1981 Match des Seniors— Essen West Germany
Selection
Even though Australia conducted effective competition with New Zealand at the under 23 level, the selectors believed that athletes needed experience in the environment and amid the peculiarities associated with international travel and a full international racing programme. Europe is the place for that experience. The winning double was thrown together on a Batschi hunch and the two scullers clicked.
The crews raced at Lucerne before the Match des Seniors regatta.
Results
Men's Coxed Four
Final: 1st FRA 7:02.57, 2nd NED 7:04.68, 3rd ITA 7:07.53, 4th USA 7:12.74, 5th FRG 7:13.08, 6th AUS 7:14.96
The crew appeared to be on the way to at least a silver when two breakages in the final put them off their plan. The first breakage was with the Italians and then the Australians.
Men's Coxless Pair
Final: 1st FRA 7:28.16, 2nd FRG7:34.96, 3rd FIN 7:35.25, 4th SUI 7:43.30, 5th AUS 7:49.47, 6th BEL 7:50.67
Men's Double Scull
Final: 1st AUS 7:18.33, 2nd BEL 7:20.87, 3rd ITA 7:21. 44, 4th AUT 7:28.47, 5th FRG 7:28.49, 6th NED NTT
The Australians utilised the catch me if you can philosophy to great success.
Australian Team
Men's Coxed Four - Sixth
Bow: Ian Belot (VIC)
2: Jim Burt (WA)
3: Mike Neilson (SA)
Str: Graham Edmonds (NSW)
Cox: Steve Annear (WA)
Cch: Reinhold Batschi (ACT)
Men's Coxless Pair - Fifth
Bow: Jordi Martin (NSW)
Str: Chester Macdonald (NSW)
Cch: Reinhold Batschi (ACT)
Men's Double Scull - Gold
Bow: Bruce McNaughton (VIC)
Str: Murray Doust (NSW)
Cch: Reinhold Batschi (ACT)
Manager: John Boultbee (NSW)