The race returned to the Lower Yarra and so allowed all four crews to compete in the one race. The race was conducted on 15th May.
The race was one of the best ever staged in APS history. Not only was the margin between first and second three feet, only 2 feet separated second and third and 3 deet between third and fourth.
One of the two Scotch coaches was Stephen Morell, later Sir Stephen Morell, Lord Mayor of Melbourne and President of the Victorian Rowing Association. He was a good oarsman at the time.
Wesley rebuilt their boat shed on Albert Park Lake after its destruction the year before.
Index to Results:
Officials:
Starter: Mr J L Irvine
Umpire: Mr George E Upward
Judge: Mr E Champion
1891 Floods at Princes Bridge
Time: 7:30.0
Margins: 3, 2 & 3 feet
1st Scotch College - Bow: Henry N Youngm 2: Herbert D Morrison, 3: William S Edgar, Str: Alexander R Lewis, Cox: Charles S Galbraith, Cchs: Frank O Johnston & Stephen J Morell
2nd Wesley College - Bow: J B Campbell, 2: H R Catford, 3: W R Thomson, Str: R C Whittingstone, Cox: H D Johnson, Cch: E A Derrick
3rd Geelong Grammar - Bow: V E Wettentall, 2: A Green, 3: T Clausen, Str: A W Whitney, Cox: H Cross, Cchs: James L Cuthbertson & W E P Austin
4th Melbourne Grammar - Bow: W G Howitt, 2: J B Calder, 3: H A Anderson, Str: A E Payne, Cox: F N Pleasance, Cchs: A S Workman & A J Evans
The Cardinal Club website records The Age report as follows:
Wesley jumped away very quickly at the start, with Geelong & Scotch close up. In the first hundred yards Wesley got a few feet, Scotch and Geelong rowing stroke and stroke on level terms, Melbourne Grammar School falling in the rear. The three crews Wesley, Geelong and Scotch were rowing at top speed and in spite of the best exertions could not separate. Geelong were rowing in the best form. Scotch were using their superior power very well while, by dint of great pluck, and good condition, which enabled them to keep up a rapid rate of striking. Wesley were making a great race and were leading by a few feet at the three quarters of a mile. Effort after effort was made by Geelong and Scotch to draw ahead of one another, but spurt was answered by spurt and neither could shake off the plucky Wesley boys. When a mile had been rowed, and the three crews had been abreast for some distance Geelong made a brilliant dash and forged a few feet ahead of Scotch, Wesley losing a few feet. The last 200 yards the race was most exciting. No sooner had the “stroke” of the Geelong finished his spurt than the stroke of the Scotch College called upon his crew and at the same instant the Wesley made his final and best effort. From the steamer the three crews appeared to be exactly level as they dashed past the winning post and the report of the Judge’s pistol was heard. The verdict Scotch by three feet, Wesley two feet ahead of Geelong – was soon forthcoming and hearty cheers were given for the crews. Melbourne Grammar School had been passed by the steamer early in the race.
Standing: Str: A Payne, Bow: W G Howitt
Sitting: 2: J B Calder, Cch: Mr A S Workman, 3: H A Anderson
Time: NTT
1st Geelong Grammar