1934 Ballarat Head of the Lake
This race was conducted on Lake Wendouree on Saturday April 28. Ballarat College won the Old boys race which was also conducted at this regatta.
On Thursday beforehand, third and fourth crew races were conducted between Grammar and St Patrick's College with Grammar being successful in both races.
Organising Committee and Officials
Organising Committee: Ballarat Public Schools' Association
Head of the Lake
Time: Not known
Margin:Not known
1st Ballarat Grammar
2nd Ballarat College
3rd St Patrick's College - Bow: J O'Connell, 2: K Flynn, 3: C McLinden, Str: G Hayes, Cox: T. Francisco, Cch: R Pierce
Ballarat Grammar winning crew
The race appears to have been quite interesting. The following account appears in the St Patrick's College annual report. On the day of the race our boys were very confident of victory. We obtained a good start and were on equal terms with Grammar and Ballarat College during the early stages of the race. S.P.C. then began a forward movement, and as the crews passed the S.P.C. boatshed, were actually two lengths in the lead. Shortly afterwards our representatives had the misfortune to encounter a strong gust of wind which affected the timing and general team work or the crew. Notwithstanding the fact that the crew quickly recovered equilibrium, and despite a game response to the call of stroke (G Hayes) for a final burst, Grammar, rowing with admirable precision and power, were first over the line, Ballarat College cutting SPC out of second place. Despite defeat, the supporters of SPC recognized the game fight staged by the crew by according to them a tumultuous reception as they returned to the boatsheds. Nevertheless this opportunity is taken by SPC to congratulate Grammar on their meritorious victory.
Second Fours
Not known
1st Ballarat Grammar
Sources:
Ballarat Courier 100 years Head of the Lake Supplement
St Patrick's College annual report 1934-35 page 72