METROPOLITAN REGATTA.

Yesterday afternoon in the Metropolitan Rowing Association Regatta, the Weld Boat Club Crew defeated the Riverside Boat Club junior eight by about a length and a half. The course was a mile and a half straight-away and the time was 9m. 40s. The conditions were favorable, what little wind there was being slightly astern, while the water was fairly smooth and the tide was just at the flood. The race was one of the most exciting of the afternoon and at no time were the crews more than two lengths apart. The Weld Crew rowed in very good form, using a long powerful leg drive. Dobyns at stroke deserves great credit for the clever manner in which he hit up the stroke and still kept it long. Orton steered a straight race and his judicious coaching was of great value to the stroke.

After some delay in lining up, the two crews started at 3.50, the Weld Crew having the inside course. The Riversides, rowing at 41 strokes to the minute, caught the water first, but inside 10 strokes, the Weld Crew, rowing 39, was half a length ahead of them. The Weld Crew was rowing steadily and not splashing so much as the Riversides who nevertheless gained slowly and went under the Harvard Bridge about a quarter of a length ahead. They held their lead, until at Exeter street, after an exciting struggle the Weld Crew spurted and led by a quarter-of-length. Here Weld was rowing 36 strokes to the Riversides 38. The Riversides began clipping their stroke and bow, two and stroke weakened visibly. The Weld Crew was rowing in splendid form and finished strong, about a lenth and a half ahead. None of the men showed signs of exhaustion, but it was not thought advisable to enter the intermediate eight-oared race against a fresh crew. The privilege of entering this race was given to the winner of the Junior race (between the Weld and Riverside) crews.

As prizes the crew wins for the club a magnificent shield with the names of the men engraved on it, while each man is given a silver cup besides his oar. The coxswain also gets a cup as well as his rudder.

Youngman the captain deserves much credit for the victory as he started the movement for a regular crew and gave up a great deal of time during the winter and spring to coaching the men. Their long and faithful training was shown conclusively by their good form on the final spurt after a hard race. It is hoped this victory will stir up more interest in rowing next year and that the Club will be enabled to enter two crews, one in the Intermediate, the other in the Junior race.