSW)
3: Don Palmer (NSW)
4: Nimrod Greenwood (NSW)
5: Ross Selman (NSW)
6: Mervyn D Findlay (NSW)
7: Edward O G Pain (NSW)
Str: Phillip A Cayzer (NSW)
Cox & Cch: Tom Chessell (NSW)
Men's Pair
Bow: Vic Middleton (NSW)
Str: Ernie Chapman (NSW)
(Reserves for eight)
Men's Scull
Kevyn Webb (NSW)
Men's Double Scull
Bow: Norman Cannon (NSW)
Str: Kevyn Webb (NSW)
Sole selector: Joe Gould (NSW)
Results
Centennial Games
Men's Eight
1st: Australia, 2nd University of California, margin one canvas
The Australians won their heat easily by four lengths and the Americans won their heat by 1 1/2 lengths in a faster time than the Australians. Aramoho won the third heat. The Australians met and defeated the Americans in the first semi-final by 3/4 length. The "Golden Bears" had to qualify for the final through the repechage but were defeated by the Australians by only one canvas in the final.
Men's Pair
1st Australia , 2nd NZL (E & F Lindstrom). Margin 4 lengths
Men's Scull
1st Reg Douglas (NZL), 2nd: Schneider (NZL)
Kevyn Webb (AUS) was defeated by Douglas in the semi final after his heat win.
Men's Double Scull
1st: Australia, 2nd NZL (J Schneider & D Simonson)
NZL Championships
Men's Eight
1st: Australia, 2nd University of California. Margin one canvas again.
Men's Pair
1st NZL (J herd & L Saul), 2nd Haberfield RC (E Eder & W Winkworth)
Men's Scull
1st R Douglas (NZL), 2nd: Kevyn Webb (AUS)
Men's Double Scull
1st: Australia, 2nd NZL (J Schneider & D Simonson)
Australian Men's Pair of Middleton & Chapman
Australian Men's Double of Webb & Cannon